New to air frying and unsure where to start? I've put together a free air fryer cooking chart with all the times and temperatures you need. It's the ultimate cheat sheet to air frying (both Celsius and Fahrenheit included).
<<<<GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE AIR FRYER COOKING CHART AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST>>>>
WHY I MADE THIS CHART
When I first got my air fryer oven, I was overwhelmed. The instruction manual barely helped, and most online recipes were hit or miss. I kept a notebook by the counter and started recording what worked and what didn't. That notebook eventually became this chart.
I've tested these cooking instructions on dozens of foods, from crunchy roast chickpeas to juicy chicken breasts. After hundreds of uses, this chart reflects what's worked best in real kitchens, not just ideal test conditions.
New to air frying?ย Be sure to check out theย Air Frying for Beginners ย episode of the Cook It Real Good Podcast.
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Air fryers are a must-have kitchen gadget, but which air fryer is the best?
Checkout the Best Air Fryer of 2024 ๐
REAL FEEDBACK FROM REAL USERS
One reader messaged me after trying the chart for cooking frozen foods like sweet potato fries: "They came out perfectly crispy and golden, better than the oven ever managed."
Another shared that the chart helped her teenage son confidently start cooking smaller portions of after-school snacks without needing help.
These stories mean a lot. They prove the chart actually helps people learn how to use an air fryer better and achieve accurate cooking times and temperatures.
WHAT IS AN AIR FRYER?
An air fryer oven is a compact convection oven that uses rapidly circulating hot air to cook food. It mimics the crispiness of deep-frying with a fraction of the oil. The result? Crispy fries, perfect chicken thighs, and veggies without the greasy mess.
This quick and convenient method has fueled rapid growth in the air fryer market, which hit $1.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to double to $2.2 billion by 2033 . People want fast, healthy meals, and air fryers deliver. Personally, the air fryer is one of the most versatile cooking tools I own.
Serious Eats explains it best: How Do Air Fryers Work?
A QUICK HISTORY OF THE AIR FRYER
IS AIR FRIED FOOD HEALTHY?
The name "air fryer" came from Philips when they released their model in 2010. They're based on convection ovens, which have been around for decades. Those ovens use a fan to blow hot air around the food, cooking it evenly. They make cooking crispy food with little oil easy and quick.
Since then, lots of brands jumped in with their versions, adding features like digital controls. People love air fryers because they save time and cut down on oil without making a mess. If you're busy but want quick meals that still taste good, an air fryer can help.
IS AIR-FRIED FOOD HEALTHIER?
Cooking chicken or fries in an air fryer usually uses way less oil. That means your food has less fat and fewer calories. One study found perfect results with air-fried potatoes that were both crispy and lower in fat compared to deep-frying (source ).
So, air frying isn't a health cure, but it's a good way to enjoy crunchy food without all the extra grease. Win-win!
WHAT CAN YOU COOK IN AN AIR FRYER?
Pretty much anything you'd roast, grill, or fry. Some of the best foods to cook in an air fryer include:
My exceptions are stews and casseroles, but only because my air fryer isn't big enough to fit a large pot.
DO YOU HAVE TO PREHEAT AN AIR FRYER?
For some foods, yes. I like to preheat the air fryer for 2โ3 minutes when cooking tender chicken or anything where internal temperature really matters. But for lighter snacks, you can skip it.
AIR FRYER RECIPES FOR BEGINNERS
Getting started using a new appliance can be daunting, so here are a few of my air fryer favourites that are great for beginners:
AIR FRYER TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE
The first time I really put my air fryer to the test, my partner challenged me to make crispy chicken wings. I thought, "How hard can it be?" Well, we ended up with wings that were a bit too crunchy on one side and barely cooked on the other. We laughed about it while flipping them halfway through and learning how important it is to shake the basket.
That little kitchen disaster taught me how much the air fryer changes the game, and why having a solid cooking chart is a must. So here are some important tips I picked up after years of trying and testing, so you don't have to:
Times will vary depending on your air fryer.ย Use these times as a rough guide to get you started and always check your food regularly when you're cooking something for the first time to avoid overcooking.
Only use a little oil.ย You really don't need much.
Don't overload the basket.ย Fries, tater tots etc can overlap but for meats make sure they are in a single layer.
Shake the basket regularly for even cooking, or if cooking a protein be sure to flip it half way through.
When cooking something for the first time check on it 5 mins before the time specified to see how it's tracking.
You can use oven-safe accessories, like silicone muffin cups, as well as aluminium foil & baking paper (as long as they are weighed down so they don't fly up).
Invest in a meat thermometer - takes out the guess work and will help you ensure meat is cooked prior to carving!
Enjoy cooking and experimenting in your Air Fryer!ย If you love chatting about all things air frying be sure to join our Facebook Group โ Air Fryer Recipes, Tips & Tricks!
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON PROBLEMS
I've spent a lot of time cooking with air fryers, and I know they don't always work perfectly on the first try. Over the years, I've seen the same issues pop up again and again. That's why I put together this troubleshooting guide to help you avoid the common mistakes and get more consistent cooking results:
Food's not crispy? Add a touch more oil and cook longer or at a slightly higher temperature.Food's drying out? Lower the temperature and check doneness earlier.Basket smoking? Clean out the grease from previous uses. Avoid high-fat meats unless lined with foil.Uneven cooking? Don't skip shaking/flipping halfway. Try smaller batches.
I've learned that knowing what's in your food helps you make better choices, especially when using new cooking methods like air frying. Over time, I've studied nutrition facts for many recipes, including air fryer meals. Exact numbers will vary by food, but generally:
Air-fried foods can reduce fat by up to 80% compared to deep-frying
You still retain more nutrients than boiling or microwaving
Using less oil helps reduce overall calorie intake
For precise values, use a food tracker like Cronometer with custom recipes
FAQs
Can I cook frozen foods directly in the air fryer?
Is it okay to open the basket while it's cooking?
How do I stop food from sticking to the basket?
What size air fryer should I get?
Cleaning your air fryer is vital after every use. Check out my tips and tricks on how to clean air fryer
This post was first published December 28th, 2019. It was republished in 23 June 2025 with updated tips.
