Air Fryer Cooking Times UK
If you’ve ever stood in front of your air fryer wondering “How long does this need?”, you’re definitely not alone.
One of the things I love most about air fryers is that once you know a few basic timings, they become incredibly easy to use.
I’ve put together this guide using the cooking times I return to again and again. Think of it as your go-to reference whenever you’re cooking something new.
Just remember, every air fryer is slightly different, so use these timings as a starting point and adjust them to suit your model and how crispy you like your food.
Quick Tips Before You Start
Before jumping into the cooking times, here are a few things worth remembering:
Every air fryer cooks slightly differently, you’ll learn over time if yours cooks quicker or slower than recipes suggest.
Food size and thickness affect cooking times.
Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Shake or turn food halfway through cooking where needed.
Always check meat is cooked through before serving.
I always recommend using a meat thermometer when cooking chicken or pork. It takes away the guesswork and gives you confidence that your food is cooked properly.
Meat
Sausages 14-16 mins 190ºC
Chipolatas 10-12 mins 190ºC
Bacon 8-10 mins 190ºC
Burgers 12-14 mins 190ºC
Chicken Breasts 17-19 mins 190ºC
Chicken Thighs 26-28 mins 190ºC
Pork Chops 10-12 mins 180ºC
Lamb Chops 8-10 mins 190ºC
Fish
Salmon Fillet 10-12 mins 190ºC
Prawns 6-8 mins 180ºC
Cod Fillets 10-12 mins 200ºC
Tuna Steak 10-12 mins 180ºC
Fish Cakes 14-16 mins 180ºC
Frozen Fish Fingers 8-10 mins 180ºC
Vegetables
Jacket Potato 45-50 mins 180°C
Homemade Chips 25-27 mins 190ºC
Sautéed Potatoes 20-22 mins 200ºC
Sweet Potato (whole) 35-40 mins 180°C
Sweet Potato (wedges) 25-27 mins 190°C
Broccoli Florets 6-8 mins 190ºC
Asparagus (whole) 6-8 mins 200ºC
Cherry Tomatoes 6-8 mins 180ºC
Peppers (halved) 23-25 mins 180°C
Mushrooms (1cm slices) 13-15 mins 180ºC
Courgettes (1cm slices) 13-15 mins 190°C
Squash (2cm cubes) 20-22 mins 190°C
Carrots (2cm cubes) 18-20 mins 200ºC
Corn on the Cob (whole) 12-14 mins 190ºC
These timings are a guide
Use them as a starting point and adjust based on your air fryer and how crispy you like your food. Always check food is cooked through before consuming
How to Get the Best Results
Cooking times are only half the story.
Here are a few things that make a huge difference:
Don’t overcrowd the basket
Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food.
If everything is piled on top of each other, you’ll lose that lovely crispy finish.
Turn or shake halfway
For chips, vegetables and smaller foods, I always give the basket a shake halfway through cooking.
For larger pieces of meat or fish, I’ll turn them over instead.
Don’t be afraid to add a couple more minutes
I always say recipes are a guide.
Some people love crispy bacon.
Others prefer it softer.
Use the timings as a starting point and adjust them to suit your own tastes.
Why do air fryer cooking times vary?
People often wonder why one recipe says 180°C while another recommends 200°C.
The answer is simple.
Different air fryer brands circulate heat slightly differently, and the size and thickness of your food also make a difference.
That’s why I always recommend checking your food a minute or two before the suggested cooking time ends.
You’ll soon learn how your own air fryer behaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these cooking times suitable for all air fryers?
Yes, they’re designed as a general guide. Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so you may need to adjust them slightly.
Should I preheat my air fryer?
Some recipes benefit from preheating, while others don’t need it. In all honesty, I never bother!
Should I flip food halfway through cooking?
For most foods, yes. Turning or shaking halfway helps everything cook more evenly.
How do I know when chicken is cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer, you can grab one for under a tenner and it’ll make your life a lot easier ☺️
Can I cook frozen food using these timings?
These timings are mainly for fresh ingredients unless stated otherwise. Frozen foods often need a few extra minutes.
Air Fryer Girl Tip 💡
When you’re first getting to know your air fryer, don’t worry about remembering every cooking time.
Start with this guide, make a note of any little adjustments that work for your own model, and before long you’ll be cooking by instinct.
That’s exactly what I do now.
The Bottom Line
These cooking times are designed to give you a reliable starting point for everyday air fryer cooking.
Every air fryer is slightly different, so don’t be afraid to tweak the timings to suit your model and how you like your food cooked.
Before you know it, you’ll have your own favourite timings and wonder how you ever cooked without an air fryer.
