⭐ AIR FRYER BEGINNER STARTER KIT
The Ultimate Quick-Start Pack for Air Fryer Nation
🔥 1. Air Fryer Times & Temps Chart
(Beginner-friendly, fast, and accurate)
Chicken
Food Temp Time
Chicken breast 380°F 12–15 min
Chicken thighs (boneless) 390°F 14–18 min
Chicken wings 400°F 18–22 min
Chicken tenders 380°F 8–10 min
Frozen nuggets 400°F 10–12 min
Beef
Food Temp Time
Steak (1 inch) 400°F 8–12 min
Burgers 375°F 10–12 min
Meatballs 390°F 10–14 min
Beef strips 400°F 6–8 min
Pork
Food Temp Time
Pork chops 400°F 10–12 min
Bacon 380°F 8–10 min
Sausage links 390°F 10–12 min
Ham slices 360°F 4–6 min
Seafood
Food Temp Time
Salmon 390°F 8–10 min
Shrimp 400°F 5–7 min
White fish 375°F 10–12 min
Crab cakes 370°F 8–10 min
Veggies
Food Temp Time
Broccoli 380°F 8–10 min
Brussels sprouts 390°F 12–15 min
Carrots 380°F 12–15 min
Green beans 390°F 8–10 min
Potatoes (cubed) 400°F 15–18 min
🚫 2. What NOT to Cook in an Air Fryer
Avoid these to prevent smoke, mess, or bad results:
✘ Wet battered food
Batter drips → soggy mess.
✘ Cheese alone (unbreaded)
Melts, drips, and burns.
✘ Soup, sauces, or liquids
Air fryers are dry-heat only.
✘ Super fatty cuts (unless lined)
Example: thick pork belly can smoke heavily.
✘ Overloaded baskets
Blocks airflow → everything gets mushy.
✘ Delicate leafy greens (raw)
They fly, burn, and turn to dust.
⚡ 3. Preheat Cheat Sheet
Only preheat if:
✔ Cooking proteins (steak, chicken, pork)
✔ Want maximum crispiness
✔ Frying frozen foods
Skip preheating for:
– Veggies
– Reheating leftovers
– Toasting bread or wraps
– Slow cook–style foods (meatballs, casseroles)
Preheat Time:
3–4 minutes is enough.
🛒 4. Amazon Best Sellers Gear List!
- Air Fryer Liners (round or square)
- Non-stick oil sprayer
- Silicone tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Dual-layer air fryer rack
- Small silicone baking cups
- Heat-resistant mat
😎 5. Lazy Cooking Checklist
For people who want the easiest possible wins.
✔ Before Cooking
- Don’t overthink it.
- Preheat only if necessary.
- Spray lightly — don’t drown your food in oil.
- Pat meats dry for extra crispiness.
✔ While Cooking
- Shake halfway for fries, nuggets, veggies.
- Don’t open the basket every 30 seconds.
- Use a thermometer for perfect meat.
✔ After Cooking
- Line the basket for quicker cleanup.
- Toss the basket in warm soapy water ASAP.
- Write down times that work for YOU — every air fryer is slightly different.