How do you work out cooking time for air fryer?

Here's a practical guide to figuring out air fryer cooking times without relying on manuals or charts:

1. Basic Principle: Temperature and Time Inversely
High-Temperature Quick-Crisp Method: Foods that need a crispy finish (e.g., fried chicken, French fries) → First, briefly cook at high temperature (190-200°C) to set, then lower the temperature to ensure the interior is cooked through.
Low-Temperature Slow-Cook Method: Large cuts of meat/root vegetables (e.g., whole potatoes) → First, cook at medium temperature (160°C) for a long time, then increase the temperature for the last 5 minutes to brown.

2. Ingredient Thickness Determines Core Cooking Time
Thin Ingredients (<1cm): e.g., bacon, potato chips → Cook at high temperature (200°C) throughout, stopping after 3-5 minutes to see if the edges are browned.
Medium-Thick Ingredients (2-3cm): e.g., chicken wings, hamburger patties → First, cook at 200°C for 5 minutes to crisp the skin, then reduce to 180°C for 8-10 minutes. Thick ingredients (>4cm): such as whole steaks and sweet potatoes → 160°C for 15 minutes to prime, then increase the temperature as needed.

3. Golden Rules for Checking Condition
Listen: When the splattering sound subsides → the moisture has evaporated and the food is nearly done.
Check the edges: A caramelized border appears around the edges → Remove the food within 30 seconds to prevent burning.
Skewer Test: No resistance or leaking juice when inserted into the center → The food is cooked through.

4. Practical Tips for Flipping/Shaking
Liquid ingredients must be flipped: Chicken wings coated with sauce, toast coated with egg → Flip every 4 minutes.
Dry ingredients can be shaken: French fries, nuts → Shake twice during the cooking process for even cooking.

5. Troubleshooting Measures
Undercooked: Cut into small pieces, reduce the oven temperature by 10°C, and continue baking (do not extend the oven time).
Overdrying: Spray lightly with water mist, cover with tin foil, and return to the oven at 150°C for 2 minutes.