Air Fryer vs Grill: Cooking Time Comparison
Side-by-side cooking times for 17 foods. See which method is faster for each food.
By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026
Foods Compared
17
Air Fryer Faster
6
Grill Faster
10
| Food | Air Fryer Temp ? | Air Fryer Time | Grill Temp ? | Grill Time | ← Air Fryer fasterGrill faster → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 400°F | 5-8 min | 400°F | 5-8 min | Same |
| Bone-In Chicken Breast | 375°F | 20-28 min | 375°F | 8-12 min | 14 min faster → |
| Bone-In Chicken Thighs | 380°F | 20-25 min | 400°F | 7-9 min | 15 min faster → |
| Chicken Breast | 375°F | 12-18 min | 400°F | 6-8 min | 8 min faster → |
| Chicken Leg Quarters | 380°F | 25-32 min | 375°F | 30-40 min | ← 6 min slower |
| Chicken Legs (Drumsticks) | 400°F | 15-20 min | 375°F | 25-35 min | ← 12 min slower |
| Chicken Thighs | 400°F | 15-20 min | 400°F | 6-8 min | 11 min faster → |
| Chicken Wings | 400°F | 18-22 min | 375°F | 20-30 min | ← 5 min slower |
| Cornish Hen | 375°F | 30-40 min | 375°F | 30-45 min | ← 3 min slower |
| Ground Beef Burgers | 375°F | 7-10 min | 400°F | 4-5 min | 4 min faster → |
| Hot Dogs | 400°F | 4-6 min | 400°F | 5-8 min | ← 2 min slower |
| Mushrooms | 400°F | 7-10 min | 400°F | 4-6 min | 4 min faster → |
| Pork Chops | 400°F | 8-12 min | 400°F | 5-7 min | 4 min faster → |
| Pork Tenderloin | 400°F | 15-22 min | 400°F | 15-25 min | ← 1 min slower |
| Salmon Fillet | 400°F | 7-10 min | 400°F | 4-6 min | 4 min faster → |
| Shrimp | 400°F | 5-7 min | 400°F | 2-3 min | 3 min faster → |
| Zucchini | 400°F | 7-10 min | 400°F | 3-5 min | 5 min faster → |
Times shown are for the default recommended temperature for each method. Actual times may vary based on cut thickness, starting temperature, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air Fryer faster than Grill?
Grill is faster for 10 out of 17 foods in this comparison. Air Fryer is faster for 6 foods.
Should I use Air Fryer or Grill?
Both methods produce great results. Air Fryer and Grill each excel with different foods. Use the comparison table above to see which method is faster and at what temperature for your specific food.
How many foods can be cooked with both Air Fryer and Grill?
17 foods on CookTimeGuide have cooking times for both Air Fryer and Grill. See the full comparison table above.