Cooking Times by Method
Choose your cooking method and find the exact time and temperature for every food that works with it. 12 methods, hundreds of foods.
Every method page shows all compatible foods with recommended temperatures, time ranges, and USDA-verified safe internal temps. Whether you are using an air fryer, a conventional oven, a charcoal grill, or an Instant Pot, you will find step-by-step cooking instructions and a built-in kitchen timer on every food page.
All Cooking Methods
Oven
Classic oven cooking with dry heat. Versatile for meats, vegetables, and baked goods.
Browse oven cooking times
Stovetop / Pan Fry
Cooking on the stove in a pan or pot. Includes sauteing, pan-frying, and searing.
Browse stovetop / pan fry cooking times
Air Fryer
Fast convection cooking with circulating hot air. Less oil, crispy results.
Browse air fryer cooking times
Grill
Direct heat cooking over flames or coals. Delivers smoky, charred flavors.
Browse grill cooking times
Instant Pot
Electric pressure cooking for fast, tender results.
Browse instant pot cooking times
Steam
Gentle cooking with steam. Preserves nutrients and moisture.
Browse steam cooking times
Deep Fry
Submerging food in hot oil. Maximum crispiness and golden color.
Browse deep fry cooking times
Slow Cooker
Low-temperature cooking over many hours. Tender, flavorful results.
Browse slow cooker cooking times
Boil
Cooking in rapidly bubbling water. Perfect for eggs, pasta, and vegetables.
Browse boil cooking times
Broil
High direct heat from above. Great for quick browning and finishing dishes.
Browse broil cooking times
Microwave
Quick reheating and cooking with electromagnetic waves.
Browse microwave cooking times
Sous Vide
Precision cooking in vacuum-sealed bags at exact water temperatures. Produces perfectly even doneness from edge to edge with no risk of overcooking.
Browse sous vide cooking times
Food Preparation Time Guides
Beyond cooking: complete time guides for soaking, reheating, marinating, brining, thawing, and resting.
Soaking Times
How long to soak beans, lentils, grains, seeds, and nuts before cooking.
Reheating Times
Best way to reheat pizza, chicken, rice, and other leftovers without drying out.
Marinating Times
How long to marinate chicken, steak, fish, and tofu for maximum flavor.
Brining Times
Wet and dry brine durations for turkey, chicken, pork chops, and more.
Thawing Times
Safe defrosting times in the fridge, cold water, or microwave for all meats.
Resting Times
How long to rest steak, chicken, and roasts after cooking to lock in juices.
Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Methods
Which cooking method is the healthiest?
Steaming and air frying are generally considered the healthiest methods. Steaming preserves the most nutrients because food never touches water or oil. Air frying uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying while still delivering crispy results.
Is an air fryer faster than a conventional oven?
Yes. Air fryers preheat in 2-3 minutes compared to 10-15 for a conventional oven, and cook most foods 20-30% faster due to the compact, high-velocity convection airflow. Chicken wings take about 20 minutes in an air fryer versus 35-40 in an oven.
When should I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
Use a slow cooker when you want to set it and forget it for 6-10 hours (e.g., while at work). An Instant Pot is better when you want pressure-cooked tenderness in 30-60 minutes. Both produce similar results for stews, roasts, and pulled pork.
What is the difference between baking and broiling?
Baking surrounds food with consistent dry heat (typically 300-450 F) for even cooking. Broiling blasts food with intense direct heat from above (500 F+) for quick browning and caramelization. Many recipes use baking to cook through, then broiling to finish the top.