# Fennel cooking times

How long to cook fennel: **30–40 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 20–25 min braised, 3–4 min per side pan-fried and 10–12 min steamed**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/fennel-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook fennel

Times are for 2 bulbs, for 4.

Fennel: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) (Wedges) | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wedges tossed in oil. |
| Braise (Wedges) | 20–25 min | covered, simmering in a little stock | Wedges, with butter. |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) (Slices) | 3–4 min per side | over a medium-high heat | Thick slices, griddled or fried in oil. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) (Wedges) | 10–12 min | over simmering water | Wedges. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) (Wedges) | 12–15 min | 190°C (375°F) | Wedges tossed in a teaspoon of oil. |

## Before you start

Trim the stalks (keep the fronds) and cut into wedges through the root, or slice thinly.

## How to tell it’s done

Soft and sweet, caramelised at the edges.

## Questions

### How long to cook fennel in the oven?

Wedges: 30–40 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Wedges tossed in oil.

### How long to braise fennel?

Wedges: 20–25 min covered, simmering in a little stock. Wedges, with butter.

### How long to pan-fry fennel?

Slices: 3–4 min per side over a medium-high heat. Thick slices, griddled or fried in oil.

### How long to steam fennel?

Wedges: 10–12 min over simmering water. Wedges.

### How long to cook fennel in an air fryer?

Wedges: 12–15 min at 190°C (375°F). Wedges tossed in a teaspoon of oil.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/