Oven cooking times
Oven times for vegetables, meat, fish and frozen food, with the temperature for conventional and fan ovens, °F and gas mark. Heat the oven fully before anything goes in.
Vegetables
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 10–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in a little oil and salt and spread out on a tray. |
| Aubergine (eggplant) Cubes | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss with 2–3 tablespoons of oil and turn halfway. |
| Aubergine (eggplant) Halves | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Score the cut side in a criss-cross, brush with oil and roast cut side up. |
| Beetroot (beets) Whole | 45 min to 1 h | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wrap each one in foil. |
| Beetroot (beets) Wedges | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Peel, cut into wedges and toss in oil. |
| Broccoli | 15–20 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and salt and spread out; it should char at the edges. |
| Tenderstem broccoli (broccolini) | 10–12 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in oil and spread out. |
| Brussels sprouts Halved | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Halve, toss in oil and roast cut side down. |
| Butternut squash Cubes | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss cubes in oil and turn halfway. |
| Butternut squash Halves | 45 min to 1 h | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Brush with oil and roast cut side up. |
| Pumpkin | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in oil and turn halfway. |
| Cabbage (green and savoy) Wedges | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Brush with oil and season; turn halfway. |
| Red cabbage | 1½–2 hours | 160°C (140°C fan), 325°F, gas 3 | Braised, covered, in a casserole dish. |
| Carrots Roasted | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Halved lengthways or in thick batons, tossed in oil; a drizzle of honey for the last 10 minutes. |
| Cauliflower Florets | 20–30 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and spices and spread out; turn halfway. |
| Cauliflower Whole | 45 min to 1 h | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Simmer the whole head for 5 minutes first, then rub with oil or butter and roast until a knife slides into the middle. |
| Celeriac | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in oil and turn halfway. |
| Corn on the cob | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wrapped in foil with butter. |
| Courgettes (zucchini) Chunks | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Chunks tossed in oil. |
| Green beans | 12–15 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and spread out. |
| Kale and cavolo nero Crisps | 15–20 min | 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2 | Kale crisps: dry the leaves well, toss in a little oil and salt, spread out in one layer. |
| Leeks Halved | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Halve lengthways, brush with oil and roast cut side up. |
| Mushrooms Quartered | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in oil. |
| Mushrooms Large flat, whole | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Gill side up, with butter, garlic or a stuffing. |
| Onions Wedges | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wedges tossed in oil. |
| Parsnips Roast | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in oil (a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for the last 10 minutes). Parboil for 3–5 minutes first if you like them fluffy inside. |
| Peppers (bell peppers) Strips | 20–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Strips or chunks tossed in oil. |
| Peppers (bell peppers) Stuffed halves | 30–40 min | 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, gas 5 | Fill halves and bake, covered with foil for the first 20 minutes. |
| Sweet potatoes Whole, baked | 45 min to 1 h | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Whole, on a lined tray (they leak sticky syrup). |
| Sweet potatoes Wedges or fries | 25–30 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and spread out; turn halfway. A dusting of cornflour helps them crisp. |
| Swede (rutabaga) | 40–50 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Cubes tossed in oil. |
| Turnips | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wedges tossed in oil. |
| Tomatoes Cherry | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Drizzle with oil and season. |
| Tomatoes Halves | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Cut side up, with oil, salt and herbs. |
| Fennel Wedges | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wedges tossed in oil. |
| Jerusalem artichokes | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Toss in oil. |
| Okra | 15–20 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Whole or halved, tossed in oil. |
| Frozen mixed vegetables and sweetcorn | 20–25 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | From frozen, tossed in oil and spread out. |
| Garlic Whole bulb | 40–50 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Whole bulb, wrapped in foil. |
| Plantain | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On an oiled tray; turn halfway. |
Potatoes
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roast potatoes | 50 min to 1 h | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | In hot fat, after parboiling; turn halfway. |
| Jacket potatoes (baked potatoes) | 1 h to 1 h 15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Straight on the oven shelf. Large potatoes take up to 90 minutes. |
| New potatoes | 30–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Halved, tossed in oil and salt. |
| Chips and potato wedges (homemade) Chips | 30–40 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Tossed in 2 tablespoons of oil in one layer; turn halfway. |
| Chips and potato wedges (homemade) Wedges | 35–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Wedges tossed in oil and seasoning. |
Chicken, turkey and duck
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Brushed with oil and seasoned. Skin-on, bone-in breasts take 35–40 minutes at 190°C. |
| Chicken thighs Bone-in | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Skin side up, rubbed with oil and salt. |
| Chicken thighs Boneless | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | – |
| Chicken drumsticks and legs | 35–45 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Turn halfway. Whole legs take 40–50 minutes. |
| Chicken wings | 40–45 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | On a rack over a tray; turn halfway. |
| Chicken mini fillets and goujons | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Breaded or plain, on an oiled tray; turn halfway. |
| Whole chicken | 1 h 30 min to 1 h 35 min | 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, gas 5 | 45 minutes per kg plus 20 minutes; rest for 15 minutes. |
| Whole turkey | 3 h 10 min | 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, gas 5 | 20 minutes per kg plus 90 minutes (British Turkey). Rest for at least 45 minutes. |
| Turkey crown | 2 h to 2 h 10 min | 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, gas 5 | Rest for 30 minutes. |
| Turkey breast steaks and mince Steaks | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Steaks on an oiled tray. |
| Duck breast Pan, then oven | 8–10 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | After crisping the skin in the pan for 6–8 minutes, finish in the oven skin side up, for pink. |
| Whole roast duck | 2–2½ hours | 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4 | Pour off the fat every 30 minutes (keep it for roast potatoes). Turn up to 220°C for the last 15 minutes to crisp the skin. Rest 15 minutes. |
Beef
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steak Thick steaks, pan then oven | 6–8 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | For thick steaks (4 cm or more): sear in an ovenproof pan for 2 minutes per side, then finish in the oven for medium rare. |
| Burgers | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a rack over a tray; turn halfway. |
| Meatballs | 18–22 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On an oiled tray; turn halfway. |
| Stewing beef and beef stew | 2½–3 hours | 160°C (140°C fan), 325°F, gas 3 | In a covered casserole with liquid just covering the meat. |
| Beef brisket | 4–5 hours | 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2 | Covered tightly, with about 500 ml stock, wine or beer. |
| Roast beef joint | 1 h 50 min | 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4 | Medium: 25 minutes per 450 g plus 25 minutes. Rest 20–30 minutes. |
Pork, bacon and sausages
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork chops | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Or sear in the pan for 2 minutes per side and finish in the oven for 8–10 minutes. |
| Pork tenderloin (fillet) | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | After browning in a pan. |
| Pork belly slices | 40–50 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a rack; turn halfway. |
| Pulled pork (pork shoulder) | 5–6 hours | 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2 | Covered tightly with foil, with a splash of liquid; uncover for the last 30 minutes. |
| Roast pork joint | 1 h 45 min | 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4 | After 25 minutes at 220°C for the crackling. Rest 20 minutes. |
| Pork ribs | 2½–3 hours | 150°C (130°C fan), 300°F, gas 2 | Wrapped tightly in foil, then unwrap, brush with sauce and give them 15 minutes at 200°C. |
| Sausages | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Turn halfway. |
| Pigs in blankets Chilled | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Chilled, spaced out on a lined tray; turn halfway. |
| Pigs in blankets From frozen | 35–40 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | From frozen; turn halfway. |
| Bacon | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a lined tray, no need to turn. Great for a crowd. |
| Gammon and ham steaks | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a tray, with a pineapple ring or glaze if you like. |
| Gammon joint | 1 h 25 min | 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4 | Wrapped in foil, 20 minutes per 450 g plus 20; glaze for the last 20 minutes at 200°C. |
Lamb and game
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamb chops and cutlets | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | For pink. |
| Rack of lamb | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | After browning, fat side up, for pink. |
| Lamb shanks | 2½–3 hours | 160°C (140°C fan), 325°F, gas 3 | Covered, half submerged in liquid; turn halfway. |
| Leg and shoulder of lamb | 2 h 15 min | 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4 | Pink: 25 minutes per 450 g plus 25. Rest for 20 minutes. |
| Lamb koftas | 15–18 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a rack; turn halfway. |
Fish and seafood
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On an oiled tray or in a foil parcel. A whole side of salmon (1 kg) takes 20–25 minutes. |
| Cod and white fish fillets | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On an oiled tray or in a foil parcel with butter and lemon. |
| Smoked haddock | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | In a dish with butter or a splash of milk, covered. |
| Sea bass Fillets | 8–10 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Fillets on an oiled tray. |
| Sea bass Whole | 18–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Whole fish, stuffed with lemon and herbs. |
| Mackerel Whole | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Whole fish; sardines take 10–12 minutes. |
| Prawns (shrimp) | 6–8 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Spread out on a tray with oil and garlic. |
Eggs, cheese and tofu
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs Baked | 12–15 min | 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4 | Baked eggs in a buttered dish or on a tray bake, until the whites set. |
| Halloumi | 15–20 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | In a tray bake with vegetables. |
| Tofu | 25–30 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On a lined tray; turn halfway. |
Rice, pasta and grains
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Baked | 25–30 min | 180°C (160°C fan), 350°F, gas 4 | Baked: boiling stock or water poured over the rice in a covered dish. |
| Pasta Baked | 25–30 min | 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, gas 5 | A baked pasta or lasagne of cooked or fresh pasta, until bubbling; a lasagne with dried sheets takes 40–45 minutes. |
Frozen food
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish fingers | 15–18 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Turn halfway. |
| Frozen oven chips and fries | 20–25 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Spread out; turn halfway. |
| Chicken nuggets | 15–18 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Turn halfway. |
| Frozen battered fish and fishcakes Battered fillets | 25–30 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Battered fillets, turned halfway. Breaded fillets take 20–25 minutes. |
| Frozen battered fish and fishcakes Fishcakes | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Fishcakes. |
| Frozen battered fish and fishcakes Scampi | 15–17 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Breaded scampi. |
| Hash browns | 18–20 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Turn halfway. |
| Frozen roast potatoes | 35–40 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Turn halfway. |
| Chicken kievs | 30–35 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | From frozen; chilled take 25 minutes. |
| Sausage rolls and pastries | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Chilled; from frozen, 30–35 minutes. Party-size rolls take 15–18 minutes. |
| Frozen Yorkshire puddings | 4–6 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Large ones take 8–10 minutes. |
| Frozen pizza | 12–15 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | On the middle shelf. |
Tips
- A fan oven cooks hotter: set it 20°C lower than a conventional oven, as given here.
- Spread vegetables out in one layer. Crowded trays steam instead of roasting and won’t brown.
- Toss vegetables in about 1 tablespoon of oil per 500 g, with salt, before roasting.
- Turn things halfway through so both sides colour.
Questions
How long to cook chicken breasts in the oven?
20–25 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Brushed with oil and seasoned. Skin-on, bone-in breasts take 35–40 minutes at 190°C.
How long to cook homemade chips in the oven?
Chips: 30–40 min at 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7. Tossed in 2 tablespoons of oil in one layer; turn halfway. Wedges: 35–40 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Wedges tossed in oil and seasoning.
How long to cook frozen chips in the oven?
20–25 min at 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7. Spread out; turn halfway.
How long to cook salmon in the oven?
12–15 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. On an oiled tray or in a foil parcel. A whole side of salmon (1 kg) takes 20–25 minutes.
How long to cook sausages in the oven?
20–25 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Turn halfway.
How long to cook jacket potatoes in the oven?
1 h to 1 h 15 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Straight on the oven shelf. Large potatoes take up to 90 minutes.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.