# Swede (rutabaga) cooking times

How long to cook swede: **15–20 min boiled, 20–25 min steamed, 40–50 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan) and 18–22 min in an air fryer at 200°C**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

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

## How long to cook swede

Times are for 1 medium swede (about 700 g), for 4.

Swede (rutabaga): cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 15–20 min | simmering in salted water | Drain well and mash; it’s good half and half with carrot. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 20–25 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) | 40–50 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Cubes tossed in oil. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) | 18–22 min | 200°C (400°F) | Cubes tossed in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 10–12 min | on full power, covered | With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |

## Before you start

Cut off the thick skin with a knife and cut into 2–3 cm cubes.

## How to tell it’s done

Completely soft, for mashing with butter and pepper.

## Questions

### How long to boil swede?

15–20 min simmering in salted water. Drain well and mash; it’s good half and half with carrot.

### How long to steam swede?

20–25 min over simmering water.

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

40–50 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Cubes tossed in oil.

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

18–22 min at 200°C (400°F). Cubes tossed in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway.

### How long to microwave swede?

10–12 min on full power, covered. With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.

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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/