Fast food cooks prepare food for customers at fast food restaurants.

Fast food cooks prepare a limited selection of food items, such as hamburgers, sandwiches, tacos, and pizza. They learn what to prepare next by reading a food order or listening to requests from coworkers. They follow specific recipes when preparing items. Foods such as hamburgers and tacos require assembly. They add all the ingredients for these items. They often must follow a set order for adding the meat, sauce, cheese, and other parts. Sometimes they work on several different orders at the same time.

Fast food cooks either wrap foods or put them on a plate or basket when they are ready. Sometimes they place the wrapped food in bags for to go orders. Some serve the food to customers at a window or counter.

Fast food cooks in some restaurants reheat precooked food. They remove the food from the bag, heat it, and use it to assemble orders.

Cooks in other restaurants slice food such as onions or meat. They also measure ingredients and prepare dishes. This may involve monitoring food in fryers, grills, or warming machines. Cooks adjust cooking temperatures so food does not burn.

Fast food cooks may prepare and serve drinks, such as coffee and sodas. They also clean their work area and equipment. They must maintain strict health, safety and sanitation standards. They restock their workstations and may take deliveries of supplies.

Fast food cooks at some food establishments take orders and receive payment.