How to Fix Next.js API Route Timeout in AI-Built Apps

API routes hit the execution time limit and return 504 errors. AI-generated API routes often perform long-running operations synchronously without background processing or streaming.

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Error messages you might see

Error: Task timed out after 10.00 seconds (Vercel Serverless Function)
FUNCTION_INVOCATION_TIMEOUT: The Serverless Function has timed out

Why this happens in AI-generated code

1

Long-running synchronous operations

AI puts database migrations, file processing, or external API chains directly in API route handlers.

2

Missing request timeouts on external calls

Fetch calls to slow third-party APIs have no timeout, causing the entire route to hang.

3

Vercel function duration limits

Free tier has a 10-second limit. AI code doesn't account for platform-specific execution constraints.

How to fix it

1

Add timeouts to external calls

Use `AbortSignal.timeout(5000)` with fetch to prevent individual API calls from consuming the entire function duration.

2

Move heavy work to background jobs

Use a queue (Inngest, QStash, or Trigger.dev) for operations that take more than a few seconds.

3

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Related technologies

Next.jsNode.jsTypeScript

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Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum API route timeout on Vercel?

Hobby plan: 10 seconds. Pro plan: 60 seconds (up to 300 with streaming). Enterprise: 900 seconds.

Can I increase the timeout for a specific route?

Export `const maxDuration = 60` from your route file to set a per-route timeout (requires Pro plan or above).

Related resources

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