Air Fryer Converter
Adapting a conventional oven recipe for your air fryer? Enter the oven temperature and cooking time and get the adjusted air fryer settings instantly.
How It Works
Air fryers are essentially compact convection ovens. A powerful fan circulates hot air around the food at high speed, achieving the same cooking result at a lower temperature and in less time than a conventional oven.
The standard conversion rule recommended by most appliance manufacturers:
• Temperature: reduce by 25°F (or 15°C)
• Time: reduce by 20% (multiply by 0.8)
Example: A conventional oven recipe calls for 400°F for 25 minutes.
• Air fryer temperature: 400 − 25 = 375°F (or 204 − 15 = 189°C ≈ 190°C)
• Air fryer time: 25 × 0.8 = 20 minutes
Because air fryers vary in size and wattage, it is always advisable to check doneness at about 80% of the calculated time and continue cooking if needed. Thicker cuts of meat especially benefit from a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the air fryer cook faster at a lower temperature?
The compact cooking chamber concentrates heat, and the fan forces hot air to make constant contact with all surfaces of the food. This rapid convection eliminates the "still air" insulating layer that forms around food in a conventional oven, transferring heat much more efficiently.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Most air fryers reach cooking temperature in 2–3 minutes and many manufacturers recommend preheating for 3–5 minutes to ensure consistent results, especially for foods where surface browning matters (fries, chicken skin). This tool's timing assumes the air fryer is already up to temperature.
Does the rule apply to all food types?
The 25°F / 20% time rule is a good starting point but results vary. Delicate foods (fish, eggs) may need further reduction. Dense foods (whole chicken thighs, thick potato wedges) may need the full oven time at the reduced temperature. Use the preset table as a reference for common items.
How do I know when the food is done?
Visual cues (golden brown colour, juices running clear for poultry) and a meat thermometer are the safest methods. Check food at 80% of the calculated time and add time in 2–3 minute increments until done. Different air fryer models cook at slightly different effective temperatures.