Air Fryer Conversion Calculator
Formula
Air Fryer Temp = Oven Temp − 25°F | Time = Oven Time × 0.8
The standard rule for converting oven recipes to air fryer: reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 14°C) and reduce the cooking time by 20%. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, so food cooks faster at lower temperatures.
How to use
- Enter the recipe's Oven Temp in degrees Fahrenheit.
- Enter the recipe's Oven Time in minutes.
- Read the suggested Air Fryer Temp and Air Fryer Time.
Example
A recipe calling for 400°F for 30 minutes becomes 375°F (400 − 25) for 24 minutes (30 × 0.8) in the air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why reduce temperature by 25°F?
Air fryers use rapid air circulation that cooks food more efficiently than a standard oven. The 25°F reduction prevents overcooking or burning the outside while the inside is still raw.
Why reduce time by 20%?
The concentrated hot air in an air fryer cooks food about 20% faster than a conventional oven. Always check food a few minutes early until you learn your specific air fryer.
Should I preheat my air fryer?
Most air fryers benefit from 3-5 minutes of preheating. Some newer models preheat automatically. Check your manual.
Does this work for all recipes?
This conversion works for most baked and roasted foods. For delicate items like soufflés or custards, air fryers may not be suitable. For frozen foods, follow the air fryer instructions on the package.
Do I need to flip or shake food in an air fryer?
Yes, for most foods you should flip, toss, or shake the basket about halfway through cooking. Because air fryers circulate heat from a single direction and food sits close together in the basket, the bottom can cook faster than the top without intervention. Items like fries, wings, and vegetables crisp far more evenly when you shake them once or twice during the cook time.
Can I convert an air fryer recipe back to a regular oven?
Yes, just reverse the rule: add about 25°F to the air fryer temperature and increase the time by roughly 25%, since ovens heat less aggressively. For example, an air fryer setting of 375°F for 16 minutes becomes about 400°F for 20 minutes in a conventional oven. Always check doneness near the end, as oven hot spots and rack position can change results.