Air fryer
Oven to Air Fryer Conversion
Turn any oven recipe into an air fryer recipe. Enter the oven temperature and time to get a starting point.
Updated October 2026
Air fryer conversion chart
| Oven | Air fryer | Oven time | Air fryer time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 350°F / 180°C | 325°F / 165°C | 20 min | about 16 min |
| 375°F / 190°C | 350°F / 175°C | 25 min | about 20 min |
| 400°F / 200°C | 375°F / 185°C | 20 min | about 16 min |
| 425°F / 220°C | 400°F / 205°C | 30 min | about 24 min |
| 450°F / 230°C | 425°F / 215°C | 15 min | about 12 min |
The rule of thumb
An air fryer is a small, powerful fan oven. Hot air moves fast in a small space, so food browns and cooks faster than in a big conventional oven. That’s why the usual advice is to lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and cut the time by about 20%. Some cooks cut the time by up to 25%. Either way, it’s a starting point, so check from about two-thirds of the original time.
Tips for better results
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to move around the food. Cook in batches if you need to.
- Shake or turn halfway. Fries, vegetables and wings brown more evenly.
- Use a little oil. A light coat helps browning, even though you need far less than for frying.
- Preheat if your model recommends it. Most take only a few minutes.
- Watch sugary or thin foods. They can burn quickly at air fryer speeds.
When not to convert
- Runny batters (Yorkshire pudding batter, pancake-style mixtures) need a tin, or they’ll drip through the basket.
- Big roasts and large bakes may not fit with room for air to move.
- Recipes already written for a fan oven need a shorter time, not a lower temperature.
Need the oven setting in another unit first? Use the oven temperature converter or the fan oven converter.
Common questions
How do I convert oven time and temperature to an air fryer?
A common starting point is to lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and cut the time by about 20%. A recipe for 400°F for 20 minutes becomes about 375°F for 16 minutes. Check early, because air fryers vary.
What if the recipe is for a fan or convection oven?
Fan ovens already use moving air, so don’t lower the temperature again. Keep the fan temperature, shorten the time a little and check early.
What is 180°C in an air fryer?
Start at about 165°C (330°F) and cut the time by about a fifth. For a 30-minute oven recipe, check from about 20 minutes.
Can I bake cakes in an air fryer?
Yes, in a tin that fits the basket with space around it, but the top can brown before the middle is set. Lower the temperature a little more and cover loosely with foil if it browns too fast, but only if your manual says foil is OK.
How do I know food is cooked?
For meat and poultry, use a probe thermometer. US guidance is 165°F (74°C) for poultry and 160°F (71°C) for minced meat. UK guidance is to cook until steaming hot all the way through, with the centre at 70°C for 2 minutes or equivalent.