Air Fryer Converter
Convert oven temperatures and cooking times to air fryer settings for perfect results
Convert Your Recipe
Enter the temperature specified in your oven recipe
Enter the cooking time specified in your oven recipe
Air Fryer Settings
Temperature Range: Medium-low - Perfect for baking and slow roasting
Important Reminder
Every air fryer is different! Check your food a few minutes before the calculated time ends. You can always cook it longer if needed, but you can't undo overcooking.
Example Conversion
Oven Recipe (Frozen French Fries)
Temperature: 425°F (220°C)
Time: 25 minutes
Arrangement: Single layer on baking sheet
Air Fryer Conversion
Temperature: 400°F (205°C) (reduced by 25°F)
Time: 20 minutes (reduced by 20%)
Tip: Shake basket halfway through for even cooking
Quick Conversion Rules
Temperature
Reduce by 25-35°F (15-20°C)
Cooking Time
Reduce by 20% for single layer
Check Early
Check food a few minutes before time ends
Air Fryer Tips
Preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before cooking
Don't overcrowd the basket - leave space for air circulation
Shake or flip food halfway through cooking for even results
Use a food thermometer to check internal temperatures
Clean the basket after each use to prevent smoking
Understanding Air Fryer Cooking
Why Do Air Fryers Cook So Much Faster?
Despite the name, air fryers don't actually fry your food. Instead, they're more like mini convection ovens that use intense, rapidly circulating hot air to cook food. Here's why they're so efficient:
- •Powerful convection: A high-speed fan blasts hot air at your food from all angles
- •Compact size: Smaller cooking chamber heats up much faster than a full oven
- •Energy efficient: Uses less energy and saves you money on utility bills
- •Direct heat: Food is closer to the heating element for faster cooking
Conversion Formula Explained
Temperature Conversion:
Air Fryer Temp = Oven Temp - 25°F (or - 15°C)
Time Conversion:
Air Fryer Time = Oven Time × 0.80 (20% reduction)
Note: These are general guidelines. Thicker items or stacked food may need slightly longer cooking times. Always check your food before the timer ends to prevent overcooking.
Benefits of Air Frying
Faster Cooking
Cook food up to 20-30% faster than conventional ovens thanks to intense convection heat and compact cooking chamber. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Healthier Meals
Use up to 80% less oil than traditional deep frying while achieving that crispy, golden texture you love. Great for health-conscious cooking.
Energy Efficient
Smaller size means less energy consumption compared to heating up a full-size oven. Save money on electricity bills while cooking delicious meals.
Popular Air Fryer Recipes & Temperature Guide
| Food Item | Temperature | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Fries (frozen) | 400°F (200°C) | 15-20 min | Shake basket halfway through |
| Chicken Wings | 380°F (195°C) | 20-25 min | Flip halfway, check internal temp 165°F |
| Chicken Breast | 375°F (190°C) | 18-22 min | Pound to even thickness, internal temp 165°F |
| Salmon Fillet | 390°F (200°C) | 8-12 min | Check at 8 min, internal temp 145°F |
| Vegetables (roasted) | 375°F (190°C) | 10-15 min | Toss in light oil, shake halfway |
| Bacon | 350°F (175°C) | 8-12 min | Check at 8 min for preferred crispiness |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 390°F (200°C) | 6-8 min | Freeze 30 min before cooking |
| Cookies | 325°F (165°C) | 8-10 min | Use parchment, check at 8 min |
Can You Bake in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! While French pastry chefs might raise an eyebrow, it's perfectly possible to bake cakes, cookies, muffins, and brownies in an air fryer. In fact, many modern air fryers come with a specific 'bake' setting designed for this purpose.
When baking in your air fryer, remember to lower the cooking temperature by 25-35°F (15-20°C) from what your recipe calls for, just like with other air fryer conversions.
Pro Baking Tip:
Consider covering your baking dish with aluminum foil. The intense superconvection heat means that the top of whatever you're cooking will brown quickly—and yes, that includes your precious cupcakes. Covering prevents burning while ensuring even baking throughout.
What works best: Smaller items like cookies, muffins, and brownies tend to bake especially well. Larger cakes may be trickier due to limited space.
Top Tips for Making the Most of Your Air Fryer
Keep It Clean
Line the base of your air fryer with a non-slip silicone mat that you can easily pull out and clean after cooking. Avoid parchment paper, as it may catch fire in the intense heat. Give your air fryer a quick clean after each use to avoid smoking from leftover crumbs or oil.
Preheat Before Using
Just like a regular oven, air fryers need preheating for best results. The good news? Unlike a traditional oven, it should only take 2-3 minutes to get your air fryer up to cooking temperature. This ensures even cooking from the start.
Don't Overcrowd It
If you put too much food in the basket, it will cook unevenly. Some of your fries may be burned to a crisp, while others still look pale. Be patient and cook in batches if necessary. If your air fryer has a rack, make use of it to layer your food without stacking.
Flip or Shake for Even Cooking
Whipping up a batch of fries? Give that basket a good shake halfway through. Roasting chicken fillets? Turn them over at the midpoint. This ensures a nice, even color and perfect crispiness all around. Set a timer reminder for the halfway point.
Cook to Safe Internal Temperatures
Your food thermometer is your best friend. Use it to check that your air-fried foods reach a safe internal temperature, ready for consumption. Chicken should reach 165°F, ground beef 160°F, and fish 145°F. This ensures food safety for you and your family.
Check Early, Cook Smart
When trying a new recipe in your air fryer, check on it when you've still got a few minutes left on your timer. If you check early, you can easily salvage undercooked food by putting it back in. If it's overcooked, however, that's a different story (takeout, anyone?).
Air Fryers and Food Safety
According to the USDA, air fryers are a safe way to cook food when used properly. However, it's important to follow basic food safety guidelines:
Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures:
- • Poultry (chicken, turkey)165°F (74°C)
- • Ground meats160°F (71°C)
- • Beef, pork, lamb (steaks, roasts)145°F (63°C)
- • Fish and shellfish145°F (63°C)
- • Leftovers and casseroles165°F (74°C)
Important Safety Tips:
- •Always use a food thermometer to verify internal temperatures
- •Don't rely solely on cooking time - thickness and starting temperature vary
- •Insert thermometer into the thickest part of the food, away from bone
- •Let meat rest for 3 minutes after cooking before cutting or consuming
- •Never defrost food in the air fryer - thaw safely in the refrigerator
Reference: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).Air Fryers and Food Safety