Oven to Air Fryer Converter
Turn any oven recipe into air fryer settings: a lower temperature, a shorter time, and when to shake or flip.
The rule of thumb
An air fryer is a small, powerful convection oven. The fan and the short distance between the heating element and the food make it cook faster and brown more than a regular oven. The common conversion is:
- Lower the temperature by 25 °F (about 15 °C).
- Cut the time by about 20%.
- Check halfway through, and shake the basket or flip the food.
It's a starting point, not a law. Air fryers vary a lot by size and wattage, and a crowded basket cooks slower than a single layer. The first time you convert a recipe, check early and note what worked.
Air fryer cooking chart
Typical settings for a preheated basket-style air fryer. Cook meat, poultry and fish to safe internal temperatures and check with a thermometer.
| Food | Temperature | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen french fries | 400 °F | 15–20 min | Shake twice |
| Fresh-cut fries | 380 °F | 18–25 min | Soak, dry and toss in oil |
| Chicken wings | 380 °F | 22–26 min | Flip halfway; to 165 °F |
| Boneless chicken breast | 375 °F | 16–22 min | To 165 °F |
| Chicken thighs, bone-in | 380 °F | 20–25 min | To 165 °F |
| Salmon fillets | 390 °F | 8–12 min | To 145 °F |
| Bacon | 350 °F | 8–12 min | Single layer |
| Frozen chicken nuggets | 400 °F | 8–10 min | Shake halfway |
| Roasted vegetables | 375–400 °F | 10–18 min | Cut evenly; shake |
| Baked potato | 400 °F | 35–45 min | Prick the skin; rub with oil |
| Reheating pizza | 350 °F | 3–5 min | Crisp crust, no sogginess |
Tips for converting oven recipes
- Don't overcrowd. Air needs to circulate. Cook in batches rather than piling food up.
- Preheat for 3–5 minutes if your air fryer doesn't do it automatically. The times above assume a hot basket.
- A light coat of oil (a spray or a teaspoon tossed with the food) gives the crispest results, especially on fresh vegetables and potatoes.
- Baking works too, in pans that fit the basket, but cakes and muffins brown quickly on top. Lower the temperature by 25–30 °F and cover loosely with foil if needed.
- Skip wet batters. Tempura-style batter drips through the basket. Use a breadcrumb coating instead.
- Watch light foods. The fan can lift loose parchment or cheese slices into the heating element. Weigh them down.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert 350 °F oven time to an air fryer?
Set the air fryer to 325 °F and cook for about 20% less time. A 30-minute oven recipe becomes about 24 minutes, and it's worth checking at 12–15 minutes.
Do I convert frozen food package instructions the same way?
Many packages now include air fryer directions. Use them if they're there. If not, the same rule applies: 25 °F lower and about 20% less time, shaking halfway.
Is a convection oven setting the same as an air fryer?
They work the same way, but an air fryer is smaller and more intense. If a recipe was already written for a convection oven, you'll usually need only a small time reduction, with little or no temperature change.