By now we all know that air fryers use up to 80% less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a quick and healthy alternative. But here's the kicker: converting your favourite oven recipes for an air fryer isn’t always straightforward. How do you convert oven time to air fryer? And what temperature do you bake in the air fryer?
If these questions have left you scratching your head, you’re in the right place. This practical guide is here to help you confidently adapt your recipes for delicious air-fried results—crispy, golden, and perfectly cooked.
Why Convert from Oven to Air Fryer?
Air fryers are not just smaller ovens; they’re incredibly efficient. Thanks to their compact size and rapid air circulation, they cook food faster and often at a lower temperature. Converting your oven recipes ensures you retain the flavour and texture you love while saving energy and reducing cooking time. (Plus, your kitchen won’t feel like a sauna, which is a bonus on warm days!)
How Do You Convert Oven Time to Air Fryer?
Converting oven recipes to air fryer recipes is simpler than it seems, thanks to a few basic rules. Here’s how to get it right every time:
Temperature Adjustment
The first step is to reduce the oven temperature by approximately 15°C, with some recipes benefiting from a slightly greater reduction of 20°C. The smaller, more efficient cooking space of an air fryer means food cooks faster and at a lower temperature.
Example:
If your oven recipe calls for 200°C, set your air fryer to 175°C for a similar result.
Cooking Time Adjustment
Cooking times also need to be shortened to reflect the air fryer’s efficiency. A general rule is to reduce cooking time by 20–30%, starting on the lower end to avoid overcooking.
Example:
For an oven recipe that requires 30 minutes, begin checking the food for doneness at 20–24 minutes in the air fryer.
Remember, every air fryer is unique. The size, brand, and food type can influence the results. Monitor the food closely during your first attempts to refine your process.
Summary Cheat Sheet
Oven Temp (°C) | Air Fryer Temp (°C) | Oven Time (Minutes) | Air Fryer Time (Minutes) |
200°C | 175°C | 30 | 20–24 |
180°C | 160–165°C | 20 | 14–16 |
160°C | 140–145°C | 25 | 17–20 |
These guidelines ensure that your food cooks thoroughly without burning while taking advantage of the air fryer’s rapid heat circulation. Always check for doneness, and don’t hesitate to adjust further based on your specific air fryer model.
What Temperature Do You Bake in the Air Fryer?
When baking in an air fryer, the smaller cooking space also requires a bit of adjustment. A good starting point is 15–25°C lower than the recommended oven temperature. For delicate items like cookies or cakes, stick to the lower end to avoid over-browning. For heartier dishes like lasagna or casseroles, aim higher, but check periodically.
Let’s be honest—no one enjoys burnt cookies or undercooked lasagna. Keep an eye on your food during the first few conversions to find the sweet spot.
How Do You Calculate Air Fryer Cooking Time?
Experimentation is the real trick to calculating air fryer cooking time. While a general rule of reducing by 20–30% works well, here are a few tips to perfect your timing:
Keep It Bite-Sized: Smaller portions cook faster. Think diced potatoes versus whole ones.
Flip It Like a Pro: For even cooking, shake or flip food halfway through.
The Toothpick Test: Just like baking in the oven, this classic trick works to check doneness for baked goods.
A little patience goes a long way. Once you master your air fryer, you’ll be a pro at whipping up everything from crispy fries to fluffy muffins.
Oven-to-Air Fryer Conversion Chart
Here’s a table to make conversions easy. Bookmark this for quick reference!
Food Type | Oven Temp | Air Fryer Temp | Oven Time | Air Fryer Time |
Chicken Breasts | 200°C | 175°C | 25 min | 18–20 min |
Frozen French Fries | 220°C | 200°C | 25 min | 15–18 min |
Chocolate Chip Cookies | 180°C | 160°C | 12–15 min | 8–10 min |
Roast Vegetables | 200°C | 175°C | 30–40 min | 20–25 min |
Salmon Fillet | 200°C | 175°C | 15 min | 10–12 min |
Pro Tip: Always check your air fryer manual, as different models may vary in performance.
Practical Tips for Oven to Air Fryer Success
Preheat for Consistency: Some air fryers preheat automatically, while others need manual setup. Always preheat for even results if you need an exact temperature. If not, as in the case of fries or chicken nuggets, the air fryer heats up super quickly so you can pop them straight in.
Avoid Overcrowding: Crowding the basket blocks airflow (one of the air fryer’s superpowers), resulting in uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use Air Fryer Accessories: Parchment paper liners, silicone mats, and baking tins designed for air fryers make life easier.
Adjust for Altitude: If you live at high altitudes, cooking times may vary slightly—test and adjust as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Food is Undercooked: Increase the cooking time by 1–2 minutes, checking frequently.
Food is Overcooked: Reduce temperature by another 10°C and decrease the time.
Uneven Browning: Flip or shake your food halfway through cooking for consistent results.
These small tweaks make all the difference in achieving perfectly cooked meals.
Mastering the Art of Conversion
Switching from an oven to an air fryer is all about finding the right balance of time and temperature. Following this guide's tips and tricks, you’ll confidently adapt your favourite recipes to suit your air fryer. From crispy cookies to delicious roasted vegetables, the possibilities are endless.
So, next time you’re thinking about the oven to air fryer conversion dilemma, remember this handy guide. It’s time to embrace the efficiency, save on energy, and enjoy mouth-watering meals without the long wait.