How to Convert Oven Recipes for an Air Fryer: A Simple Chart

Air fryers cook food faster than ovens by circulating hot air more efficiently, which reduces cooking time and crisps up food without needing excess oil. This means that oven recipes must be adjusted when using an air fryer to avoid burning or overcooking. The general rule is to lower the temperature and reduce the cooking time.

To make things easier, here’s a simple guide on how to convert oven recipes for air frying.

How to Convert Oven Recipes for an Air Fryer

To achieve the same delicious results when switching from oven baking to air frying, keep these basic rules in mind:

• Lower the temperature: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°C (or 50°F) since air fryers cook at higher efficiency.
• Reduce the cooking time: Air fryers work faster than ovens, so cut the cooking time by 20-30%. Start checking for doneness early to avoid overcooking.
• Flip or shake food halfway through: Unlike ovens, air fryers cook food best when flipped or shaken during cooking to ensure even browning.

For example, if an oven recipe calls for 200°C for 30 minutes, set your air fryer to 175°C and check for doneness after 20-22 minutes.

Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Chart

Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens due to rapid air circulation. To adapt oven recipes for an air fryer, it's generally recommended to reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (approximately 14°C) and decrease the cooking time by about 20%. This adjustment helps prevent overcooking and achieves desired results.

Use the following guidelines to adjust oven recipes for air fryer cooking:

• Temperature reduction: Decrease the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C).
• Time reduction: Reduce the cooking time by approximately 20%.

For example, if an oven recipe calls for 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes, set the air fryer to 325°F (163°C) and cook for about 16 minutes.

Tip: Always check food a few minutes before the estimated time ends, as different air fryer models may cook slightly faster or slower.

Tips to Get the Best Results from Your Air Fryer

• Avoid overcrowding: Arrange food in a single layer for even airflow and crisping.
• Use a light oil spray: While air fryers use less oil, a small amount prevents dryness and improves crispness.
• Shake or turn food halfway through cooking: This helps achieve even browning, especially for fries, nuggets, and vegetables.
• Use parchment or foil carefully: Blocking airflow affects cooking, so only use perforated parchment paper if needed.
• Check food early: Since air fryers cook faster than ovens, start checking a few minutes before the estimated time to prevent overcooking.

Once you understand the temperature adjustments, reduced cooking times, and proper airflow, converting oven recipes for an air fryer becomes second nature. Whether you’re crisping up chicken, roasting vegetables, or baking, these simple conversion techniques allow you to achieve great results faster and with less oil.

With these tips, you can confidently adapt any oven recipe and enjoy crispy, delicious food straight from your air fryer.