Converting oven recipes for an air fryer
An air fryer is a small convection oven with an aggressive fan. Because hot air moves fast across a small chamber, food cooks faster and browns harder than in a conventional oven. Use oven settings unchanged and the outside burns before the inside is done.
The baseline rule
Reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and reduce the cooking time by roughly 20%. Then start checking well before the adjusted time is up, because air fryer models vary more than ovens do.
| Oven | Air fryer | Time change |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F / 175°C | 325°F / 165°C | -20% |
| 375°F / 190°C | 350°F / 175°C | -20% |
| 400°F / 200°C | 375°F / 190°C | -20% |
| 425°F / 220°C | 400°F / 200°C | -20% |
| 450°F / 230°C | 425°F / 220°C | -15% |
Adjust the rule by food type
| Food | Time change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen fries, nuggets, breaded items | -25% | Shake the basket twice. Excellent in an air fryer. |
| Chicken wings and thighs | -20% | Skin crisps beautifully. Flip once. |
| Vegetables | -20% | Toss with oil or they dry out. |
| Whole chicken breast | -15% | Check internal temperature — 165°F / 74°C. |
| Cakes and quick breads | -10% | Use a fitting tin. Cover the top if it browns early. |
| Cookies | -15% | Small batches only. Watch closely. |
| Pastry and puff | -20% | Rises fast; check at half time. |
What air fryers do badly
- Wet batters — they blow around and drip through the basket.
- Large roasts — the chamber is too small for even cooking.
- Delicate greens and herbs — they scorch or fly into the element.
- Anything needing a stable, gentle heat like custards and cheesecakes.
- Big batches — crowding the basket blocks airflow and steams the food.
Getting better results
- 1Preheat for 3 minutes unless the recipe is very short.
- 2Arrange food in a single layer with visible gaps. Cook in batches rather than crowding.
- 3Shake or flip at the halfway point for anything loose.
- 4Use a light coat of oil on vegetables and proteins; the fan dries surfaces quickly.
- 5Check doneness at 70% of the adjusted time the first time you make something.
- 6Write the working time and temperature on the recipe for next time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
For most foods a 3-minute preheat improves browning and makes timing more predictable. For long cooks over 25 minutes it makes little difference.
Can I bake a cake in an air fryer?
Yes, in a tin that fits with airflow around it. Drop the temperature 25°F and reduce time by about 10%, and cover the top with foil if it browns before the centre sets.
Why is my air fryer food dry?
Usually too long at too high a heat, or no oil. Fast-moving air removes surface moisture quickly, so lean foods need a light coat of oil and a shorter cook.
Is an air fryer the same as convection?
Functionally yes — both use a fan. The air fryer chamber is much smaller with a stronger fan, so the effect is more intense and cooking is faster.