How It Works
Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens because they circulate hot air in a small, enclosed space. The standard conversion rule is simple: reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and reduce the cooking time by 20%. This calculator does that math for you automatically.
For example, a recipe that calls for 400°F for 25 minutes in the oven becomes 375°F for 20 minutes in the air fryer. The rule works for most foods — baked goods, proteins, vegetables, and frozen snacks.
Air Fryer Conversion Chart
| Food | Oven Temp | Oven Time | Air Fryer Temp | Air Fryer Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 400°F (204°C) | 25 min | 375°F (190°C) | 20 min |
| French Fries | 425°F (218°C) | 25 min | 400°F (204°C) | 20 min |
| Pizza Rolls | 425°F (218°C) | 15 min | 400°F (204°C) | 12 min |
| Fish Fillets | 400°F (204°C) | 15 min | 375°F (190°C) | 12 min |
| Vegetables (roasted) | 425°F (218°C) | 20 min | 400°F (204°C) | 16 min |
| Chicken Wings | 400°F (204°C) | 40 min | 375°F (190°C) | 32 min |
| Bacon | 400°F (204°C) | 15 min | 375°F (190°C) | 12 min |
| Cookies | 350°F (177°C) | 12 min | 325°F (163°C) | 10 min |
| Salmon Fillet | 400°F (204°C) | 15 min | 375°F (190°C) | 12 min |
| Pork Chops | 400°F (204°C) | 20 min | 375°F (190°C) | 16 min |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 425°F (218°C) | 10 min | 400°F (204°C) | 8 min |
| Baked Potatoes | 400°F (204°C) | 60 min | 375°F (190°C) | 48 min |
Tips for Air Frying
- Shake the basket halfway through. Most foods cook unevenly if you leave them the entire time. Set a timer for the midpoint and give the basket a shake or flip the food.
- Do not overcrowd. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food. If pieces overlap, you get steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a light spray of oil. A thin coating of cooking spray or a brush of oil gives better browning — especially on vegetables and breaded items.
- Preheat for 2-3 minutes. Most air fryers heat up fast, but starting with a preheated basket gives more consistent results.
- Check food early. Every air fryer model runs a little different. Check 2-3 minutes before the timer for the first time you make something new.
FAQ
Do I always reduce temperature by exactly 25°F?
The 25°F rule works for most recipes. Some air fryer manufacturers recommend a 20-30°F reduction. Start with 25°F and adjust based on your results. If food is browning too fast, reduce by another 10°F next time.
Can I air fry anything that I bake in the oven?
Most oven recipes convert well — proteins, vegetables, frozen foods, and even some baked goods. Recipes that rely on a lot of liquid (casseroles, soups) or need a large flat surface (sheet cakes) are not ideal for air fryers.
Should I use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, perforated parchment liners work great for sticky foods like fish or baked goods. Never use parchment without food on top — it can blow into the heating element. Cut it to fit and weigh it down.
Why does my air fryer cook faster than these estimates?
Smaller air fryers heat up faster and have more concentrated airflow. Larger basket models behave closer to a convection oven. If your food is done early consistently, reduce time by another 5-10% beyond the standard 20% reduction.
Related Tools
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- Cooking Unit Converter — convert between cups, grams, ounces, ml, and temperature
- Oil Smoke Point Comparison — find the right oil for air frying, searing, and baking