Oven to air fryer conversion
The rule of thumb: set the air fryer about 20 °C (25 °F) lower than the oven recipe, and check about 20% earlier. An oven 200 °C becomes air fryer 180 °C. Full chart below.
Oven to air fryer chart
| Oven (conventional) | Air fryer |
|---|---|
| 160°C (320°F) | 140°C (295°F) |
| 170°C (338°F) | 150°C (313°F) |
| 180°C (356°F) | 160°C (331°F) |
| 190°C (374°F) | 170°C (349°F) |
| 200°C (392°F) | 180°C (367°F) |
| 220°C (428°F) | 200°C (403°F) |
Why lower and shorter?
An air fryer is a small, powerful fan oven: the hot air moves fast in a tight space, so food browns and cooks quicker than the dial suggests. That's the whole trick — same idea as a fan oven, only stronger.
This is a starting point, not a law. Air fryers vary a lot between brands and basket sizes, and small items (fries, nuggets) speed up more than large roasts. First time: check 5 minutes early, and shake or flip halfway for even browning.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert an oven recipe to an air fryer?
Lower the temperature by about 20°C (25°F) and reduce the time by roughly 20%. Check early the first time.
What is 200°C oven in an air fryer?
About 180°C in the air fryer, with a shorter cooking time.
Why do air fryers cook faster than ovens?
They're compact fan ovens: fast-moving hot air in a small chamber transfers heat quicker, so food cooks and browns sooner.