Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Calculator
Got an oven recipe? Enter the oven temperature and time, and get the air fryer settings in seconds — in °F or °C, adjusted for your machine.
How the conversion works
An air fryer is a small, powerful convection oven. Because the hot air moves fast in a small space, food browns and cooks faster than in a regular oven. The calculator uses the rule most air fryer manufacturers and test kitchens start from:
- Regular (no fan) oven recipe: lower the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and cut the time by about 20%.
- Fan / convection oven recipe: keep about the same temperature and cut the time by about 10%.
It then adjusts for wattage (smaller, lower-wattage air fryers need more time — see our wattage chart), caps the temperature at 400°F (200°C), which is the maximum on most basket air fryers, and gives you a time to start checking a few minutes early.
Tips by type of food
- Chicken, meat and fish: go by internal temperature, not time — 165°F (74°C) for poultry, 160°F (71°C) for ground meat, 145°F (63°C) for steaks, chops and fish. Flip halfway. Not sure what "done" looks like? Try the Crispy or Raw quiz.
- Vegetables and potatoes: toss in a little oil, cook in a single layer and shake halfway. For the crunchiest results, see crispy air fryer roast potatoes.
- Frozen food: follow the air fryer directions on the bag when there are some; otherwise use the converted time and shake twice.
- Baked goods: preheat, use the lower temperature, and cover loosely with foil if the top browns before the middle is set. Why preheating matters for baking.
- Casseroles: use an oven-safe dish that fits with space around it, cook covered first, then uncover to brown — like our green bean casserole.
Quick conversion table
| Regular oven | Air fryer |
|---|---|
| 325°F / 160°C | 300°F / 150°C |
| 350°F / 175°C | 325°F / 160°C |
| 375°F / 190°C | 350°F / 175°C |
| 400°F / 200°C | 375°F / 190°C |
| 425°F / 220°C | 400°F / 200°C |
| 450°F / 230°C | 400°F / 200°C (+ a little time) |
Times: about 20% less than the oven. A 30-minute oven recipe is roughly 24 minutes in the air fryer — start checking at about 20.
When not to convert
Some oven recipes don't fit an air fryer: big roasts that come close to the heating element, very liquid dishes, and wet batters. Check our list of things you should never put in your air fryer first.
FAQ
How do I convert oven time to air fryer time?
For a regular (conventional) oven recipe, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and cut the time by about 20%. For a fan/convection oven recipe, keep about the same temperature and cut the time by about 10%. Always check early.
Is 350°F in the oven 325°F in the air fryer?
Yes, as a starting point. A conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) becomes roughly 325°F (160°C) in the air fryer, with about 20% less time.
Does this work for baking?
Mostly, but cakes and breads are the hardest to convert because the top browns fast. Use the lower temperature, cover loosely with foil if the top darkens early, and test with a toothpick.
What if my air fryer only goes up to 400°F?
Most basket air fryers max out around 400°F (200°C). If the converted temperature is higher, the calculator caps it at 400°F and adds a little time.
Why does my air fryer cook faster or slower than the calculator?
Wattage, basket size and how full the basket is all change cooking speed. Choose your wattage in the calculator and cook in a single layer for the most accurate result.
