The air fryer has taken our kitchens by storm. This compact appliance, beloved for its ability to fry food using minimal to no oil, is a real game-changer for many households. But with this new cooking method comes a learning curve. One of the key things many want to know is how to convert conventional oven cooking times and temperatures to the air fryer. If you are in this group, our air fryer conversion chart is here to help. Below, you find a quick overview that can help you adapt your favourite oven recipes to the air fryer.
| Oven Temperature (°C) | Air Fryer Temperature (°C) | Oven Cooking Time (minutes) | Approximate Air Fryer Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 135 | 60 | 48 |
| 165 | 150 | 45 | 36 |
| 175 | 165 | 30 | 24 |
| 190 | 175 | 20 | 16 |
| 205 | 190 | 15 | 12 |
| 220 | 205 | 10 | 8 |
Understanding the basics of air fryer to oven conversion
An air fryer essentially works by circulating hot air around the food, similar to a convection oven, which means that the food cooks faster and more evenly. So, if you want to make your favourite recipes in an air fryer rather than in an oven, you need to adjust both temperature and cooking time.
Temperature conversion: As you can see in the chart above, the temperature in the air fryer is usually lower than what you would set in a conventional oven. This is because the rapid air circulation in the fryer makes it more efficient. Typically, you need to reduce the recommended temperature by 15-20°C when you use an air fryer.
Cooking time adjustment: On average, the cooking time will be reduced by about 20 % when using an air fryer instead of an oven. This is a direct result of the intense hot air circulation. So, if you cook something at 175°C in an oven for 30 minutes, you only need about 24 minutes in the air fryer set to 165°C. But note that the exact cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer.
When converting recipes, always keep an eye on your food, especially if it is the first time you are trying the recipe in an air fryer. Some foods may cook even faster. Also, consider the size of your food, as bigger portions might require slight time adjustments. Finally, make sure that there is enough space in the air fryer basket for the hot air to circulate effectively. If you want to know more about air frying, take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to use an air fryer and air fryer recipes for beginners .
Converting oven temperature and cooking time to your air fryer
When you want to adapt an oven recipe to the air fryer, start by referring to the oven to air fryer conversion chart. For example, if a recipe requires you to bake a dish at 205°C in an oven for 15 minutes, you will set your air fryer to 190°C and check the dish after about 12 minutes. However, always use these conversions as a starting point. You may need to make minor adjustments based on your specific air fryer model and the exact nature of the dish you are preparing.
Can you air fry in a convection oven?
Absolutely! The primary principle behind both air fryers and convection ovens is circulating hot air to cook food quicker and more evenly. While an air fryer is more specialised for mimicking the deep-frying process without the excessive oil, a convection oven can achieve similar results.
To attain the crispy, golden perfection in a convection oven, use a perforated or raised tray. This allows the air to flow freely around the food. Also, spread out your ingredients in a single layer to ensure that everything is cooked evenly. While the temperature guidelines may closely resemble standard oven recipes, you might need to reduce the cooking time.
However, while you can achieve similar results, remember that the two appliances are not identical. Air fryers are generally more compact, so they might produce a crispier exterior than a convection oven. On the flip side, convection ovens offer more space and versatility for cooking larger dishes or multiple items simultaneously. Both methods offer inimitable perks, but with some creativity and a bit of practice, you can seamlessly shift between the two and enjoy culinary delights like never before.
