Air Fryer Conversion Calculator
Convert any oven recipe to air-fryer temperature and time — lower the heat, shorten the clock, and check early.
How it works
air fryer temp = oven temp − 25°F · air fryer time = oven time × 0.80
An air fryer is a small convection oven: a fan drives hot air over the food, so heat transfers faster than in a still oven. The standard rule is to drop the temperature by about 25°F and cut the time by roughly 20%, then rely on your eyes and a thermometer rather than the clock. Small basket, fast air and radiant heat off the walls mean edges brown quickly, so the first check should come early.
Worked example
A tray of wings calls for 400°F for 25 minutes in the oven. Lower to 375°F and plan on about 20 minutes in the air fryer, but open the basket and shake at around 14 minutes — thin, high-surface foods can finish sooner than the formula predicts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still preheat the air fryer?
A 2–3 minute preheat helps foods that should sear on contact — proteins, breaded items, frozen fries. For a bake-style item like a casserole it matters far less.
Why cut the time by only 20% when it feels much faster?
The 20% figure is a safe starting point that avoids undercooked centers. Surface browning happens fast, but the interior of thicker foods still needs time to reach a safe temperature — check the thickest part.
Can I air-fry anything an oven can bake?
Most roasted and baked foods convert well. Wet batters (they blow around), delicate cakes, and dishes that need to stay covered are the main exceptions.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.