Oven to air fryer converter

Enter the oven temperature and time from any recipe to get a starting air fryer setting, plus when to start checking.

Air fry at 400°F for about 24 minutes.

Start checking at18 min
Shake or fliphalfway, around 12 min

This uses the common rule of about 25°F (15°C) lower and 20% less time. Air fryers vary, so always check doneness, and use a thermometer for meat.

How the conversion works

This calculator uses the rule most air fryer cooks rely on: about 25°F lower than the oven and about 20% less time. It also tells you when to start checking, at roughly 60% of the oven time, because the first try with a new recipe is where air fryers surprise people.

Getting the best results

  • Cook in a single layer and leave space between pieces. A crowded basket steams instead of crisps.
  • Shake the basket or flip food halfway through cooking.
  • A light spray of oil helps breaded and frozen foods brown evenly.
  • For baking, use a pan that fits with room around it, and tent the top with foil if it browns too fast.

Want a recipe written for the air fryer from the start? Try our crispy air fryer chicken wings or browse all air fryer recipes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert oven time to air fryer time?

A common starting point is to lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and cut the cooking time by about 20%. Start checking a few minutes early, because air fryers cook faster and vary by model.

Why lower the temperature in an air fryer?

An air fryer is a small convection oven with a strong fan close to the food. The moving hot air browns the outside faster, so a slightly lower temperature helps the inside cook through before the outside overbrowns.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Many models work without it, but 3 to 5 minutes of preheating gives more even browning and makes recipe times more accurate.

Can I put foil or parchment in the air fryer?

Yes, if it does not block the air flow and is weighed down by food. Never preheat with loose parchment inside, because it can fly into the heating element.

Is the converted time exact?

No. It is a reliable starting estimate. Thickness, how full the basket is and your model all change the time. Use a thermometer for meat: 165°F for chicken, 145°F for fish and whole cuts of beef or lamb, and 160°F for ground meat.