Air Fryer Temperature Conversion Chart
Converting an oven recipe for an air fryer is usually straightforward, but using the same temperature and cooking time can leave food overcooked or burnt. Air fryers have smaller cooking chambers and circulate hot air directly around the food, so they often cook more quickly than conventional ovens.
As a practical starting point, reduce the stated fan-oven temperature by approximately 20°C and shorten the cooking time by around 20%. You may then need to make small adjustments depending on the food, portion size and air fryer model.
Use the air fryer temperature conversion charts below to adapt oven recipes, convert Celsius to Fahrenheit and estimate an appropriate cooking time. These figures are starting points rather than guarantees, so check food early and make sure meat, poultry and fish are cooked safely before serving.
For timings for individual foods, see our Air Fryer Cooking Time Chart. If you are choosing an appliance, visit our Best Air Fryers UK guide or browse the Gigareview Air Fryers Hub.
Quick conversion rule: reduce the oven temperature by about 20°C and reduce the stated cooking time by approximately 20%. Start checking a few minutes earlier for small, thin or delicate foods.
Oven to Air Fryer Temperature Conversion Chart
The following chart provides a simple conversion from common fan-oven temperatures to suggested air fryer settings.
| Fan Oven Temperature | Suggested Air Fryer Temperature | Air Fryer Temperature in Fahrenheit |
|---|---|---|
| 120°C | 100°C | 212°F |
| 130°C | 110°C | 230°F |
| 140°C | 120°C | 248°F |
| 150°C | 130°C | 266°F |
| 160°C | 140°C | 284°F |
| 170°C | 150°C | 302°F |
| 180°C | 160°C | 320°F |
| 190°C | 170°C | 338°F |
| 200°C | 180°C | 356°F |
| 210°C | 190°C | 374°F |
| 220°C | 200°C | 392°F |
| 230°C | 210°C | 410°F |
| 240°C | 220°C | 428°F |
Many domestic air fryers have a maximum temperature of 200°C or 210°C. If a converted recipe would require a higher setting than your appliance supports, use the maximum available temperature and monitor the food closely. Cooking may take slightly longer.
Conventional Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Chart
A conventional oven without a fan generally cooks less aggressively than a fan oven. When converting a conventional oven recipe, a larger temperature reduction may therefore be appropriate.
| Conventional Oven | Approximate Fan Oven Equivalent | Suggested Air Fryer Setting |
|---|---|---|
| 140°C | 120°C | 100°C |
| 150°C | 130°C | 110°C |
| 160°C | 140°C | 120°C |
| 170°C | 150°C | 130°C |
| 180°C | 160°C | 140°C |
| 190°C | 170°C | 150°C |
| 200°C | 180°C | 160°C |
| 210°C | 190°C | 170°C |
| 220°C | 200°C | 180°C |
| 230°C | 210°C | 190°C |
| 240°C | 220°C | 200°C |
Ovens, recipes and air fryers vary, so treat this as a general guide. For delicate baking, check the recipe early rather than relying entirely on a mathematical conversion.
Air Fryer Celsius to Fahrenheit Chart
Some recipes and air fryers use Fahrenheit rather than Celsius. Use this chart to find the closest equivalent setting.
| Celsius | Exact Fahrenheit Conversion | Practical Air Fryer Setting |
|---|---|---|
| 100°C | 212°F | 210°F |
| 110°C | 230°F | 230°F |
| 120°C | 248°F | 250°F |
| 130°C | 266°F | 265°F |
| 140°C | 284°F | 285°F |
| 150°C | 302°F | 300°F |
| 160°C | 320°F | 320°F |
| 170°C | 338°F | 340°F |
| 180°C | 356°F | 355°F or 360°F |
| 190°C | 374°F | 375°F |
| 200°C | 392°F | 390°F or 400°F |
| 210°C | 410°F | 410°F |
| 220°C | 428°F | 430°F |
How to Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit
To convert a Celsius temperature to Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius figure by 1.8 and add 32.
Fahrenheit = (Celsius × 1.8) + 32
For example, 180°C multiplied by 1.8 equals 324. Adding 32 gives 356°F. In practice, you would normally select the closest setting available on your appliance.
How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature and divide the result by 1.8.
Celsius = (Fahrenheit − 32) ÷ 1.8
For example, 400°F minus 32 equals 368. Dividing by 1.8 gives approximately 204°C, which would normally be rounded to 200°C on an air fryer.
Oven Time to Air Fryer Cooking-Time Chart
Reducing the temperature is only part of the conversion. Air fryers often cook food faster, so the cooking time should usually be reduced as well. The following table applies a starting reduction of approximately 20%.
| Original Oven Time | Suggested Air Fryer Time | When to Start Checking |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 8 minutes | 6 minutes |
| 15 minutes | 12 minutes | 9–10 minutes |
| 20 minutes | 16 minutes | 12–14 minutes |
| 25 minutes | 20 minutes | 16–18 minutes |
| 30 minutes | 24 minutes | 20–22 minutes |
| 35 minutes | 28 minutes | 24–25 minutes |
| 40 minutes | 32 minutes | 27–29 minutes |
| 45 minutes | 36 minutes | 31–33 minutes |
| 50 minutes | 40 minutes | 35–37 minutes |
| 60 minutes | 48 minutes | 42–45 minutes |
Small foods may cook considerably faster than this guide suggests, while dense foods and large joints may need more time. Use the converted time as an initial estimate and check the food before the timer ends.
Simple Oven-to-Air-Fryer Conversion Formula
For most savoury oven recipes, start with the following two adjustments:
- Reduce the fan-oven temperature by approximately 20°C.
- Multiply the original cooking time by 0.8.
Air fryer time = oven cooking time × 0.8
For example, an oven recipe requiring 30 minutes at 200°C becomes an initial air fryer setting of approximately 24 minutes at 180°C.
Start checking after about 20 minutes, particularly if the food is thin, breaded or already partially cooked.
Quick Food Conversion Chart
| Food | Typical Oven Instruction | Air Fryer Starting Point | Extra Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen chips | 220°C for 20–25 mins | 200°C for 15–20 mins | Shake two or three times |
| Chicken nuggets | 200°C for 15–18 mins | 180°C for 10–14 mins | Turn halfway through |
| Sausages | 200°C for 25–30 mins | 180°C for 12–18 mins | Leave space between each sausage |
| Chicken breast | 200°C for 25–30 mins | 180°C for 18–22 mins | Check the thickest part is fully cooked |
| Salmon fillet | 190°C for 15–20 mins | 170°C for 9–13 mins | Cooking time varies with thickness |
| Roast vegetables | 200°C for 30–40 mins | 180°C for 15–25 mins | Shake or turn during cooking |
| Garlic bread | 200°C for 10–12 mins | 180°C for 5–8 mins | Check early to prevent burning |
| Hash browns | 220°C for 18–22 mins | 200°C for 10–15 mins | Turn halfway through |
| Pizza slice | 180°C for 10–12 mins | 160°C for 4–7 mins | Use a rack or liner safely if permitted |
| Pasties or sausage rolls | 200°C for 25–30 mins | 180°C for 15–22 mins | Check the centre is piping hot |
For a wider range of foods, visit our complete Air Fryer Cooking Time Chart.
Why Do Air Fryers Cook Faster Than Ovens?
An air fryer works like a compact convection oven. Its heating element and powerful fan circulate hot air around food inside a relatively small chamber. Because there is less space to heat, the appliance can reach the selected temperature quickly.
The basket also allows hot air to reach more of the food's surface. This can improve browning and reduce cooking time, especially when food is arranged in a single layer.
A full-sized oven has a much larger cavity and may require a longer preheating period. For small and medium-sized meals, this often makes an air fryer faster and potentially cheaper to run.
Use our Air Fryer Running Cost Calculator to compare estimated electricity costs using your own appliance wattage and energy tariff.
Should You Convert From a Fan Oven or Conventional Oven?
Check which type of oven the original recipe uses before converting it. UK recipes commonly state either a conventional oven temperature or a lower fan-oven temperature.
If the recipe already gives a fan-oven temperature, reduce it by approximately 20°C as an initial air fryer setting. If it only provides a conventional oven temperature, first reduce that figure to a fan-oven equivalent and then make the air fryer adjustment.
For example:
- Conventional oven instruction: 200°C.
- Approximate fan-oven equivalent: 180°C.
- Suggested air fryer starting point: 160°C.
This two-stage reduction may be too aggressive for certain foods, so monitor the result and adjust future cooking sessions based on your appliance.
When the 20°C Rule May Not Work
The 20°C conversion rule is useful, but it is not suitable for every recipe. Some foods need a more cautious approach.
Baking Cakes and Bread
Baking depends on controlled heat, moisture and timing. Reducing both the temperature and cooking time too much can affect structure and rise. Use an air-fryer-specific recipe wherever possible, or begin with a smaller temperature reduction of around 10°C.
Large Joints of Meat
Large, dense cuts may cook more quickly on the outside than in the centre. Lower temperatures and longer cooking times may be necessary. Use a suitable food thermometer to check doneness.
Very Small or Thin Foods
Thin bacon, small pastries, grated cheese and lightweight ingredients can cook or burn very quickly. Begin checking significantly earlier than the converted time.
Food Cooked in a Dish
Food placed inside a baking dish may cook more slowly than food exposed directly to the circulating air. Deep dishes can also reduce airflow.
Recipes With a Wet Batter
Wet batter may drip through the basket or fail to set before the airflow disturbs it. Use a suitable dish or an air-fryer-specific method.
Does Basket Size Affect Temperature Conversion?
Yes. Large air fryers may take slightly longer to heat or may distribute air differently from compact appliances. Dual-basket models can also behave differently depending on whether one or both drawers are operating.
An overcrowded basket can increase cooking time because hot air cannot circulate freely. Conversely, a small amount of food in a powerful air fryer may cook faster than expected.
Our Air Fryer Capacity Comparison Chart explains how basket size relates to household size and cooking style.
Do You Need to Preheat an Air Fryer?
Some manufacturers recommend preheating, while others state that it is unnecessary. A short preheat can improve browning and produce more predictable results for steaks, chips and breaded foods.
When converting an oven recipe, remember that the original time may exclude the oven's preheating period. Air fryers usually preheat much more quickly, which is one reason the overall cooking process can be faster.
Follow the instructions for your particular model. If you do not preheat, the food may need an additional minute or two.
How to Get Better Results When Converting Recipes
- Check food before the converted cooking time ends.
- Cook in a single layer whenever possible.
- Shake, stir or turn food during cooking.
- Avoid blocking the basket's airflow.
- Use a lower temperature for foods that brown too quickly.
- Add time in small increments rather than restarting for a long period.
- Keep notes of successful temperatures and timings.
- Use a food thermometer for meat and poultry.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preheating and accessories.
Common Conversion Mistakes
Using the Same Oven Time and Temperature
This can cause the outside of food to overcook before the centre is ready. Reduce both the temperature and the cooking time initially.
Overcrowding the Basket
Air fryers need space for air to circulate. An overcrowded basket can lead to pale, uneven or undercooked food, even when the conversion is otherwise correct.
Not Checking Food Early
Air fryers can cook surprisingly quickly. Start checking early, particularly when trying a converted recipe for the first time.
Ignoring Food Thickness
Two chicken breasts may have the same weight but different thicknesses. Thicker food generally takes longer to cook through.
Relying Only on Colour
Food can look browned before it is safely cooked inside. Check the centre of meat, poultry and fish rather than relying only on appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 200°C in an air fryer?
If an oven recipe specifies 200°C for a fan oven, try approximately 180°C in the air fryer. If it specifies a 200°C conventional oven, a starting setting closer to 160°C may be appropriate.
What is 180°C fan in an air fryer?
A common starting conversion is 160°C in the air fryer. Reduce the cooking time by approximately 20% and check the food early.
What is 400°F in Celsius?
400°F is approximately 204°C. Most air fryers use a practical setting of 200°C.
How much should I reduce cooking time?
Reducing the oven time by approximately 20% is a useful starting point. Thin, small or precooked foods may need a larger reduction, while dense foods may need more time.
Can I use any oven recipe in an air fryer?
Many roasting, reheating and frozen-food recipes convert well. Baking, wet batters, very large foods and dishes that require substantial liquid may need an air-fryer-specific recipe or different equipment.
Does an air fryer use fan-oven temperatures?
An air fryer uses rapidly circulated hot air, but its compact chamber can make it cook more intensely than a normal fan oven. This is why a further temperature and time reduction is often recommended.
Print or Save This Chart
Bookmark this page so you can return whenever you need to convert an oven recipe. You can also use your browser's print option to save the conversion tables as a PDF or create a kitchen reference copy.
For more useful resources, see our Air Fryer Wattage Comparison Chart, Air Fryer Capacity Comparison Chart and Air Fryer Cooking Time Chart.
Final Advice
The simplest way to convert an oven recipe is to reduce the fan-oven temperature by approximately 20°C and shorten the cooking time by around 20%. This works as a practical starting point for many chips, vegetables, frozen foods and smaller portions of meat.
The exact result will vary according to food thickness, basket loading, preheating and the design of your appliance. Check food early, make small adjustments and record the settings that work best for your air fryer.
If your current model cooks unevenly or does not offer enough capacity, browse our Best Air Fryers UK recommendations. For help selecting an appropriate appliance, read How to Choose an Air Fryer or explore the Gigareview Air Fryers Hub.
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