Air Fryer to Oven Conversion (Printable Chart + Easy Guide)

Want to convert oven recipes so you can use your air fryer? My handy chart will guide you in adjusting the cooking time and temperature in seconds- no math required. Scroll down to print or save the full conversion chart!

Air fryer to oven conversion text overlay over photos of air fryer recipes.

Listen, I know air fryer recipes are taking over the internet but don't get discouraged. If you're used to using a traditional oven just use these general tips for time conversions and temperature settings. Turn all the best air fryer recipes into your favorite oven recipes.

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Air Fryer Conversion Chart
What's the difference between Air Fryers and Ovens?
Air Fryer
The Why
How To
Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Comments

Air Fryer Conversion Chart

Chart showing air fryer to oven conversions. — Grab this Conversion Chart here!

Ready to try these conversions? Start with my Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken or these crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches-both cook up perfectly with this method.

What's the difference between Air Fryers and Ovens?

First, you need to know what type of oven you have. These days most houses either have convection ovens or conventional ovens. Here are the differences:

Conventional Ovens

Conventional ovens heat using a heating element (gas or electric) that is typically located at the bottom and top of the oven. This can lead to uneven cooking. These ovens are great for small households that only cook one item at a time.

Convection Ovens

Convection ovens have a fan that circulates hot air around the oven to maintain and even temperature throughout. Making these ovens ideal for households who need to cook multiple trays of food at once.

Sarah's Favorite

Air Fryer

All of my air fryer recipes are made using a NuWave air fryer. I've used both the basket style and the tray style.

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Air Fryers

Air fryers use heat and circulation to cook food. Sound familiar? That's right an air fryer is just a mini convection oven! Their difference in size changes the cooking temperature and time.

An air fryer uses rapid air technology to heat instead of a heating element. The hot air circulation as well as the food being placed in an air fryer basket or rack allows for an even cook on all sides. The best part is that they're smaller than a standard oven which allows the hot air to circulate more evenly making air frying take less time!

Air fryers were originally invented by Fred van der Weij, an inventor in the Netherlands, looking for a new way to crisp a French fry without deep frying. Air fryers are a great way to ensure a crispy exterior with little oil or no oil at all.

The Why

Cons:

You don't have the space for another appliance. Counter space can be a real drag and adding another kitchen appliance to the mix can leave you without room to even prep the meal.
You need to cook large quantities of food. Air fryers only allow for so much food to be cooked at once. You may still be turning on the oven to cook some elements.
You can't see the food cooking. Most air fryers don't have a window. Unless you're purchasing a larger quart size you're most likely unable to see the food during the cooking process. This can lead to overcooked meals, especially for first-time users.

Pros:

You want to cook with less oil. Being that the reason behind the creation of an air fryer was to find an alternative way to fry french fries, many people buy air fryers to make lighter versions of their favorite foods. Things like chicken wings, onion rings and other usually deep-fried foods.
Shorter Cook Time. Because air fryers are smaller in size they heat up faster and baking time is also faster.
Even cooking. Air fryers circulate air around a basket or wire rack allowing an even cook to food items.

How To

The general rule of thumb to follow is to decrease the temperature by about 25 degrees and add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

*Pro Tip- Use a wire rack on top of a baking dish or stone to allow the air to circulate on all sides just like the air fryer.

Adjust Temperature. Air fryers cook at a higher temperature than ovens. Be sure to adjust the temperature according to the rule that an oven should be about 25 degrees F cooler than an air fryer. If the air fryer recipe calls for 375 degrees F the oven equivalent will be 350 degrees F.
Adjust the Cook Time. Air fryers use a fan to circulate the hot air in a small space while the oven does the same but in a larger area. Therefore cook times will need to be increased when using an oven. For recipes that call for 20-minute air fryer cooking times the oven equivalent will be 25-30 minutes. *Use a digital meat thermometer for raw meats and follow the FDA food temperature guidelines.
Cook Evenly Flip at the halfway mark to allow both sides to cook evenly. Also, be sure the food is in the center of the rack in the middle of the oven. Use a rack on top of a baking dish to allow the air to circulate on all sides.

What's the difference between a convection oven and an air fryer?

Just the size! Both convection ovens and air fryers use the same methods to heat and cook food. Both use fans to circulate hot air around.

Are there any foods I should only cook in the oven?

Most foods can be cooked both in the oven and the air fryer. However, I'd use the oven for things like delicate cakes, leafy veggies, or anything oozing with cheese.