Air Fryer to Oven Conversion

Not on the air fryer train yet? Whether you don't have the space for it or just can't see the benefit of an air fryer, there's good news! All air fryer recipes can easily be converted to oven recipes by just tweaking the cooking process. 

Jump to:

• What's the difference between Air Fryers and Ovens?
• The Why
• Air Fryer Conversion Chart
• How To
• 💬 Reviews

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. 

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.

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, who was 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.

Conventional Ovens

Conventional ovens heat using a heating element (gas or electric) that are typically located at the bottom and top of the oven.

The Why

Cons:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. You want to cook with less oil.

Being that the reason behind the creation of an air fryer was to find a healthier way to fry french fries, many people buy air fryers to make healthier versions of their favorite foods. Things like chicken wings, onion rings and other usually deep-fried foods.

2. Shorter Cook Time.

Because air fryers are smaller in size they heat up faster and baking time is also faster.

3. Even cooking.

Air fryers circulate air around a basket or wire rack allowing an even cook to food items. 

Air Fryer Conversion Chart

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.

1. 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.

 2. 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.

3. 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.