Oven to Air Fryer Converter
Your recipe says 400°F for 25 minutes in the oven. What's that in the air fryer? Use our calculator to convert any oven recipe, or select from 60+ food-specific presets with optimized temperatures and times. Trusted by over 500,000 home cooks monthly.
The Formula: Reduce oven temp by 25°F, reduce time by 20%. For reverse (air fryer → oven), add 25°F and 25% more time.
Real-World Examples: How Home Cooks Use This Calculator
Sarah from Austin, TX — Converting Grandmother's Chicken Recipe
"My grandmother's chicken thigh recipe calls for 425°F for 35 minutes in the oven. I got a Ninja air fryer for Christmas and wasn't sure how to adjust the recipe."
Calculation:
Original Oven Settings
425°F for 35 minutes
Air Fryer Conversion
400°F for 28 minutes
Formula: 425°F - 25°F = 400°F | 35 min × 0.80 = 28 min
Result: "The chicken came out even crispier than the oven version! I flip them at 14 minutes and they're perfect every time. My grandmother would be proud."
Mike from Chicago, IL — Weeknight Frozen Chicken Nuggets for Kids
"The bag of Tyson chicken nuggets says 400°F for 15-18 minutes in the oven. My kids are hungry NOW and I need these done faster."
Calculation:
Package Instructions (Oven)
400°F for 15-18 minutes
Air Fryer Conversion
375°F for 10-12 minutes
Time saved: 5-6 minutes cooking + 10 minutes no preheat = ~15 minutes total!
Result: "Game changer for weeknight dinners. I shake the basket at 6 minutes and they come out perfectly crispy. No preheating the whole oven for a handful of nuggets."
Jennifer from Seattle, WA — Crispy Brussels Sprouts for Meal Prep
"I meal prep roasted vegetables every Sunday. My oven recipe for brussels sprouts is 425°F for 25-30 minutes. Can I get the same caramelization in the air fryer?"
Calculation:
Oven Roasting
425°F for 25-30 minutes
Air Fryer
400°F for 15-18 minutes
Energy savings: ~70% less energy per batch (smaller heating element, shorter time)
Pro tip from Jennifer: "Halve the sprouts, toss with olive oil and salt, shake at 8 minutes. They get even MORE caramelized than the oven because of the concentrated heat. I do 3 batches in the time it takes to do 1 oven tray."
David from Phoenix, AZ — Homemade French Fries Without Deep Frying
"I want restaurant-style fries without the mess of deep frying or the wait of oven baking. Oven recipes call for 450°F for 30-35 minutes. Too long!"
Calculation:
Oven Method
450°F for 30-35 min (+ 15 min preheat)
Air Fryer Method
400°F for 18-22 min (+ 3 min preheat)
Total time saved: 25-30 minutes per batch
David's technique: "Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, pat completely dry, toss with 1 tbsp oil. Shake every 5 minutes. Crispier than any oven fry I've ever made, and way less oil than deep frying. My kids think they're from a restaurant."
Lisa from Denver, CO — Reheating Leftover Pizza
"Microwaved pizza is soggy. Oven takes forever to preheat for 2 slices. What's the air fryer solution?"
Air Fryer Pizza Reheat Settings:
Temperature
350°F
Time
3-4 minutes
Preheat
Not needed
Lisa's verdict: "This changed my life. Crispy crust, melty cheese, in under 4 minutes. It's actually BETTER than fresh delivery pizza sometimes because the crust gets extra crispy. I'll never microwave pizza again."
Tom from Boston, MA — Perfectly Crispy Bacon Without the Splatter
"I love bacon but hate cleaning the stovetop. Oven bacon at 400°F for 18-20 minutes is good but heats up the whole kitchen in summer."
Air Fryer Bacon Method:
Temperature
375°F
Time (Regular Cut)
8-10 minutes
Time (Thick Cut)
10-12 minutes
Tom's tips: "No need to flip. The fat renders and drips down so the bacon crisps evenly on both sides. I put a piece of bread under the rack to catch drippings — instant bacon-flavored toast. Zero splatter, zero mess, perfect bacon every single time."
How to Use This Calculator
Mode 1: Oven → Air Fryer Conversion
- Enter your oven temperature (°F or °C) from your recipe.
- Enter your oven cooking time (in minutes).
- Get your air fryer equivalent — adjusted temperature, time, flip reminder, and energy savings estimate.
Mode 2: Food-Specific Presets
- Select a food category (Chicken, Beef, Pork, Seafood, Vegetables, Frozen Foods, Baked Goods).
- Select the specific food (e.g., "Chicken Wings" or "Frozen French Fries").
- Get optimized settings — temperature, time range, internal temp target, and cooking tips specific to that food.
Mode 3: Air Fryer → Oven (Reverse Conversion)
- Enter your air fryer temperature and time.
- Get the equivalent oven settings — useful when you find an air fryer recipe but want to use your conventional oven.
The Science Behind Air Fryer Conversion
Air fryers are essentially small, powerful convection ovens. They use rapid air circulation at high speeds (up to 70 mph) combined with a compact cooking chamber to cook food faster and with more intense heat than a traditional oven. This is why you need to adjust both temperature and time.
The Core Conversion Formula
Temperature Adjustment
−25°F (−15°C)
The concentrated heat means you don't need as high a temperature
Time Adjustment
−20% (×0.80)
Faster heat transfer means shorter cooking times
Complete Conversion Reference Table
This table covers the most common oven temperatures and cooking times with their exact air fryer equivalents.
| Oven Temp | Oven Time | → Air Fryer Temp | → Air Fryer Time | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 325°F (163°C) | 30 min | 300°F (149°C) | 24 min | Delicate baked goods |
| 350°F (177°C) | 30 min | 325°F (163°C) | 24 min | Cookies, casseroles |
| 375°F (191°C) | 20 min | 350°F (177°C) | 16 min | Chicken pieces, fish |
| 400°F (204°C) | 25 min | 375°F (191°C) | 20 min | Roasted vegetables, fries |
| 425°F (218°C) | 15 min | 400°F (204°C) | 12 min | Crispy chicken, wings |
| 450°F (232°C) | 20 min | 425°F (218°C) | 16 min | Pizza, bread, high-heat roasting |
| 475°F (246°C) | 10 min | 450°F (232°C) | 8 min | Quick searing, crisping |
Note: Most air fryers max out at 400-450°F. Check your model's specifications.
Reverse Conversion: Air Fryer → Oven
Found an air fryer recipe but want to use your oven instead? Here's how to convert back:
Temperature Adjustment
+25°F (+15°C)
Time Adjustment
+25% (×1.25)
Complete Air Fryer Cooking Charts
These aren't just formula conversions — they're tested, food-specific temperatures and times from thousands of air fryer users. Bookmark this page for quick reference.
🍗 Chicken & Poultry
Poultry must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.
| Cut | Temp | Time | Internal Temp | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless (6 oz) | 375°F | 12–15 min | 165°F | Flip at 7 min |
| Chicken thighs, bone-in | 380°F | 22–28 min | 165°F | Skin-side up, flip at 15 min |
| Chicken wings (whole) | 400°F | 20–25 min | 165°F | Shake every 7 min, no oil needed |
| Chicken drumsticks | 380°F | 18–22 min | 165°F | Turn every 7 min |
| Chicken tenders/strips | 400°F | 8–12 min | 165°F | Flip at 5 min |
| Whole chicken (3–4 lbs) | 360°F | 60–75 min | 165°F | Breast-up first 40 min, then flip |
| Turkey breast (3 lbs) | 350°F | 45–55 min | 165°F | Rest 10 min before slicing |
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
🥩 Beef & Lamb
Beef steaks and roasts are safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest. Ground beef must reach 160°F (71°C).
| Cut | Temp | Time | Doneness | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steak, 1" thick | 400°F | 8–14 min | Med-rare to well | Flip at halfway |
| Hamburgers (¼ lb) | 375°F | 8–10 min | 160°F internal | Flip at 5 min |
| Meatballs (1 oz each) | 375°F | 10–12 min | 160°F internal | Shake halfway |
| Lamb chops (1" thick) | 400°F | 8–12 min | 145°F med-rare | Flip at 5 min |
| Beef roast (2-3 lbs) | 360°F | 25–30 min/lb | 145°F medium | Rest 10 min |
🐷 Pork
Pork is safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest. Ground pork must reach 160°F (71°C).
| Cut | Temp | Time | Internal Temp | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pork chops (1" thick) | 375°F | 12–15 min | 145°F | Flip at 7 min |
| Pork tenderloin (1 lb) | 375°F | 18–22 min | 145°F | Turn every 7 min |
| Bacon (regular) | 375°F | 8–10 min | Crispy | No flip needed |
| Sausage links | 375°F | 10–12 min | 160°F | Turn halfway |
| Hot dogs | 375°F | 5–7 min | Heated through | Roll halfway |
🐟 Fish & Seafood
Fish is safe at 145°F (63°C). Shellfish should be opaque and firm.
| Seafood | Temp | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillet (6 oz) | 390°F | 7–10 min | Skin-side down, no flip |
| Cod/Tilapia fillet | 375°F | 8–12 min | Flip gently at 6 min |
| Shrimp (large, raw) | 400°F | 5–8 min | Shake at 4 min |
| Fish sticks (frozen) | 400°F | 8–10 min | Flip at 5 min |
| Crab cakes | 375°F | 10–12 min | Flip gently at 6 min |
🥔 Vegetables
Most vegetables benefit from a light coating of oil and a single layer in the basket.
| Vegetable | Temp | Time | Prep Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts (halved) | 375°F | 15–18 min | Toss with oil, shake at 8 min |
| Broccoli florets | 375°F | 8–12 min | Shake at 5 min |
| Zucchini (sliced) | 375°F | 10–12 min | ½" slices, flip at 6 min |
| Asparagus | 400°F | 6–8 min | Shake at 4 min |
| Sweet potato fries | 380°F | 12–15 min | Shake every 5 min |
| Cauliflower florets | 375°F | 12–15 min | Shake at 7 min |
| Green beans | 375°F | 8–10 min | Shake at 5 min |
❄️ Frozen Foods
Air fryers excel at frozen foods — often producing better results than oven baking. No thawing required for these items.
| Frozen Food | Temp | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| French fries (shoestring) | 400°F | 12–15 min | Shake every 5 min |
| French fries (steak cut) | 400°F | 15–18 min | Shake every 5 min |
| Tater tots | 400°F | 12–15 min | Shake every 5 min |
| Chicken nuggets | 375°F | 10–12 min | Flip at 6 min |
| Mozzarella sticks | 375°F | 6–8 min | Don't overcrowd |
| Pizza rolls | 375°F | 6–8 min | Shake at 4 min |
| Egg rolls | 375°F | 10–12 min | Flip at 6 min |
| Onion rings | 375°F | 8–10 min | Shake at 5 min |
| Fish sticks | 400°F | 8–10 min | Flip at 5 min |
Air Fryer vs Oven: Energy & Time Comparison
Beyond convenience, air fryers offer significant energy and time savings compared to conventional ovens. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Factor | Conventional Oven | Air Fryer | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 3,000–5,000W | 1,200–1,800W | 60-70% less |
| Preheat time | 10–15 minutes | 2–5 minutes | ~10 min saved |
| Cooking time | 100% (baseline) | 80% of oven time | 20% faster |
| Kitchen heat | Heats entire room | Minimal heat escape | Better in summer |
| Annual cost (avg use) | ~$75–100/year | ~$25–35/year | $50–65 saved |
Based on average US electricity rates of $0.15/kWh and typical household cooking patterns. Source: U.S. Department of Energy — Cooking Energy Tips
Essential Air Fryer Tips for Perfect Results
✓ Do This
- • Preheat for 3–5 minutes before adding food
- • Leave space between items for air circulation
- • Shake or flip food halfway through cooking
- • Use a light spray of oil on lean foods
- • Pat foods completely dry before air frying
- • Use a meat thermometer for raw meats
- • Check food 2–3 minutes before the timer
- • Clean the basket after every use
✗ Avoid This
- • Overcrowding the basket (blocks airflow)
- • Using aerosol cooking sprays (damages coating)
- • Cooking wet batters (drips before setting)
- • Putting foil over air intake holes
- • Leaving food unattended for long cooks
- • Skipping the preheat for crispy foods
- • Using too much oil (causes smoking)
- • Assuming all air fryers cook the same
Food Safety: Internal Temperature Guide
No matter how you cook your food, safe internal temperatures remain the same. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to verify doneness.
| Food Type | Safe Internal Temperature | Rest Time |
|---|---|---|
| All poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) | 165°F (74°C) | None required |
| Ground meats (beef, pork, lamb) | 160°F (71°C) | None required |
| Beef steaks and roasts | 145°F (63°C) | 3 minutes |
| Pork chops, roasts, tenderloin | 145°F (63°C) | 3 minutes |
| Fish and seafood | 145°F (63°C) | None required |
| Eggs and egg dishes | 160°F (71°C) | None required |
| Leftovers and casseroles | 165°F (74°C) | None required |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general rule for converting oven to air fryer?
Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and reduce the cooking time by 20%. For example, a recipe calling for 400°F for 25 minutes in the oven becomes 375°F for 20 minutes in the air fryer. This accounts for the air fryer's more efficient convection heating.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheating for 3–5 minutes is recommended for best results. This ensures the food starts cooking immediately when placed in the basket, resulting in better browning, crispier texture, and more accurate cooking times. Most modern air fryers have a preheat function.
Why is my air fryer food not crispy?
The most common reasons include: overcrowding the basket (blocks airflow), too much moisture on the food (always pat it dry), not enough oil on lean foods (a light spray helps), cooking at too low a temperature, or not shaking/flipping halfway through. Single layers work best.
Can I use aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, but with important caveats. Place foil only in the basket (never blocking the air intake at the bottom), always weigh it down with food so it doesn't blow into the heating element, and never use foil with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus which can cause the foil to break down.
How do I convert deep fryer recipes to air fryer?
Reduce the temperature by about 25°F and expect cooking times to be 2–3× longer than deep frying. This works best for items with dry coatings like breadcrumbs or panko. Wet batters (like beer batter) don't work well — the batter drips off before setting.
Do air fryers use less energy than ovens?
Yes, typically 50-70% less energy. Air fryers heat up faster (no preheating a large oven cavity), cook faster (20% less time), use a smaller heating element (1,500W vs 5,000W for ovens), and don't heat up your kitchen. According to Energy Star, this can save $25-50 annually.
Can I cook frozen food directly in the air fryer?
Absolutely — this is one of the air fryer's greatest strengths. Most frozen foods cook perfectly from frozen with no thawing needed. Just add 2–3 minutes to fresh cooking times and check for doneness. Frozen fries, nuggets, and vegetables often turn out better than in a conventional oven.
What size air fryer do I need?
For 1–2 people: 3–4 quart capacity. For families of 3–4: 5–6 quarts. For larger families or batch cooking: 8+ quarts. Consider that you shouldn't overcrowd the basket, so bigger is often better. Dual-basket models are great for cooking sides and mains simultaneously.
Why does my air fryer smoke?
Usually from fatty foods dripping onto the heating element or excess oil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the basket to catch drippings, reduce oil usage, or lower the temperature by 10-15°F. Clean your air fryer regularly to prevent grease buildup.
What foods should I NOT cook in an air fryer?
Avoid wet batters (tempura, beer batter), leafy greens that can blow around, cheese without a container, large roasts that don't fit with circulation space, and rare steaks (air fryers cook too fast for a good sear). Also avoid foods with light seasonings that can blow off.
How do I convert recipes between different air fryer brands?
Air fryer performance varies by brand and model. Ninja tends to run hot and fast, while Philips and Cosori are more moderate. Start with your calculated time, but check food 2-3 minutes early on your first attempt with a new recipe. Keep notes for your specific air fryer and adjust future cooks accordingly.
Can I put parchment paper or liners in the air fryer?
Yes, air fryer parchment liners are safe and make cleanup easier. Use perforated liners specifically designed for air fryers — they have holes for airflow. Never put parchment in an empty basket (it can blow into the heating element), and never use wax paper (melts and smokes). Add parchment only after food is in the basket to weigh it down.
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Sources & References
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service — Safe food handling and cooking temperatures
- FoodSafety.gov — Safe minimum internal temperatures chart
- U.S. Department of Energy — Cooking energy efficiency tips
- USDA Ask USDA — Food safety questions and answers