How to Convert Oven Recipes for an Air Fryer (Simple Chart & Tips)
🔥 Introduction
Have a favorite oven recipe and wondering how to make it in your air fryer?
Good news — you don’t have to reinvent it! Most oven recipes can be easily converted for your air fryer using simple time and temperature adjustments.
This guide shows you how to adapt baking times, reduce oil, and get that perfect crispy finish — whether you’re cooking fries, fish, or muffins.
👉 Want step-by-step recipe inspiration? Explore these articles from our Air Fryer Series:
⏱️ Step 1: Adjust Cooking Temperature
As a rule, reduce the oven temperature by 25 °C (or about 50 °F).
The air fryer’s smaller cavity and powerful airflow cook food faster and more evenly.
| Oven Temp | Air Fryer Temp |
|---|---|
| 220 °C / 425 °F | 195 °C / 380 °F |
| 200 °C / 400 °F | 175 °C / 350 °F |
| 180 °C / 355 °F | 160 °C / 320 °F |
| 160 °C / 320 °F | 140 °C / 285 °F |
✅ Example: If your oven recipe says 200 °C, cook it at 175 °C in your air fryer.
⏲️ Step 2: Cut Cooking Time by 20–30 %
Air fryers cook faster because hot air circulates directly around the food.
Reduce the cooking time from the original recipe by about 25 %, and always check halfway.
| Oven Time | Air Fryer Time |
|---|---|
| 30 min | 22–23 min |
| 20 min | 14–15 min |
| 15 min | 10–12 min |
| 10 min | 7–8 min |
💡 Tip: For baked goods, check doneness 3–5 minutes early to avoid overbaking.
🍟 Step 3: Use the Right Accessories
✅ Use perforated parchment paper for better airflow.
✅ For baking, use silicone molds or mini ramekins that fit in the basket.
✅ Avoid glass dishes unless oven-safe and air fryer–approved.
Bonus: Nonstick liners and grill racks make cleaning easier — check our tips in
🧼 How to Clean and Maintain Your Air Fryer the Right Way.
🧁 Step 4: Check for Crispness, Not Time
Every air fryer model cooks slightly differently — rely on texture and color more than the clock.
-
Golden brown = ready to serve
-
Slight sizzling sound = perfectly crisp
-
Still pale? Add 2–3 minutes
Test once, take notes — next time you’ll know the perfect settings!
🍗 Example Conversions
| Recipe | Oven | Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 200 °C, 25 min | 180 °C, 18 min |
| Sweet potato fries | 220 °C, 30 min | 195 °C, 20 min |
| Brownies | 180 °C, 20 min | 160 °C, 14 min |
| Veggie skewers | 200 °C, 15 min | 175 °C, 10 min |
| Salmon fillets | 190 °C, 20 min | 170 °C, 12 min |
Want to see it in action? Try our full recipes in
🥗 7 Low Glycemic Lunches You Can Make in an Air Fryer
and
💪 High-Protein Air Fryer Dinners for Weight Loss.
🧠 Step 5: Adjust Quantities
Air fryers have smaller space than ovens, so:
-
Cook in small batches for even crisping.
-
Avoid overlapping — airflow = crispiness.
-
For large family meals, use dual-zone or double-stack models.
Explore our specialized cookbooks for these appliances:
🌿 Step 6: Lower Oil, Keep Flavor
When converting oven recipes, you can usually cut oil by 70–80 %.
A light mist of olive or avocado oil gives perfect texture without heaviness.
For inspiration, check out
🥦 Plant-Based Air Fryer Recipes Everyone Will Love
for creative, low-oil ideas.
⚙️ Step 7: Practice & Perfect
The first batch might not be perfect — but every air fryer has a sweet spot.
✅ Keep a notebook for times/temps that work best.
✅ Rotate baskets halfway through for even cooking.
✅ Use preheat mode for 2–3 min before starting.
You’ll soon be converting everything from roasted veggies to cookies effortlessly.
📚 Related eBooks for You
💬 Conclusion
Converting oven recipes for your air fryer is easier than you think — just lower the temperature by 25 °C and cut the cooking time by about 25 %.
Soon, you’ll be transforming old favorites into quick, healthy, crispy creations!
✨ Dive deeper into everyday air fryer cooking with our complete collection at
👉 e-chef-recipes.com/collections/ebooks