How to Convert Oven Recipes for an Air Fryer

The air fryer has changed home cooking. It makes meals quicker, uses less oil, and gives tasty crispy results. But what about your favourite oven recipes? The good news is, with a few simple tweaks, you can easily convert oven recipes for an air fryer.

This guide shows you how to convert recipes for air fryers. It explains the timing differences between ovens and air fryers. You’ll enjoy your favourite dishes faster and fresher!

Pro Tip: The air fryer cooks quickly. It circulates hot air intensely, so use that to your advantage.

Quick Guide: How to Convert Oven to Air Fryer Cooking

• Reduce the temperature by about 10–20°C.
• Cut the cooking time by 20–30%.
• Shake or flip food halfway through for even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding — single layers cook best.
• Keep an eye on food the first few times you convert.

Important: Air fryers vary slightly — always check early to avoid overcooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recipe Conversion for Air Fryers

Step 1: Understand How Air Fryers Cook

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to crisp and cook food faster than traditional ovens.

Quick Tip: Think of an air fryer as a mini convection oven — but even quicker and more direct.

Step 2: Adjust the Temperature

To adapt an oven recipe for the air fryer, lower the temperature.

General rule:

• Reduce oven temperature by about 10–20°C.
• Example: 200°C oven → 180°C air fryer.

Why lower the temperature:

• Air fryers cook food faster at lower temps due to intense air circulation.
• Lower temperatures prevent the outside from burning before the inside cooks through.

Pro Tip: If unsure, start with 15°C lower and adjust based on results.

Step 3: Adjust the Cooking Time

Air fryers usually cook food in about 20–30% less time than ovens.

General timing rule:

Oven Time	Air Fryer Time
30 minutes	20–24 minutes
20 minutes	14–16 minutes

Steps:

• Calculate the original oven time.
• Cut it by about 25% to start.
• Check the food a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.

Important: Always monitor new recipes closely the first time you convert.

For best practices in maintaining your device, check out How to Clean Your Air Fryer Properly.

Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer (Sometimes)

Most air fryers recommend preheating — but it is quicker than ovens.

When to preheat:

• For crispier results (chips, wings, breaded foods).
• If your air fryer model recommends it.

Food Type	Preheat Needed?
Chips/Fries	Yes
Bakes/Casseroles	No
Vegetables	Optional

Quick Tip: Preheat for 2–5 minutes max — no need to waste energy.

Step 5: Arrange Food Correctly

Air fryers work best when hot air can circulate freely.

Arrangement tips:

• Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if needed.
• Arrange food in a single layer where possible.
• Flip or shake halfway through for even browning.

Sustainability Tip: Making smaller batches might take longer, but it saves energy compared to using a big oven.

Step 6: Adjust for Different Food Types

Some foods need extra tweaks when switching from oven to air fryer.

Common adjustments:

Food	Tip
Battered foods	Light spray with oil to avoid sticking.
Bakes and casseroles	Use smaller, air fryer-safe pans.
Roasts	Cover with foil halfway to prevent over-browning.

Pro Tip: Mini baking trays and racks for your air fryer can improve recipe results.

Step 7: Test, Taste, and Tweak

The first conversion is always a learning experience. Taste and texture might differ slightly — but that is part of the fun.

Testing tips:

• Write down what you adjusted for next time.
• Start checking a few minutes earlier than your estimated time.
• Adjust future batches based on texture (crispness) and internal temperature.

Important: Use a food thermometer to check meats and poultry for safety.

Recommended Air Fryer Cooking Times and Temperatures (Quick Reference)

Here’s a quick starting guide for popular foods:

Food	Oven Temp	Air Fryer Temp	Oven Time	Air Fryer Time
Chips/Fries	220°C	200°C	30 min	20–24 min
Chicken Breast	200°C	180°C	25 min	18–20 min
Fish Fillet	200°C	180°C	20 min	14–16 min
Roasted Veg	200°C	180°C	30 min	20–22 min

Quick Tip: Always shake or flip halfway through for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put oven-safe dishes in an air fryer?

Yes, if they fit and are made of oven-safe material (ceramic, metal, silicone). Avoid plastic.

Should I use baking paper in an air fryer?

Only if it is perforated (air fryer-specific baking paper). Regular paper can block air flow and cause uneven cooking.

How do I avoid burning food when converting oven recipes?

Lower the temperature slightly, reduce the time by 20–30%, and check early. Spraying light oil also helps prevent dry edges.

What foods do not convert well to the air fryer?

Very wet batters (like tempura) struggle unless frozen first. Large roasts may not fit or cook evenly without adjustments.

Should I preheat my air fryer every time?

Not always. Preheat for crispy foods, like chips. But for casseroles or baked dishes, it’s not needed.

Enjoy Faster, Crispier Meals with Confidence

You can easily adapt oven recipes for an air fryer with a few simple tweaks. This way, you’ll enjoy meals that are faster, crispier, and healthier.

Adjust the oven and air fryer times, lower the temperatures a bit, and use smart recipe tips for air fryers. This way, you can save time, energy, and effort while still enjoying your favourite dishes.

Cook smart. Eat better. Love your air fryer.

Want to expand your air fryer skills? Discover How to Use Air Fryer Accessories Like a Pro for next-level cooking hacks!