Most recipes are written for conventional ovens. That’s fine, until you want to make them in an air fryer. Suddenly, you’re left wondering how much to lower the heat, how long to cook, and whether the food will come out crispy or burnt.

The good news is converting an oven recipe to air fryer cooking is simple once you know the method. By understanding the differences between ovens and air fryers and following a clear step-by-step process, you can adapt almost any recipe with confidence.

Understanding the Differences Between Ovens and Air Fryers

Both ovens and air fryers use hot air to cook, but the way they operate is different enough that recipes must be adjusted.

• Ovens heat a large chamber and often require preheating. Cooking is even but slower.
• Air fryers are compact, with a strong fan that moves hot air quickly. Food cooks faster and browns more quickly.

Because air fryers are more aggressive in how they cook, oven settings don’t transfer directly. That’s why conversion rules are necessary.

The Golden Rule of Conversion

When in doubt, apply this formula:

• Reduce oven temperature by 25°F
• Cut oven time by 20–25%

Example:

• Oven: 400°F for 30 minutes
• Air Fryer: 375°F for 22–24 minutes

This rule gives you a strong starting point, but the real key is the step-by-step method.

Step-by-Step Method to Convert Any Recipe

Here’s the practical process you can apply to every oven recipe.

Step 1: Note the Original Recipe

Record the oven temperature, time, and type of food. Knowing whether it’s meat, vegetables, baked goods, or frozen food matters because each behaves differently.

Example: Chicken thighs, oven at 400°F for 40 minutes.

Step 2: Adjust the Temperature

Lower the oven temperature by 25°F.

• Oven: 400°F → Air fryer: 375°F

This prevents over-browning before the food is cooked through.

Step 3: Adjust the Time

Cut the oven cook time by 20–25%.

• Oven: 40 minutes → Air fryer: 28–30 minutes

Always start at a shorter time and add minutes only if needed.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Helpful)

Preheating for 2–3 minutes ensures food starts cooking immediately, leading to more even results. While some air fryers don’t require it, preheating is recommended for meats and baked goods.

Step 5: Arrange Food Correctly

Air circulation is everything.

• Place food in a single layer.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Use racks or smaller pans if needed.

This ensures all surfaces cook and crisp evenly.

Step 6: Check at the Halfway Point

Air fryers cook fast, so pause midway.

• Flip meats like chicken or pork.
• Shake baskets of fries or veggies.
• Rotate pans of baked goods.

This prevents uneven cooking.

Step 7: Test for Doneness

Looks can be deceiving. Food often browns quickly outside but stays raw inside.

• Use a thermometer for meats (chicken: 165°F, fish: 145°F, pork: 145°F).
• For baked goods, insert a toothpick, if it comes out clean, they’re done.
• For vegetables, test tenderness with a fork.

Step 8: Make Final Adjustments

If food is too dark on the outside but raw inside, lower the temperature another 25°F and extend the time. If food looks pale, add 2–3 more minutes.

Every air fryer model is slightly different, so small tweaks may be necessary.

Step 9: Keep Notes for Next Time

Once you’ve converted a recipe successfully, write it down. That way, you won’t need to redo the math or guesswork next time. Over time, you’ll build your own personalized air fryer cookbook.

Oven-to-Air Fryer Conversion Chart

Here’s a quick reference you can use for nearly any recipe:

Reheating Leftovers with Air Fryer Adjustments

The air fryer makes reheating better than the microwave because it restores crispness.

• Pizza: 325°F for 3–4 minutes
• Fried chicken: 350°F for 5–6 minutes
• Fries: 375°F for 4–5 minutes

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Dry food: Shorten cook time slightly.
• Soggy results: Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches.
• Uneven browning: Flip or shake midway.

Once you understand the differences between ovens and air fryers, conversion becomes easy. By lowering the heat, cutting the time, checking halfway, and testing for doneness, you can make nearly any oven recipe work perfectly in your air fryer.

The key is the step-by-step method: start with the rule, adjust carefully, and keep notes. Over time, converting recipes will feel natural, and your Air Fryer will become the go-to tool for quick, crispy, and delicious meals.

FAQs

1. Can I convert convection oven recipes the same way as regular oven recipes?

Yes, but convection ovens already use a fan, so the time and temperature differences are smaller. When converting convection oven recipes, reduce the temperature by 15°F and check a few minutes early in the air fryer.

2. How do I convert large roasts or whole chickens from oven to air fryer?

Air fryers have limited space, so very large cuts may not cook evenly. If the meat doesn’t fit comfortably, it’s better to cut it into smaller pieces or use the oven for whole roasts.

3. Can I marinate foods the same way when converting oven recipes to air fryers?

Yes, but avoid heavy liquid marinades since they won’t caramelize well in an air fryer. Pat food dry after marinating and add a light oil spritz for better browning.

4. Is parchment paper safe to use when converting oven recipes to the air fryer?

Yes, as long as it’s perforated parchment designed for air fryers. It prevents sticking but still allows air to circulate. Regular parchment may block airflow and affect cooking.

5. Can I cook multiple different foods together when converting oven recipes?

Yes, but choose foods with similar temperature and time requirements. For example, chicken nuggets and fries work well together, but chicken breasts and muffins should be cooked separately.