Air fryer settings
Lowered by 25°F and cooked about 20% shorter than the oven. Shake or flip halfway through.
How the conversion works
An air fryer is a small convection oven: a powerful fan moves hot air around food in a compact space, so it browns and cooks faster than a regular oven. The standard starting point is to lower the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and cut the time by about 20%.
Baked goods like muffins and quick breads rise unevenly in strong moving air, so for those the converter lowers the temperature a little more, by about 30°F, and keeps more of the time. Frozen snacks designed for the oven usually need only the temperature drop, with the time cut closer to 30% because pieces are small and spread out.
Every air fryer runs a little differently, so treat the result as a starting point. Check the food at the "start checking" time and add a few minutes at a time.
Tips for better results
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Air needs to reach every side; cook in batches for crisp results.
- Shake or flip halfway. Food touching the basket browns more slowly than the top.
- Use a little oil. A teaspoon or two tossed with vegetables or fresh fries gives the best colour.
- Preheat for 3 to 5 minutes if your model allows it, especially for meat.
- Use a thermometer for meat. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C), pork at 145°F (63°C).
Air fryer cooking chart
Starting temperatures and times for common foods in a basket-style air fryer.
| Food | °F | °C | Minutes | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen french fries | 400 | 205 | 15–20 | Shake the basket twice |
| Fresh-cut fries | 380 | 195 | 18–22 | Soak, dry well, toss in 1 tbsp oil |
| Chicken wings | 380 | 195 | 22–26 | Flip halfway; 400°F for the last 3 min |
| Boneless chicken breast | 375 | 190 | 16–20 | Cook to 165°F (74°C) inside |
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 380 | 195 | 22–25 | Skin side down first, then flip |
| Salmon fillets | 390 | 200 | 7–10 | Skin side down, no flipping |
| Pork chops, 1 inch thick | 380 | 195 | 12–14 | Cook to 145°F (63°C), rest 5 min |
| Bacon | 350 | 175 | 8–10 | Single layer; lower temperature limits smoke |
| Frozen chicken nuggets | 400 | 205 | 8–10 | Shake halfway |
| Potato wedges | 400 | 205 | 18–20 | Toss in oil and salt first |
| Baked potatoes | 400 | 205 | 40–45 | Prick skins; rub with oil and salt |
| Broccoli or cauliflower florets | 380 | 195 | 10–14 | Toss in oil; shake halfway |
| Brussels sprouts, halved | 375 | 190 | 15–18 | Cut side down for better browning |
| Frozen pizza rolls | 380 | 195 | 6–8 | Single layer |
| Reheating pizza slices | 350 | 175 | 3–5 | Crisper than a microwave |
Air fryer questions
How do I convert oven time to air fryer time?
Reduce the oven time by about 20%. A recipe that bakes for 30 minutes in the oven will usually take around 24 minutes in an air fryer. Start checking at about two-thirds of that time.
How much should I lower the temperature?
About 25°F, or 15°C. A recipe that calls for 400°F becomes 375°F. Most air fryers top out at 400°F (200°C), so very hot oven recipes are capped there.
Can I bake a cake in an air fryer?
Yes, in a small pan that fits the basket with room around it. Lower the temperature by about 30°F and cover the top loosely with foil if it browns before the middle is set.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
It helps for meat and anything you want crisp. Three to five minutes is enough. If you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.
Why is my food not crispy?
Usually the basket is too full, or the food is wet. Cook in a single layer, pat food dry, and toss it with a little oil.
Changing the number of servings too? Scale the ingredients in the recipe converter.
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