TidyToolsHow to convert oven settings to an air fryer
An air fryer is basically a small, powerful convection oven — hot air moves fast and close to the food, so it cooks quicker and more intensely. The standard rule is to lower the temperature by about 20°C (25°F) and cut the time by roughly 20%. This stops the outside burning before the inside is done. This calculator applies both adjustments and, because air fryers vary, tells you when to check early.
Enter the oven temperature and time from your recipe, choose °C or °F, and you'll get the air fryer settings plus a "check at" time so you can keep an eye on it the first time.
A worked example
A recipe says 200°C for 30 minutes in the oven. In the air fryer, drop to about 180°C and cook for around 24 minutes — but start checking at roughly 20 minutes, since air fryers run hot and every model is a little different.
Tips
- Shake or turn food halfway through for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the basket — air needs to circulate.
- Check early the first time you make something; note the timing for next time.
- Preheat a couple of minutes for crispier results.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert oven temperature to an air fryer?
Lower the temperature by about 20°C (25°F) and reduce the time by around 20%. This calculator does both for you.
Why does the air fryer cook faster?
Its fan moves hot air quickly and close to the food, like a strong convection oven, so heat reaches the surface faster.
Do all air fryers cook the same?
No — wattage and size vary, so treat the result as a starting point and check your food a little early the first time.