Kitchen Tools
Air Fryer Calculator
Convert oven temperatures and cooking times to air fryer settings.
Air Fryer Settings
Estimated conversion
Enter your recipe's original temperature and cooking time to see the air fryer conversion.
UK Fan Oven vs. Conventional Oven Guide
Understand the exact differences between British oven types, gas marks, and how they impact your everyday cooking and baking.
How to Use the Oven to Air Fryer Calculator
Three simple steps to convert any standard recipe for your air fryer.
Select Your Oven Type
Choose whether the original recipe is meant for a standard fan oven or a conventional (non-fan) oven.
Enter Original Details
Input the temperature and cooking time specified in your recipe. You can toggle between °C and °F if needed.
Get Adjusted Settings
Instantly receive the estimated air fryer temperature and time. Always start checking your food a little early!
Oven to Air Fryer Conversion: What Changes?
Why air fryers require lower temperatures and less time.
An air fryer is essentially a very powerful, compact convection oven. Because the heating element is situated very close to the food and a strong fan rapidly circulates the hot air around a small chamber, food cooks significantly faster and crisps up more intensely than in a traditional oven.
If you were to use the exact same temperature and time from a standard recipe in your air fryer, the outside of your food would likely burn before the inside had a chance to cook through.
Fan Oven vs Conventional Oven
In the UK, many recipes provide temperatures for both fan and conventional ovens. A fan oven already operates at a lower temperature than a conventional one (usually 20°C lower). Therefore, when converting to an air fryer, you don't need to reduce the temperature quite as drastically from a fan oven recipe as you would from a conventional oven recipe. Our calculator takes this into account.
Oven to Air Fryer Temperature Guide
Approximate starting points for common UK oven temperatures.
Use this quick reference table for common baking and roasting temperatures. Remember that these are estimated starting points; you should always monitor your food closely towards the end of the cooking time.
| Conventional Oven | Fan Oven | Air Fryer Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 180°C | 160°C | 150°C - 160°C |
| 190°C | 170°C | 160°C - 170°C |
| 200°C | 180°C | 170°C - 180°C |
| 220°C | 200°C | 190°C - 200°C |
Cooking Time Tips & Foods That Need Extra Care
Best practices to ensure your air fryer conversions are successful and safe.
General Tips
- Check food early: Always peek at your food a few minutes before the timer finishes.
- Avoid overcrowding: Air fryers rely on air circulation. If you pack the basket, food will steam rather than crisp.
- Turn and shake: Remember to shake chips or flip meat halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Different models vary: A dual-basket air fryer may cook slightly differently than a large oven-style model.
Foods Needing Extra Care
- Large Joints & Whole Poultry: This intense heat can char the outside of a large joint or whole poultry product while not reaching safe minimum internal meat temperature levels on the inside. Use a meat thermometer.
- Baking Recipes: If you find cakes and breads becoming too brown, you may have to cover them with foil (if your model permits) or reduce the temperature even further.
- Sturdy frozen foods: Very thick frozen items may require adjustments to ensure they cook through.
Frequently Asked Questions
More helpful advice for air fryer beginners.
How do I convert an oven recipe for an air fryer?▼
This calculator uses a starting estimate: 20°C below a conventional oven setting or 10°C below a fan setting, with cooking time reduced by 20%. These are calculation assumptions, not cooking instructions for every food. Follow appliance and packet guidance and check that the food is cooked through.
Do I always need to lower the temperature in an air fryer?▼
Not always. Use the temperature specified by the food packet, air-fryer recipe or appliance manufacturer when available. The calculator offers an estimate for adapting an oven recipe; it does not override those instructions.
How much faster does an air fryer cook compared to an oven?▼
There is no fixed time reduction for every food or appliance. This calculator uses a 20% reduction as a starting estimate. Food thickness, basket loading and whether the appliance is preheated can affect cooking time; follow its instructions.
How do I convert fan oven temperatures for an air fryer?▼
Select the fan-oven option. The calculator subtracts 10°C and reduces time by 20% as a starting estimate. Use specific air-fryer instructions when available and check doneness rather than relying on the estimated time alone.
Can I keep the original oven cooking time when using an air fryer?▼
The original time is a reference, not a guarantee. An air fryer may need less or more time than the estimate depending on the food and appliance. Check food before the estimated finish and continue cooking as needed; a fixed reduction is not essential for every recipe.
Why do air fryers cook faster than regular ovens?▼
Air fryers place a powerful convection fan directly next to a compact heating element. This circulates heat continuously around the food in a small space, transferring thermal energy much more quickly than a large conventional oven.