Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Calculator
Convert any conventional oven recipe to air fryer settings, or back again. Uses the industry-standard rule: 25°F less, 20% less time.
Convert a recipe
Air fryer setting
Common food presets
Tap a preset to fill in typical oven values, then hit Convert. Converted values are computed live with the same rule.
Quick reference table
Conventional oven temperature to air fryer temperature (time: multiply oven minutes by 0.8).
| Oven | Oven (°C) | Air fryer | Air fryer (°C) | Dial setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300°F | 148.9°C | 275°F | 135.0°C | 135°C |
| 325°F | 162.8°C | 300°F | 148.9°C | 150°C |
| 350°F | 176.7°C | 325°F | 162.8°C | 165°C |
| 375°F | 190.6°C | 350°F | 176.7°C | 175°C |
| 400°F | 204.4°C | 375°F | 190.6°C | 190°C |
| 425°F | 218.3°C | 400°F | 204.4°C | 205°C |
| 450°F | 232.2°C | 425°F | 218.3°C | 220°C |
Worked examples
Frequently asked questions
What is the rule for converting an oven recipe to an air fryer?
The standard rule of thumb is: lower the temperature by 25°F and multiply the cooking time by 0.8 (in other words, use 20% less time). So a recipe that bakes at 400°F for 30 minutes becomes 375°F for 24 minutes in the air fryer.
How much should I lower the temperature for an air fryer?
Lower it by 25°F, which is about 14°C (exactly 13.9°C). For example, 400°F becomes 375°F, and 200°C becomes 367°F, or about 186.1°C. Since most dials step in 5-degree increments, round to the nearest 5 (for example 185°C).
How much cooking time do I subtract for an air fryer?
Multiply the oven time by 0.8. A 30-minute oven recipe becomes 24 minutes (30 x 0.8 = 24), a 60-minute recipe becomes 48 minutes, and a 12-minute recipe becomes 9.6 minutes, which you can round to about 10 minutes.
Example: how do I convert 400°F for 30 minutes to an air fryer?
Subtract 25°F: 400 - 25 = 375°F (190.6°C, dial setting 190°C). Multiply the time by 0.8: 30 x 0.8 = 24 minutes. So: 400°F for 30 minutes in the oven becomes 375°F for 24 minutes in the air fryer.
Example: how do I convert 180°C for 25 minutes to an air fryer?
First convert to Fahrenheit: 180°C is exactly 356°F. Subtract 25°F: 356 - 25 = 331°F, which is 166.1°C (set the dial to 165°C). Multiply the time by 0.8: 25 x 0.8 = 20 minutes. So: 180°C for 25 minutes in the oven becomes about 165°C for 20 minutes in the air fryer.
How do I convert an air fryer recipe back to a conventional oven?
Reverse the rule: add 25°F and multiply the time by 1.25. For example, an air fryer recipe at 375°F for 20 minutes becomes 375 + 25 = 400°F (204.4°C, dial 205°C) for 20 x 1.25 = 25 minutes in the oven.
Example: how do I convert 165°C for 18 minutes (air fryer) back to an oven?
165°C is exactly 329°F. Add 25°F: 329 + 25 = 354°F, which is 178.9°C (dial setting 180°C). Multiply the time by 1.25: 18 x 1.25 = 22.5 minutes, about 23 minutes. So the oven version is about 180°C for 23 minutes.
Why does an air fryer need a lower temperature than an oven?
An air fryer is much smaller than an oven and circulates hot air with a powerful fan, so heat reaches the food faster and more intensely. That is why the same food cooks at 25°F less and in about 20% less time than in a conventional oven.
Should I preheat the air fryer before cooking?
Yes. Preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at your target temperature. Air fryers heat up fast, but starting cold throws off the converted times, which assume the fryer is already at temperature.
Do I need to flip or shake food in the air fryer?
Yes, for most foods. Shake the basket or flip items about halfway through the converted time. This keeps browning even, especially for fries, wings, and nuggets, and it matters more in an air fryer because the heating element sits right above the food.
Can I cook frozen foods like nuggets or mozzarella sticks from frozen?
Yes, no thawing needed. Take the oven package directions and apply the rule: a package that says 400°F for 12 minutes becomes 375°F for 12 x 0.8 = 9.6 minutes, about 10 minutes. Shake once halfway and check a minute or two early.
Does the conversion rule work for baking cookies and cakes?
Mostly yes, but watch baked goods closely. A cookie recipe at 350°F for 12 minutes converts to 325°F (162.8°C, dial 165°C) for 12 x 0.8 = 9.6 minutes, about 10 minutes. Start checking after 8 minutes, since the top browns faster in an air fryer, and bake in small batches.
How do I convert if my recipe is in Celsius?
Subtract about 14°C from the oven temperature, then take 80% of the time. For precision, the calculator converts through Fahrenheit: for example, 200°C is exactly 392°F, minus 25°F is 367°F, which is 186.1°C. Round the dial to the nearest 5°C, so 185°C.
How do I know when the food is actually done?
Always verify with a food thermometer, not just the clock: 165°F for chicken, 145°F for fish and pork, 160°F for ground meats. Start checking about 5 minutes before the converted time ends, because air fryer models vary in wattage and real cooking speed.
What are the most common air fryer conversion mistakes?
Three big ones: (1) overcrowding the basket, which blocks airflow and adds time; (2) skipping the 3 to 5 minute preheat; (3) not shaking or flipping halfway, which leaves one side pale. Also, do not just copy oven times; multiply by 0.8 or food will overcook.
Is this conversion exact or just a rule of thumb?
It is a rule of thumb. Air fryers vary by wattage, basket size, and fan strength, so converted times are a reliable starting point, not a guarantee. Use 25°F less and 20% less time, then check doneness with a thermometer and adjust for your specific model.
Free tool by NRTechStudio