Air Fryer to Oven Conversion Calculator
Convert your favorite air fryer recipes to conventional oven settings with accurate temperature and time adjustments.
Why Convert Air Fryer Recipes to Oven?
While air fryers are great for quick, crispy results, sometimes you may want to use a conventional oven—especially when cooking for more people, dealing with large portions, or when you simply don’t have access to an air fryer. Converting air fryer recipes to oven settings allows you to enjoy the same delicious meals using tools you already have.
Air fryers use high-speed convection to circulate hot air around food. Ovens, especially those without convection settings, rely more on ambient heat and radiation. This means cooking times and temperatures need to be adjusted to ensure the same level of doneness and crispness.
Basic Conversion Guidelines
- Increase the temperature by 25°F: Since air fryers cook hotter and faster, ovens need slightly higher temperatures to match the crisping power.
- Increase the time by 20–25%: Most air fryer recipes finish quickly, so oven versions take longer. Always check early to avoid overcooking.
- Use a preheated oven: Air fryers heat up almost instantly. Always preheat your oven for best results.
- Use a wire rack: This helps mimic the air circulation found in air fryers and promotes even browning underneath food.
Conversion Table: Air Fryer to Oven
| Air Fryer Temp (°F) | Oven Temp (°F) | Air Fryer Time (min) | Oven Time (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 375 | 15 | 18–20 |
| 375 | 400 | 20 | 24–26 |
| 400 | 425 | 25 | 30–32 |
| 425 | 450 | 10 | 12–13 |
This chart is only a guide—factors like food thickness, oven type (convection vs. traditional), and cookware material can affect timing. When in doubt, use a thermometer or visual check.
Recommended Oven Settings
- Use convection mode: If your oven has a convection feature, use it. It best replicates air fryer behavior by circulating hot air.
- Rack placement: Middle rack is ideal for most foods. Lower rack works better for thick meats, while top rack is good for broiling or crisping.
- Baking sheet vs. pan: Use a perforated tray or baking rack placed over a sheet pan to promote airflow and crisping.
Foods That Convert Well
Many air fryer favorites convert beautifully to the oven. Here are some examples:
- Frozen foods like fries, chicken nuggets, and mozzarella sticks
- Roasted vegetables (e.g., brussels sprouts, sweet potato cubes)
- Chicken wings and drumsticks
- Small baked goods like cookies, biscuits, and mini pies
- Toasted sandwiches or paninis
Tips for Best Oven Results
- Use a thermometer: Check internal temps—165°F for chicken, 145°F for pork, etc.
- Line baking sheets with parchment or foil: Easier cleanup and better crisping.
- Flip food halfway: Just like shaking an air fryer basket, flipping helps cook both sides evenly.
- Spray or brush with oil: Prevents dryness and helps with browning, especially for breaded items.
- Watch closely: Some items may brown faster in the oven—monitor progress near the end.
Limitations of Oven Conversion
Although most recipes convert well, not all results will be identical. Air fryers excel at creating rapid exterior crisping thanks to concentrated airflow in a small space. Conventional ovens may take longer to produce similar textures, especially on the bottom side of food unless elevated on a rack.
Also, keep in mind that oven calibration varies by model. Using an oven thermometer ensures that your settings are accurate and food is cooked safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook multiple servings at once in the oven?
A: Yes, this is actually one of the biggest advantages of switching from an air fryer to an oven. You can scale up recipes without overcrowding a small basket. Just spread food in a single layer across baking sheets.
Q: Do I need to adjust recipes with breading?
A: Possibly. Oven breading may take slightly longer to crisp than in an air fryer. Consider increasing oven temp by 5–10°F or placing food on a rack to help air circulation.
Q: Should I cover the food?
A: Typically no. Most air fryer recipes are uncovered. If food is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Q: Can I bake in glass or ceramic instead of a metal tray?
A: Yes, but metal conducts heat more efficiently. Glass or ceramic may require slightly longer cook times. Avoid sudden temperature shocks to glassware (e.g., cold to hot oven).
Final Thoughts
Adapting air fryer recipes to the oven is a simple and effective way to enjoy your favorite meals, especially when cooking for a crowd or when you don’t have your air fryer nearby. With a few temperature and time adjustments—and some attention to oven setup—you can achieve excellent results with crisp edges, juicy interiors, and evenly cooked dishes. Use this calculator as a guide, trust your senses, and enjoy experimenting with new techniques in the kitchen.