Air fryers are just compact convection ovens, so almost any oven recipe works in one — you just need to adjust the temperature and time. Here's the simple rule and a chart for common foods.
The conversion rule
Two small changes handle most recipes. First, drop the oven temperature by 25°F. Second, cut the cooking time by about 20%. The powerful fan in an air fryer circulates heat efficiently, so food browns and cooks faster than in a standard oven at the same setting.
Our air fryer conversion calculator applies both adjustments at once — enter the oven temperature and time and it returns the air fryer settings instantly.
Air fryer conversion chart
| Food | Air fryer temp | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen fries | 380°F | 12–15 min |
| Chicken wings | 380°F | 18–22 min |
| Chicken breast | 375°F | 18–20 min |
| Bacon | 350°F | 8–10 min |
| Salmon fillet | 390°F | 8–10 min |
| Roasted vegetables | 375°F | 10–15 min |
| Frozen nuggets | 375°F | 8–10 min |
Tips for better air frying
A few habits make a big difference: don't overcrowd the basket (food needs space for air to circulate), shake or flip halfway through, and lightly coat fresh food with oil for crispness. Because models vary in power, always start checking a few minutes before the converted time is up.
What doesn't convert well
Wet batters drip through the basket, and very light foods (like a slice of bread topped with cheese) can blow around in the fan. For everything else — frozen foods, proteins, roasted vegetables, and reheating — the conversion rule and the air fryer conversion calculator will get you close on the first try.
Try the free calculator
Skip the manual math — get instant numbers for your own project:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert an oven recipe to an air fryer?
Lower the oven temperature by about 25°F and reduce the cooking time by roughly 20%, then check a few minutes early. An air fryer conversion calculator does the math for you.
Do you preheat an air fryer?
Many air fryers benefit from a 2 to 3 minute preheat, especially for foods you want crispy. If the original recipe uses a preheated oven, preheat the air fryer as well.
Why does an air fryer cook faster than an oven?
An air fryer is a small convection oven with a powerful fan that circulates hot air efficiently, so food cooks and browns faster than in a conventional oven at the same temperature.
What can't you cook in an air fryer?
Wet battered foods drip through the basket and very light foods can blow around in the fan. Most other foods, including frozen items and proteins, convert well.