Switching from a traditional oven to an air fryer? You’re not alone. More and more people are discovering how convenient, quick, and energy-efficient air fryers are. One of the biggest questions people ask when making the switch is about Convert Oven to Air Fryer Cooking — and that’s exactly what this guide is here to help you with.



Whether you’re new to air frying or just trying to convert your favorite oven recipes, this article will walk you through everything step by step. From adjusting time and temperature to tips on how to make your meals even crispier, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’re including a free conversion chart to make things super simple!



Why Convert Oven Recipes to Air Fryer?

Air fryers are like tiny ovens with turbo-powered fans. They cook food faster, use less oil, and deliver that golden crispiness everyone loves. But since they work a bit differently from regular ovens, it’s important to adjust your cooking methods when switching over.



Here are a few reasons why people love converting oven recipes to air fryer versions:



Faster cooking times



Crispier results with less oil



Energy efficiency



Compact cooking — perfect for small kitchens



Less mess and easier cleanup



How Air Fryers Work (in Simple Words)

Before we dive into conversions, let’s understand how air fryers work. Think of them as mini convection ovens. They use hot air and a fan to cook food quickly and evenly. This means food gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside — and it all happens in less time than a regular oven.



That’s why you can’t just use the exact same oven temperature and time in an air fryer. But don’t worry — converting recipes is easier than you think!



Basic Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Formula

Here’s the simple rule of thumb to follow when converting:



Reduce the temperature by 25°C (or about 25°F)



Cut down the cooking time by 20-25%



Let’s say your oven recipe says:

200°C for 40 minutes

Then in the air fryer, you would do:

175°C for about 30 minutes



It’s that easy!



Free Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Chart

To make things even easier, we’ve created a free air fryer conversion chart based on some of the most common oven recipes. This will help you save time and guesswork.



✅ General Conversion Chart:

Food Type Oven Temp Oven Time Air Fryer Temp Air Fryer Time

Chicken Breast 200°C 25 mins 175°C 18-20 mins

French Fries (frozen) 220°C 30 mins 190°C 18-22 mins

Salmon Fillet 200°C 20 mins 175°C 14-16 mins

Roasted Vegetables 200°C 35 mins 175°C 25-28 mins

Chicken Wings 220°C 40 mins 190°C 28-32 mins

Meatballs 200°C 25 mins 175°C 18-20 mins

Baked Potatoes 200°C 60 mins 180°C 40-45 mins

Cookies 180°C 12 mins 160°C 8-10 mins

Pizza (reheat) 180°C 10 mins 160°C 5-6 mins

Fish Fingers 200°C 20 mins 180°C 12-15 mins



Keep in mind: Air fryers can vary a little based on size and brand. Always check your food a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.



Tips to Make the Perfect Conversion

Let’s look at some practical tips to make oven to air fryer conversion even smoother.



1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer helps cook food evenly. Some models preheat automatically, while others need 2-5 minutes.



2. Don’t Overcrowd

Air fryers need space to circulate air. If you overload the basket, food won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed.



3. Shake or Flip Halfway

Give your fries, nuggets, or veggies a shake halfway through cooking. For larger items like chicken or meat, flip them over for even browning.



4. Use a Spray of Oil

A little bit of oil spray can go a long way to making your food crispy — just don’t drench it. It’s still way less oil than deep frying.



5. Use Foil or Baking Paper (if needed)

For easy cleanup or sticky recipes, you can use air fryer-safe parchment or foil — just make sure it doesn’t block the airflow.



6. Test and Adjust

If it’s your first time converting a recipe, check a few minutes before the expected time. Every air fryer is a bit different, and it’s always better to adjust than overcook.



What Recipes Can Be Converted?

Almost any oven recipe can be converted to air fryer — but some work better than others.



✅ Great Recipes to Convert:

Chicken (wings, breast, thighs)



Fish and seafood



Frozen snacks (fries, nuggets, fish fingers)



Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, zucchini)



Toasted sandwiches



Cookies and small baked goods



Meatballs and sausages



❌ Not Ideal for Air Fryers:

Liquid batters (like for pancakes or tempura)



Large roasts that don’t fit



Soups and stews (no liquid recipes)



Cakes that need even rise (can be tricky)



Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced home cooks can make a few slip-ups when converting oven recipes. Here are some common things to watch out for:



Not reducing the temperature – food can burn quickly



Skipping the preheat – can lead to uneven cooking



Overloading the basket – makes food soggy



Not checking early – air fryers cook faster, so always check a bit early



Using too much oil – a little spray is enough



Benefits of Using an Air Fryer Over an Oven

Still on the fence about switching to air frying? Here’s why so many home cooks prefer it now:



Cooks Faster – perfect for busy evenings



Healthier Meals – less oil, less fat



Energy Efficient – especially great if you want to avoid heating up the whole kitchen



Crispy Results – fries, wings, and snacks come out golden and delicious



Easy to Clean – fewer pans and trays to scrub



Air Fryer Size and Recipe Conversions

One thing to keep in mind is your air fryer’s size. A small one can only cook 1-2 servings at a time. If your oven recipe is for 4 people, you may need to cook in batches.



Also, thicker foods (like stuffed chicken or thick meat cuts) may need slightly more time than the chart suggests. Just use a meat thermometer if you’re not sure — it takes out the guesswork.



Bonus: Temperature Conversion Chart (Celsius to Fahrenheit)

If your recipe uses Fahrenheit and your air fryer uses Celsius, use this quick chart:



Celsius Fahrenheit

160°C 320°F

170°C 340°F

180°C 355°F

190°C 375°F

200°C 390°F

220°C 430°F



Most air fryers in the UK use Celsius, but many recipes online use Fahrenheit. This quick guide will help you stay on track.



Final Thoughts

Converting oven recipes to air fryer isn’t hard — in fact, it’s surprisingly simple once you understand the basics. With just a few adjustments to temperature and time, you can enjoy quicker, crispier, and healthier meals.



The next time you see an oven recipe, don’t skip it — convert it! Save our free oven to air fryer conversion chart, and start air frying with confidence.



Air fryers have truly changed the game for home cooking. Whether you're making fries, chicken, veggies, or cookies, learning how to convert your favorite recipes will unlock a whole new world of easy, tasty meals.