How to Convert Oven Recipes to an Air Fryer

Quick answer

1. 1Reduce the oven temperature by 20°C (25°F).
2. 2Multiply the cooking time by 0.8.
3. 3Check 5 minutes before that adjusted time the first time you make it.
4. 4Halve the quantity if the original fills a full oven tray.
5. 5For meat, cook to internal temperature rather than to the clock.

Why the temperature has to come down

An oven relies largely on radiant heat and slow convection. An air fryer drives air across the food at speed, so heat enters the surface much faster at the same dial setting.

Keep the oven temperature and the outside browns before the middle is done. The lower setting restores the balance.

Where the 20% rule breaks

Thin and small food often finishes faster than 20% quicker, because there is barely any interior to heat. Check chips, wings and sliced vegetables early.

Dense food goes the other way. A whole chicken or a large joint may need close to the full oven time, because heat still has to conduct to the centre and surface airflow does nothing for that. Use a thermometer.

Recipes that will not convert

Anything with a wet batter, because it drips through the basket. Large cakes and bread that need room to rise clear of the element. Big trays of vegetables that rely on even oven browning rather than shaking.

Anything involving liquid - braises, casseroles, poaching - is a different appliance entirely.