Air Fryer Calculator

How to Use This Air Fryer Calculator

Using this air fryer calculator is straightforward. Enter your oven temperature, choose whether you are working in Celsius or Fahrenheit, type in your oven cooking time in hours and minutes, select the food category that best matches what you are making, and hit “Convert to Air Fryer.” The calculator instantly gives you the adjusted air fryer temperature and cooking time, plus category-specific tips to get the best results.

You do not need to do any maths. The calculator handles everything, so you can focus on cooking.

Why You Need an Air Fryer Cooking Time Calculator

Converting oven recipes to air fryer times is one of the most common questions new air fryer owners ask. Most recipes online are still written for conventional ovens, but the good news is that converting them is simple once you understand two basic rules.

Rule 1: Lower the temperature. Air fryers run hotter than conventional ovens because they circulate hot air directly around your food. As a general rule, reduce your oven temperature by about 20 degrees Celsius (or 25 degrees Fahrenheit) when switching to an air fryer.

Rule 2: Reduce the cooking time. Because air fryers cook more efficiently, you typically need about 20 to 25 percent less time than a conventional oven recipe calls for. Some foods, like thin fish fillets or frozen chips, cook even faster.

Our air fryer calculator applies both rules automatically, with adjustments based on the specific type of food you are cooking. That means you get a more accurate result than a one-size-fits-all formula would give you.

Air Fryer Conversion Chart: Quick Reference

If you prefer a quick reference, use the table below as a starting point. Always use the calculator above for the most accurate result for your specific recipe.

These figures are a solid starting point for most recipes. The calculator above gives you a more precise result based on what you are cooking.

Air Fryer Cooking Times by Food Type

Different foods behave differently in the air fryer. Here is a detailed breakdown of the most popular categories, along with recommended air fryer times and temperatures.

Chicken

Chicken is one of the most popular things to cook in an air fryer, and for good reason. The circulating hot air gives chicken skin a wonderfully crispy finish without deep frying.

• Chicken breast (boneless, 150-200g): 180°C / 360°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway
• Chicken thighs (bone-in): 190°C / 375°F for 22 to 25 minutes
• Chicken wings: 200°C / 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway
• Whole chicken (1.2-1.5kg): 180°C / 360°F for 55 to 65 minutes
• Chicken tenders / strips: 190°C / 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes

Always check that the internal temperature of chicken has reached 75°C / 165°F before serving. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking for the crispiest skin.

Fish and Seafood

Fish cooks extremely quickly in the air fryer. It is one of the easiest proteins to overcook, so check it a couple of minutes before the recommended time.

• Salmon fillet (150-180g): 180°C / 360°F for 8 to 10 minutes
• White fish (cod, haddock, tilapia): 180°C / 360°F for 8 to 12 minutes
• Prawns / shrimp: 190°C / 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes
• Fish fingers (from frozen): 200°C / 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes

A light spray of oil helps prevent delicate fish from sticking to the basket.

Vegetables

Air fryer vegetables are a revelation. They develop caramelised, slightly crispy edges that you simply cannot achieve by boiling or steaming.

• Broccoli florets: 190°C / 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes
• Brussels sprouts (halved): 190°C / 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes
• Asparagus: 180°C / 360°F for 7 to 9 minutes
• Courgette / zucchini: 180°C / 360°F for 8 to 10 minutes
• Cauliflower florets: 190°C / 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes
• Sweet potato cubes: 190°C / 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes

Toss vegetables in a teaspoon or two of oil and your favourite seasoning before cooking. Cut pieces to a similar size so everything finishes at the same time.

Chips and Fries

Homemade air fryer chips use up to 80 percent less oil than deep-fried chips while still delivering a golden, crispy result.

• Homemade thick chips: 200°C / 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking every 7 minutes
• Homemade thin fries: 200°C / 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes
• Frozen chips: 200°C / 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes
• Potato wedges: 190°C / 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes

For the crispiest homemade chips, soak cut potatoes in cold water for at least 20 minutes, then pat them completely dry before cooking.

Beef and Steak

The air fryer produces a beautifully seared exterior on steak in a fraction of the time of the oven.

• Sirloin steak (2cm thick), medium rare: 200°C / 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway
• Sirloin steak (2cm thick), medium: 200°C / 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes
• Beef meatballs: 180°C / 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes
• Beef burgers: 180°C / 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes per side

Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.

Pork

Pork is one of the most versatile proteins in the air fryer. Pork belly crackling, in particular, is outstanding.

• Pork chops (2cm thick): 190°C / 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes
• Pork belly (scored): 200°C / 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes
• Pork sausages: 180°C / 360°F for 12 to 15 minutes
• Pork tenderloin: 180°C / 360°F for 20 to 22 minutes

Score the fat on pork belly deeply to help the fat render and the skin crisp up. Always check that pork reaches an internal temperature of 63°C / 145°F.

Pizza and Flatbreads

The air fryer reheats pizza to crispy, golden perfection. It is far superior to the microwave.

• Frozen pizza (personal size): 180°C / 360°F for 8 to 12 minutes
• Leftover pizza (reheating): 160°C / 320°F for 3 to 4 minutes
• Flatbread pizza: 180°C / 360°F for 5 to 7 minutes

Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes before cooking pizza to get a crispier base.

Baked Goods and Pastries

Yes, you can bake in an air fryer. It works especially well for smaller batches of muffins, scones, cookies, and pastries.

• Muffins: 160°C / 320°F for 12 to 15 minutes
• Scones: 180°C / 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes
• Cookies: 160°C / 320°F for 8 to 10 minutes
• Croissants (from frozen): 160°C / 320°F for 12 to 15 minutes
• Cinnamon rolls: 160°C / 320°F for 10 to 12 minutes

Use silicone baking moulds or small ramekins lined with baking paper. Keep a close eye on baked goods, as the top can brown quickly in an air fryer.

Frozen Snacks

Frozen foods are where the air fryer truly shines. Results are crispier and faster than a conventional oven.

• Frozen chicken nuggets: 200°C / 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes
• Frozen spring rolls: 190°C / 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes
• Frozen onion rings: 190°C / 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes
• Frozen samosas: 180°C / 360°F for 10 to 12 minutes
• Frozen hash browns: 200°C / 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes

There is no need to thaw most frozen snacks before air frying. Simply add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if items are thicker or denser than usual.

How the Air Fryer Temperature Conversion Works

Our air fryer calculator uses two conversion rules that are grounded in how air fryers work physically.

Temperature: Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food. This makes them more efficient at transferring heat than a standard oven, which relies on radiant heat and slower convection. Because of this increased efficiency, the same temperature setting in an air fryer cooks food faster and at a more intense level than in a conventional oven. Reducing the temperature by 20°C (or 25°F) compensates for this difference and prevents your food from burning on the outside before the inside is fully cooked.

Time: The time reduction varies by food type. The calculator uses the following factors, which have been developed through testing across hundreds of recipes:

• General / other food: reduce time by 25%
• Chicken pieces and breast: reduce time by 25%
• Fish and seafood: reduce time by 30%
• Vegetables: reduce time by 28%
• Chips and fries: reduce time by 32%
• Steak and beef: reduce time by 35%
• Pork: reduce time by 25%
• Pizza and flatbreads: reduce time by 35%
• Baked goods and pastry: reduce time by 22%
• Frozen snacks: reduce time by 30%

These percentages are averages. The actual time for your specific recipe will depend on the size and thickness of your food, your specific air fryer model, and how full the basket is.

Tips for Getting the Best Results from Your Air Fryer

Do Not Overcrowd the Basket

This is the single most important tip for air fryer cooking. Hot air needs to circulate freely around every piece of food to cook it evenly and make it crispy. When you pile too much into the basket, the air cannot circulate properly and you end up with steamed, soggy food rather than crispy, golden food.

Cook in batches if necessary. It takes a little longer but the results are significantly better.

Preheat When Needed

Most air fryers benefit from a 2 to 3 minute preheat before you add your food, particularly for anything you want to be crispy, like chips, pastry, or pizza. Some modern air fryers preheat automatically, so check your model’s manual.

Shake or Flip Halfway Through

For most foods, shaking the basket or flipping the food halfway through the cooking time gives a more even result. This is especially important for chips, vegetables, chicken wings, and anything else that sits in the basket rather than on a rack.

Use a Light Spray of Oil

Even though air fryers require far less oil than deep frying, a light spray of cooking oil on most foods helps them brown and crisp more effectively. Avoid aerosol sprays that contain propellants, which can damage the non-stick coating on some baskets. Use a refillable oil mister instead.

Pat Food Dry Before Cooking

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat meats, fish, and vegetables dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer. This makes a noticeable difference to the final texture.

Check Early on Your First Attempt

Every air fryer model is slightly different. The first time you cook a new recipe, check on it a few minutes before the calculator’s suggested time. Once you know how your specific air fryer performs, you can adjust accordingly.

Use a Meat Thermometer

For meats, especially chicken and pork, use an instant-read meat thermometer rather than relying solely on time. Air fryer times are estimates and the actual time will vary based on the thickness of your cut.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Conversion

Can I use any oven recipe in the air fryer?

Most oven recipes can be adapted for the air fryer. The best candidates are recipes that involve roasting, baking, or reheating. Recipes that involve a lot of liquid, like soups, casseroles, or large batches of wet batter, are not suitable for the air fryer. Recipes for larger whole roasts (a full leg of lamb, for example) may not fit in most air fryer baskets.

Why is my air fryer food not crispy?

The most common reason is overcrowding. When food is piled up in the basket, steam builds up and makes the food soggy instead of crispy. Other reasons include cooking food that is too wet, not using any oil at all on foods that need it, or using too low a temperature.

Does the type of air fryer affect cooking time?

Yes, it can. Basket-style air fryers tend to cook faster and more evenly than oven-style air fryers for smaller portions. The wattage of your air fryer also makes a difference: a 1500W air fryer will cook food faster than a 900W model at the same temperature setting. If your food is consistently cooking faster or slower than the calculator suggests, adjust by 2 to 3 minutes in either direction.

Do I need to add oil to an air fryer?

You do not need to add much oil, but a small amount often improves results. Fresh vegetables, meats, and homemade goods generally benefit from a light coating of oil. Frozen foods that are already pre-coated in oil (like frozen chips or nuggets) typically need no additional oil.

Can I put foil or baking paper in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use both aluminium foil and perforated baking paper in an air fryer, but with important caveats. Never place foil or paper in the basket before turning the air fryer on, as loose sheets can fly into the heating element. Always place food on top of the liner to hold it down. Perforated parchment paper liners designed specifically for air fryers are the safest and most practical option.

How do I convert fan oven recipes to air fryer?

Fan ovens (also called convection ovens) already use circulating air, so they are closer to an air fryer than a standard static oven. If your recipe is written for a fan oven, reduce the temperature by about 10°C (15°F) rather than 20°C (25°F), and reduce the time by about 15 to 20 percent rather than 20 to 25 percent.

Is an air fryer the same as a mini oven?

No. An air fryer is closer to a countertop convection oven than a traditional mini oven. The key difference is the speed and intensity of air circulation. Air fryers are specifically designed to circulate air at very high speeds, which is what gives food its characteristically crispy texture.

What temperature is 180°C in an air fryer?

If your oven recipe calls for 180°C, set your air fryer to 160°C. In Fahrenheit, that is a reduction from 355°F to approximately 320°F. Remember to also reduce the cooking time by around 20 to 25 percent.

What temperature is 200°C in an air fryer?

If your oven recipe calls for 200°C, set your air fryer to 180°C. In Fahrenheit, that is a reduction from 400°F to approximately 360°F. Reduce the cooking time by around 20 to 25 percent.

The Science Behind Air Fryer Cooking

Air fryers work by using a powerful fan to circulate extremely hot air around food at high speed. This process is called rapid air technology or convection cooking. The result is that food cooks on all sides simultaneously, rather than from the bottom up as in a standard oven.

The Maillard reaction, which is the chemical process that causes food to brown and develop flavour, happens more quickly and evenly in an air fryer than in a conventional oven. This is why chicken skin, chips, and roasted vegetables come out so crispy and golden without needing to be submerged in oil.

The confined space of the air fryer basket also plays a role. Because the cooking chamber is small, heat builds up quickly and wraps around the food from every direction. This is why cooking times are shorter and temperatures need to be slightly lower to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked through.

Air Fryer vs Oven: Which Is Better?

Both have their place in the kitchen. Here is a simple comparison to help you decide when to use each.

Choose the air fryer when:

• You are cooking for one to four people
• You want crispy results with minimal oil
• Speed matters (air fryers are typically 20 to 30 percent faster)
• You are reheating leftovers (especially pizza, chips, or pastry)
• You are cooking frozen snacks or breaded foods
• You want to avoid heating up your whole kitchen

Choose the oven when:

• You are cooking a large batch or a whole roast
• Your recipe requires a large dish or tray
• You are baking bread, large cakes, or multi-tray batches
• You need precise, gentle, low and slow cooking
• You are cooking a recipe that involves a lot of liquid

The good news is you do not have to choose. Most home cooks use both, and our air fryer calculator makes it easy to switch between the two whenever it suits you.

Explore More Air Fryer Baking Recipes

Now that you have your cooking times sorted, browse our collection of tested air fryer baking recipes. Every recipe on this site has been developed specifically for the air fryer, so there is no guesswork involved.

Whether you are new to air fryer baking or looking to expand your repertoire, you will find recipes for everything from light and fluffy muffins to golden scones, crispy pastries, and indulgent cinnamon rolls.