Air Fryer Conversion Calculator
A recipe for 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes becomes 375°F (191°C) for about 24 minutes in an air fryer. If the recipe was written for a fan (convection) oven, keep 400°F and still cut the time to about 24 minutes. These are rules of thumb, so check the food with a thermometer.
How to use
- Enter the oven temperature from the recipe and choose °F or °C.
- Enter the oven time in minutes.
- Choose Standard oven, or Fan (convection) oven if the recipe says fan, convection or "reduce by 20°C".
- Read the air fryer temperature and time. Start checking at the low end of the time range.
- Check the center of the food with a thermometer against the safe temperatures below before you serve it.
How it works
Temperature = oven temperature - 25°F (or - 15°C) for a standard oven. The range is 15 to 25°F (10 to 15°C) lower. The result is rounded to the nearest 5 degrees because air fryer dials move in steps. For a fan oven the temperature stays the same.
Time = oven time x 0.8, which is 20% shorter. The range is 15% to 25% shorter (x 0.85 to x 0.75), rounded to whole minutes. Example: 400°F for 30 minutes gives 375°F and 24 minutes, with 23 to 26 minutes as the range.
These are common kitchen conventions, not a physical law. Air fryers differ in size, fan power and basket shape, and a full basket cooks slower than a single layer. Use the result as a starting point, shake or turn the food halfway, and trust a food thermometer over the clock.
Safe minimum internal temperatures (USDA)
The final check for any air fryer recipe. Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service safe temperature chart.
| Food | °F | °C |
|---|---|---|
| Poultry, ground poultry, leftovers, casseroles | 165 | 74 |
| Ground beef, pork, veal and lamb | 160 | 71 |
| Egg dishes | 160 | 71 |
| Beef, pork, veal and lamb steaks, chops and roasts (3 minute rest) | 145 | 63 |
| Fish and shellfish | 145 | 63 |
Sources: USDA FSIS (safe minimum internal temperatures)Last reviewed 2026-10-16
FAQ
How much do I lower the temperature for an air fryer?
The usual rule is 25°F (about 15°C) lower than the oven recipe, and 15 to 25°F (10 to 15°C) is the common range. Many recipes also cut the time by about 20%.
What if my oven recipe is for a fan or convection oven?
A fan oven already moves hot air, so the temperature is not lowered again. Keep the same temperature and still start checking early, since an air fryer is a small, fast fan oven.
How do I know the food is safe?
Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part. USDA safe minimums are 165°F (74°C) for poultry, 160°F (71°C) for ground meat and egg dishes, and 145°F (63°C) for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb and fish. The thermometer reading, not the timer, decides.
Does this work for frozen food?
Not reliably. Frozen foods usually list their own air fryer settings on the package, and those are better than a converted oven time. Use this tool for recipes written for a regular oven.
Why is the temperature capped around 400°F?
Most air fryers top out at 400°F (200°C). If the converted temperature is higher, the tool says so, and you will need a longer time at the highest setting.