Air fryers cook faster than ovens because hot air moves fast around a small space. The simple rule: lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and cut the time by about 20%, then check early. Enter your oven settings to get exact air fryer numbers, or use the chart for common foods.
Rule used: 25°F (15°C) lower and about 20% less time. Shake or flip halfway.
Air fryer cooking times chart
| Food | Temperature | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen french fries | 400°F / 200°C | 15–20 min | Shake halfway. |
| Fresh-cut fries | 380°F / 195°C | 15–20 min | Soak, dry well, toss with 1 tsp oil. |
| Chicken wings | 380°F / 195°C | 20–25 min | Finish at 400°F for 3–5 min to crisp. |
| Boneless chicken breast | 375°F / 190°C | 18–22 min | Cook to 165°F (74°C) inside. |
| Bone-in chicken thighs | 380°F / 195°C | 22–25 min | Skin side up; 165°F inside. |
| Chicken tenders | 400°F / 200°C | 10–12 min | Flip once. |
| Frozen chicken nuggets | 400°F / 200°C | 10 min | No oil needed. |
| Salmon fillet | 390°F / 200°C | 7–10 min | Skin side down; 145°F inside. |
| Shrimp | 400°F / 200°C | 6–8 min | Shake halfway. |
| Boneless pork chops | 400°F / 200°C | 10–14 min | Flip once; 145°F inside. |
| Bacon | 350°F / 175°C | 8–10 min | Single layer. |
| Burger patties | 360°F / 180°C | 8–12 min | Flip halfway; 160°F inside. |
| Baked potato | 400°F / 200°C | 35–45 min | Prick and rub with oil and salt. |
| Sweet potato cubes | 400°F / 200°C | 15–18 min | Toss with oil; shake twice. |
| Brussels sprouts | 375°F / 190°C | 15–18 min | Halve them; shake halfway. |
| Broccoli florets | 375°F / 190°C | 8–10 min | Toss with oil and salt. |
| Cauliflower florets | 390°F / 200°C | 12–15 min | Shake halfway. |
| Zucchini slices | 400°F / 200°C | 10–12 min | Pat dry before seasoning. |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 270°F / 130°C | 15–17 min | Then an ice bath. |
| Reheat pizza | 350°F / 175°C | 3–5 min | Crust crisps again. |
| Frozen mozzarella sticks | 390°F / 200°C | 6–8 min | Do not overcrowd. |
Oven to air fryer conversion chart
| Oven | Air fryer | Oven time | Air fryer time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 325°F / 163°C | 300°F / 149°C | 10 min | 8 min |
| 350°F / 177°C | 325°F / 163°C | 15 min | 12 min |
| 375°F / 191°C | 350°F / 177°C | 20 min | 16 min |
| 400°F / 204°C | 375°F / 191°C | 25 min | 20 min |
| 425°F / 218°C | 400°F / 204°C | 30 min | 24 min |
| 450°F / 232°C | 425°F / 218°C | 40 min | 32 min |
How to use the Air Fryer Converter
- Enter the oven temperature from the recipe and choose °F or °C.
- Enter the oven cooking time in minutes.
- Use the air fryer temperature and time shown, and start checking at the "check at" time.
- Shake or flip food halfway, and do not overcrowd the basket.
Examples
Air fryer 375°F for about 20 min; check at 16 min.
Air fryer 325°F for about 32 min; check at 26 min.
Recipes that work great in the air fryer
Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps30 min · 33 ingredients
Quick Summer Lunch Wraps10 min · 11 ingredients
Summer Pasta Salad with Feta50 min · 20 ingredients
Budget-Friendly Quick Meals: Quick and Easy Stir-Fries30 min · 2 ingredients
Quick Vegetarian Pasta Salad: Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes15 min · 16 ingredients
Quick Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps with Tofu and Vegetables15 min · 16 ingredients
Quick Vegetarian Flatbreads: Naan Pizza with Roasted Vegetables25 min · 12 ingredients
Quick Vegetarian Pad Thai: A Simplified Recipe20 min · 16 ingredientsFrequently asked questions
How do I convert oven time to air fryer time?
Reduce the oven time by about 20% and lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C). Check the food a few minutes early, since air fryers vary.
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
A 3 to 5 minute preheat gives crispier results for meat and frozen foods. Many vegetables cook fine without it.
Can I bake in an air fryer?
Yes, small cakes, muffins and cookies work well. Use a lower temperature (about 25–30°F less than the oven) so the outside does not brown before the center is cooked.
Why is my air fryer food not crispy?
Usually the basket is too full. Cook in a single layer, pat food dry, use a light coat of oil and shake halfway.