📐 Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Guide (Temperature & Time Chart)
By Chef Hajar · Updated 9/13/2026
The definitive 25/20 method for converting any oven recipe to the air fryer - plus a printable time/temperature chart for the most common foods.
## The 25/20 Rule: Convert Any Oven Recipe
Every air fryer owner hits the same wall: **"my recipe says oven 400F for 30 minutes - what do I do?"** The chef-tested answer is the **25/20 rule**: lower the temperature by 25F (15C) and reduce the cooking time by 20%.
> Oven 400F for 30 min -> Air fryer 375F for 24 min
> Oven 425F for 45 min -> Air fryer 400F for 36 min
### Why the air fryer cooks faster
The air fryer is a tiny convection oven with a powerful fan, so heat reaches food from all sides and moisture leaves the surface quickly. Less air volume + faster air movement = dramatically shorter cook times at a slightly lower temperature.
### Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Chart
| Oven Temp | Air Fryer Temp | Time Adjustment |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 300F / 150C | 275F / 135C | minus 20% |
| 325F / 165C | 300F / 150C | minus 20% |
| 350F / 175C | 325F / 165C | minus 20% |
| 375F / 190C | 350F / 180C | minus 20% |
| 400F / 200C | 375F / 190C | minus 20% |
| 425F / 220C | 400F / 200C | minus 20% |
| 450F / 230C | 425F / 220C | minus 20% |
### Quick Reference for Common Foods
| Food | Air Fryer Temp | Time |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Chicken wings | 400F / 200C | 20-25 min |
| Chicken breast | 375F / 190C | 18-22 min |
| Frozen french fries | 400F / 200C | 12-15 min |
| Salmon fillet | 390F / 200C | 10-12 min |
| Steak (medium) | 400F / 200C | 8-12 min |
| Meatballs | 390F / 200C | 10 min |
| Roasted vegetables | 390F / 200C | 8-10 min |
| Cookies | 350F / 180C | 7-9 min |
| Bacon | 380F / 195C | 8-10 min |
| Egg bites | 300F / 150C | 12-14 min |
### 5 Golden Rules of Conversion
1. **Preheat 3-4 minutes** - hot air needs a running start.
2. **Never fill the basket past 70%** - crowding blocks airflow and steams instead of crisps.
3. **Shake or flip halfway** - the fan does the work, the basket needs a turn.
4. **Verify with a thermometer** - chicken 165F, steak 130-145F, salmon 135F, pork 145F.
5. **Start checking at 75% of the converted time** - every air fryer runs slightly hot or cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rule for converting oven time to air fryer time?
Reduce the temperature by 25F (15C) and cut the cooking time by 20%. For example, a recipe that bakes at 400F for 30 minutes becomes 375F for 24 minutes in the air fryer.
Do all foods follow the 25/20 rule?
It works for most baked and roasted foods. Battered and deep-fried foods, and anything delicate like fish, need gentle trial on the first batch - always verify with an instant-read thermometer.
Should I preheat the air fryer?
Yes - 3 to 4 minutes empty at cooking temperature gives proteins a searing start and produces a much better crust.