How to Convert Oven Recipes to Air Fryer Recipes

Learn how to easily convert oven recipes to air fryer recipes and enjoy healthier, crispier and delicious meals in no time.

IT’S SIMPLE TO MAKE THE CONVERSIONS

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. I love mine! With their ability to quickly and evenly cook a variety of foods, it’s no surprise that many folks are eager to adapt their favorite oven recipes for the air fryer. But how do you convert an oven recipe to an air fryer recipe? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the switch!

Image for How to Convert Oven Recipes to Air Fryer Recipes. Image in the background shows an ir fryer basket that has cooked chicken thighs in it.

Why Convert Oven Recipes to Air Fryer Recipes?

There are several benefits to converting oven recipes to air fryer recipes:

You can enjoy crispy, delicious meals with less oil
You can cook food faster and more evenly
You can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your electricity bill

A perfectly cooked Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer basket.

How to Convert Oven Recipes to Air Fryer Recipes

Time needed: 5 minutes

Here are some tips and tricks for converting oven recipes to air fryer recipes:

Adjust the temperature
First you’ll need to decrease the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, if the oven recipe calls for 425 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll want to set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reduce the cooking time
Air fryers cook food faster than ovens, so you’ll need to reduce the cooking time when using an air fryer. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the cooking time by 20-30%. So if an oven recipe says to cook for 15 minutes, you would air fry for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the food as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Use nonstick cooking spray
Air fryers have a non-stick coating but it’s still a good idea to use cooking spray to prevent food from sticking. However, a lot of cooking sprays can gunk up the air fryer basket so I always suggest using olive oil spray. This is less likely to make your basket get sticky with regular use and will make it easier to clean.
Shake the basket or tray
In an air fryer, it’s important to shake the basket or tray every few minutes to ensure that the food cooks evenly. Note: This will usually apply only to frozen foods (or foods that you want to make extra crispy) so always check recipe instructions on whether the basket needs to be shaken. In general, meat recipes will not require this but they may require you to flip the meat.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What if I have a toaster oven style air fryer and not a basket air fryer?

There are many different types of air fryers these days. They come in all shapes and sizes. For this post, I am speaking specifically about basket air fryers since that is the kind that most people own. However, in general, the same rules apply to all air fryers. Some toaster oven type air fryers can cook even faster than basket air fryers so keep an eye on cooking times.

Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use parchment paper in an air fryer. However, be sure to use perforated parchment paper, which allows hot air to circulate around the food. It’s super important not to disrupt the air flow in the air fryer as it will cause food to cook unevenly.

Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer. Actually, this is why so many people love their air fryers. Many companies now even put air fryer instructions on their frozen food packaging. So check the back of that bag to see if there are manufacturer’s instructions for recommended cooking times and temperatures.

Can I cook anything in an air fryer?

While air fryers are great for cooking a variety of foods, not everything can be cooked in an air fryer. Foods that are very wet or contain a lot of liquid (like soups and stews) are not suitable for air frying.

Can I stack food in my air fryer?

While some toaster oven style air fryers have several racks that allow you to stack food, it’s generally best to avoid stacking food in an air fryer. This can prevent air from circulating around the food, resulting in uneven cooking.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Not always. Check any recipe you are using on whether or not you need to preheat the air fryer first before cooking.

Conclusion:

Remember the general rule of thumb when converting oven recipes to air fryer recipes: Reduce the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce the cooing time by 20%. If cooking raw meat, always cook to the FDA recommended internal temperatures.