How to Convert Any Oven Recipe to Air Fryer: Beyond the Basics

You already know the basic rule: reduce oven temperature by 25°F and cut cooking time by 20%. But what about casseroles? Cakes? A whole chicken? This guide goes beyond the basics to help you convert virtually any oven recipe to your air fryer with confidence.

The Standard Conversion Rule (Quick Refresher)

For most foods: Air Fryer Temp = Oven Temp − 25°F and Air Fryer Time = Oven Time × 0.8. Our Air Fryer Conversion Calculator handles this instantly. But this rule works best for single-layer foods like chicken breasts, vegetables, and frozen items. Complex dishes need more nuance.

Converting Casseroles and Baked Dishes

Casseroles are tricky because air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, which can brown the top before the center heats through:

• Use a pan that fits your air fryer basket (6-inch round pans work for most models)
• Reduce temperature by 30–40°F (not just 25°F) to prevent burning the top
• Cover with foil for the first 60–70% of cooking time, then remove to brown
• Add 5–10% more cooking time compared to the standard conversion
• Use an instant-read thermometer — the center should reach at least 165°F for dishes containing meat

Baking in an Air Fryer

Yes, you can bake muffins, small cakes, and cookies in an air fryer:

• Muffins/cupcakes: Use silicone molds. Reduce temp by 25°F, time by 30%. Check with a toothpick.
• Cookies: Parchment paper in the basket. Reduce temp by 20°F, time by 40%. They cook fast.
• Small cakes: Use a 6-inch round pan. Reduce temp by 30°F, add 10% time. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.
• Bread: Works for small loaves and rolls. Reduce temp by 25°F. Similar time to oven.

Roasts and Whole Proteins

Air fryers excel at roasting — the circulating air creates incredible crispy exteriors:

• Whole chicken (3–4 lbs): 360°F for 50–60 minutes, flipping halfway. Internal temp: 165°F.
• Pork tenderloin: 400°F for 15–20 minutes. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
• Beef roast: Sear at 400°F for 5 minutes, then drop to 350°F. Time varies by size — use our Cooking Time Calculator for precision.

Foods You Should NOT Air Fry

• Wet batters (tempura, beer batter): Drips through the basket. Bread with dry coating instead.
• Large roasts (5+ lbs): Won't cook evenly; the outside dries out before the center reaches temp.
• Leafy greens: Get blown around and burn. Exception: kale chips with oil.
• Raw rice/pasta: There's no water — it won't cook.
• Cheese (by itself): Melts and creates a mess. Enclose in a wrapper (like a cheese-stuffed won ton) instead.

Air Fryer Capacity: The Hidden Variable

The biggest conversion mistake isn't temperature or time — it's overcrowding. Air fryers need airflow to work. A crowded basket means soggy food and uneven cooking. For crispy results:

• Fill the basket only 50–60% full
• Cook in batches rather than piling food up
• Shake the basket or flip items halfway through

For portion planning, use our Portion Size Calculator to figure out how much food you actually need per person.