Cooking Time Converter
Adjust cooking time and temperature when switching between conventional oven, fan/convection oven, and air fryer.
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How to use this calculator
Fan and convection ovens circulate hot air, cooking food faster at lower temperatures. Air fryers are essentially compact convection ovens with even more aggressive air circulation, reducing both temperature and time further.
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Enter the temperature and cooking time from your original recipe.
- 2
Select the oven type the recipe was written for.
- 3
Select the oven type you are using.
- 4
Read the adjusted temperature and time for perfect results.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a fan oven cook faster?
A fan (convection) oven circulates hot air around the food, eliminating cold spots and transferring heat more efficiently. This lets you cook at 20°C lower and about 10% less time.
Is an air fryer the same as a convection oven?
An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven with a more powerful fan and smaller cooking space. The intense air circulation means you can reduce temperature by 20°C and cut cooking time by 20–25%.
Should I preheat my air fryer?
Yes, most air fryers benefit from a 3–5 minute preheat. Some models preheat very quickly due to their small cavity, so check your manual.
Cooking Time Converter — Conventional, Fan, and Air Fryer
Conventional vs. Fan Oven
Conventional ovens heat from top and bottom elements without fan circulation, creating uneven heat zones. Fan (convection) ovens add a fan to circulate air evenly, allowing you to reduce temperature by 20°C (35°F) and cooking time by about 10%.
Converting Recipes for an Air Fryer
When converting a conventional oven recipe to an air fryer, reduce the temperature by 20°C and cut the cooking time by 20–25%. Always check food a few minutes before the adjusted time, especially for thin foods like chicken breasts or fish fillets.
Tips for Accurate Oven Conversion
Every oven is slightly different — use an oven thermometer to verify your oven runs true. For baked goods like cakes, err on the side of caution: check doneness with a toothpick rather than relying solely on time.
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