Problem: Air fryers heat from the top, so bottoms can remain undercooked.
Solution: Flip proteins halfway. Shake baskets containing fries or vegetables every 5 minutes.
Deep Fry to Air Fryer Conversion
Converting deep fryer recipes requires different adjustments than oven recipes:
Deep fry temperatures: Most foods cook at 350-375°F (175-190°C)
Air fryer adjustment: Use 325-350°F (160-175°C) - slightly lower than the 20/20
rule
Time adjustment: Add 2-5 minutes compared to deep frying (air is less efficient
than oil)
Oil requirement: Lightly spray food with oil for crispiness - don't rely on dry
heat alone
Example: Deep fried chicken wings at 375°F for 10 minutes → Air fry at 350°F for
12-14 minutes, flipping halfway.
The Science of Convection: Why Air Fryers Are Different
An air fryer isn't actually "frying" food in the traditional sense. It is a highly powerful
convection oven. The magic happens through a combination of a concentrated heating
element and a large, high-velocity fan situated directly above the food basket. This technology,
often referred to as "Rapid Air Technology," creates a whirlwind of hot air that wraps around every
millimeter of your food.
In a standard conventional oven, hot air is static. It relies on slow heat transfer. In contrast,
models like the Ninja Foodi or Cosori Pro II utilize localized air
pressure to strip away moisture from the surface of food almost instantly, mimicking the "Maillard
reaction" usually reserved for deep-frying. This is why our 20/20 rule calculator is essential - the heat intensity requires
precise adjustments.
Understanding the "20/20 Rule" for Success
Through thousands of kitchen tests, culinary experts have established the 20/20 rule
as the gold standard for conversion. This scientific approach requires two distinct adjustments:
Temperature Reduction: Lower the oven's suggested temperature by 20%
(or roughly 25°F to 35°F). This accounts for the intense proximity of the heat
source. See our temperature conversion charts
for exact values.
Time Reduction: Cut the cooking duration by 20%. This prevents
the high-speed air from drying out the interior of your proteins. Use our time conversion table for quick reference.
Model-Specific Conversion Tips: Ninja, Cosori, and More
Not all air fryers are created equal. Depending on the wattage and basket size of your specific
brand, you might need slight variations from our standard conversion calculator:
Ninja Foodi & Ninja Air Fryer
Ninja models are known for extremely high-wattage fans (1500-1800W). Users often find that the
"Max Crisp" setting requires an even deeper time reduction sometimes up to 30% when
cooking frozen appetizers like fries or nuggets.
Common Ninja conversions follow the same 20/20 rule, such as 400°F oven to 375°F air fryer or 425°F
to 400°F. Always check food 2-3 minutes early on first attempts.
Cosori & Instant Vortex
The Cosori square basket design is excellent for air circulation and typically
adheres strictly to the 20/20 rule. The Instant Vortex (from the makers of Instant
Pot) features a "ClearCook" window which helps you monitor doneness without opening the basket a
crucial step for maintaining heat stability and avoiding common mistakes.
Phillips Airfryer XL
As the pioneer of air frying, Phillips uses a patented "Starfish" bottom to redirect air. This
creates a very even cook, making it the best model for baking cakes or muffins using oven recipes.
Refer to our baking conversion chart for specific
settings.
Ultimate Internal Temperature Guide for Safety
Precision is key to avoiding foodborne illness while ensuring your meat remains juicy. Use the table
below alongside our calculator to cross-reference
doneness.
Food Item
Target Internal Temp
Pro Tip
Chicken Breast
165°F (74°C)
Rest for 5 mins after air frying.
Chicken Wings
165°F (74°C)
Flip every 5 minutes for even crisping.
Steak (Medium Rare)
135°F (57°C)
Flip halfway for even sear.
Pork Chops
145°F (63°C)
Light oil spray prevents drying.
Salmon Fillet
145°F (63°C)
Cook skin-side up for first 4 mins.
FAQ: Air Fryer Conversions
What is 400°F in Celsius for an air fryer?
400°F is about 204°C. For air fryers, you can usually reduce the oven setting by around 20°C (or
35°F) using our 20/20 rule calculator.
How do I convert oven time to air fryer time?
Reduce the oven time by about 20%. For example, 20 minutes in the oven becomes about 16 minutes in
the air fryer. See our time conversion chart for
common values.
What is 350°F in Celsius for an air fryer?
350°F is about 177°C. A typical air fryer conversion is around 325°F (160°C). Check our F to C conversion table for more values.
What is 375°F in Celsius for an air fryer?
375°F is about 190°C. A typical air fryer conversion is around 350°F (175°C). For Ninja air fryers,
you might need to reduce slightly more.
What is 160°C in Fahrenheit for an air fryer?
160°C is about 320°F. A common air fryer conversion is around 140°C (285°F). Visit our C to F converter for the full chart.
What is 200°C in Fahrenheit for an air fryer?
200°C is about 392°F. A common air fryer conversion is around 180°C (356°F). This is a popular
setting for frozen foods and roasting.
How do I convert 25 minutes at 200°C to air fryer time?
Reduce the time by about 20%. 25 minutes becomes about 20 minutes in the air fryer. Use our calculator tool for precise conversions.
What is 375°F to Celsius for a Ninja air fryer?
375°F is about 190°C. For Ninja air fryers, use the 20/20 rule: 350°F (175°C) is typical, but check 2
minutes early due to higher wattage.
How to change Instant air fryer from Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Press and hold the temperature button for 3-5 seconds until the display switches between °C and °F.
Exact steps vary by model - consult your manual for the Instant Vortex or other models.
How do I convert baking instructions to air fryer?
Reduce oven temperature by 20°C (35°F) and reduce time by 20%. Check baked goods 5 minutes early to
prevent over-browning. Refer to our baking conversion
table for specific items like cookies and cakes.
Why does my air fryer food burn even with the 20/20 rule?
You may be making one of these common mistakes:
overcrowding, not preheating, or your specific model (like Ninja) runs hotter than average. Try
reducing time by an additional 10%.