Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, and for good reason. They’re fast, convenient, and often more energy-efficient than traditional ovens. As air fryers become more popular, many home cooks are looking for ways to adapt their favorite oven recipes for air fryer cooking.
This guide will show you how to do just that. We’ll cover everything you need to know for a successful oven to air fry conversion, including adjusting cooking times and temperatures, which foods work best (and which don’t), and some helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of your air fryer.
Understanding the Air Fryer
Air fryers have become wildly popular lately, but what exactly is an air fryer, and how does it work?
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is basically a small convection oven that rapidly circulates hot air around the food to cook it quickly and give it a crispy texture. It’s often considered a healthier way to cook because you don’t have to use nearly as much oil as you would with traditional deep frying.
What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
You can cook a whole bunch of stuff in an air fryer! People use them for chicken, vegetables, frozen foods like fries or chicken nuggets, and even baked goods.
That said, some foods just don’t work as well in an air fryer. We’ll get into that later.
Converting Oven Recipes to Air Fryer Recipes: The General Rule
So, you want to make your favorite oven recipe in your air fryer? Here’s the general rule of thumb:
Temperature Adjustment
In most cases, you’ll want to dial back the temperature by 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why? Because air fryers use concentrated heat and circulate air much faster than your regular oven, which means food cooks more quickly.
Time Adjustment
A good starting point is to reduce the cooking time by about 20%. Keep a close eye on your food, though, especially when you’re trying out a recipe for the first time.
Practical Considerations
A couple of things to keep in mind:
- Preheating is key. Make sure your air fryer is preheated before you put the food in.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Spread the food out in a single layer so the hot air can circulate evenly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying air-fried versions of your favorite oven recipes in no time!
What about deep fryer recipes?
If you’re adapting a recipe from a deep fryer, lower the temperature by 25 degrees. So, if the recipe calls for 375°F in a deep fryer, set your air fryer to 350°F.
With an air fryer, you don’t need much oil. You should lightly spray foods with oil unless they’re already high in fat. A little oil helps with browning and crisping, giving you that fried texture without all the extra calories. If you don’t use any oil, your food might come out dry.
Cooking Frozen Foods in the Air Fryer
You can cook frozen foods in an air fryer using the same conversion methods as for fresh foods. Usually, you’ll want to reduce the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and cut the cooking time by roughly 20%. Remember to check for doneness frequently as you approach the estimated time.
Air fryers are great for frozen french fries, chicken nuggets, tater tots, pizza rolls, fish sticks, and just about anything else you’d normally bake in the oven. The results are often crispier, and the process is much faster!
Reheating Leftovers in the Air Fryer
Air fryers aren’t just for cooking from scratch; they’re amazing for reheating leftovers. They can restore the original texture and flavor, making your food taste like it just came out of the kitchen.
Here are some basic guidelines for reheating common leftovers:
- Pizza: 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Fried foods: 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes.
- Roasted meats: 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Keep an eye on your food and adjust the time as needed to avoid overcooking.
What not to air fry
Air fryers are great, but they’re not right for every food. Some foods just don’t turn out well in an air fryer.
For example, anything covered in a really thin, wet batter. That batter will drip right through the basket and make a huge mess. Foods that are naturally very wet also don’t crisp up properly in an air fryer.
Finally, a lot of traditional baked goods don’t work well in air fryers. They’re just too delicate, and the air fryer tends to dry them out.
If you’re trying to cook something like that, it’s better to stick to baking, traditional frying, or whatever the recipe calls for.
Chef’s Tips for Air Fryer Success
Air fryers are easy to use, but here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- Check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Prevent sticking. Use parchment paper or silicone liners to keep food from sticking to the basket.
- Shake or flip food. Shake or flip food halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Avoid certain cooking sprays. Don’t use cooking sprays like Pam, as they can damage the air fryer’s non-stick coating.
- Cook in batches. For large recipes, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket and ensure even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 350 degrees in an air fryer?
Generally, if a recipe calls for 350°F in a conventional oven, you’ll want to reduce the temperature slightly when using an air fryer. Try setting your air fryer to around 325°F. However, keep a close eye on your food, as air fryers can cook things faster.
What is 425 oven to air fryer?
When converting from a 425°F oven temperature to an air fryer, I recommend lowering the temperature to around 400°F. Air fryers circulate hot air more efficiently, so reducing the temperature helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking.
How do I convert my oven time to air fryer?
A good rule of thumb is to reduce the cooking time by about 20% when using an air fryer compared to an oven. So, if a recipe calls for 20 minutes in the oven, start checking for doneness around 16 minutes in the air fryer. Always err on the side of caution and check your food frequently.
What is the 20/20 rule for air fryers?
The “20/20 rule” refers to decreasing both the temperature and the cooking time by 20% when adapting an oven recipe for the air fryer. This is a general guideline, and it’s always best to monitor your food closely and adjust as needed based on your specific air fryer and the recipe.
Key Takeaways
Converting oven recipes to air fryer recipes is mostly a matter of lowering the temperature and reducing the cooking time.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt your favorite recipes to your air fryer. With a little practice, you can use your air fryer to cook faster and healthier versions of all your favorite foods.