# What are my air fryer settings?

Converts an oven recipe to an air fryer: a lower temperature and a shorter time (25 °F cooler and 20% shorter by default), with the USDA safe internal temperature for the food.

- Page: https://www.acalculator.org/food/air-fryer-calculator
- JSON spec: https://www.acalculator.org/food/air-fryer-calculator.json
- Version: 6fbcd265aad6

## Default answer

Example with the default inputs (Oven temperature 400 °F, Oven time 20 min, Food Chicken or turkey, Lower the heat by, °F 25, Shorten the time by 20%): Set the air fryer to 375 °F (190.6 °C) for about 16 minutes.

## Inputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| t | Oven temperature | The oven temperature the recipe gives. |
| m | Oven time | The cooking time the recipe gives. |
| f | Food | The food, for its USDA safe minimum internal temperature. |
| d | Lower the heat by, °F | How many degrees Fahrenheit cooler to run the air fryer; 25 °F (about 14 °C) is the usual rule. |
| c | Shorten the time by | How much shorter to cook; 20% is the usual rule. |

## Outputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| setting | Air fryer temperature | The oven temperature minus the drop, in °F and °C, to 4 significant figures. |
| minutes | Air fryer time (minutes) | The oven time less the cut; check the food a few minutes early. |
| fahrenheit | Air fryer (°F) | The setting in °F. |
| celsius | Air fryer (°C) | The setting in °C. |
| safe | Safe internal temperature | The USDA FSIS minimum internal temperature for the food, checked with a food thermometer. |

## Method

Air fryer °F = oven °F − drop (25 °F by default); time = oven time × (1 − cut), with a 20% cut by default. °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9.

## Assumptions

- An air fryer cooks like a small, strong convection oven, so food cooks faster at a lower setting. The 25 °F and 20% rule is a starting point; air fryers differ, so check early.
- Safe internal temperatures are the USDA FSIS minimums, measured with a food thermometer; they do not depend on the appliance.

## Worked examples

1. t = 477.594444, m = 1,200, f = poultry, d = 25, c = 20% gives fahrenheit = 375, celsius = 190.555556, minutes = 16, setting = 375 °F (190.6 °C), safe = 165 °F (73.89 °C). Source: USDA FSIS, Air Fryers and Food Safety (air fryers are countertop convection ovens; 350 to 400 °F; safe internal temperatures), https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/air-fryers-and-food-safety (retrieved 2026-10-03).
2. t = 473.15, m = 1,800, f = whole, d = 25, c = 20% gives fahrenheit = 367, minutes = 24, safe = 145 °F (62.78 °C), then rest 3 minutes. Source: USDA FSIS, Air Fryers and Food Safety (air fryers are countertop convection ovens; 350 to 400 °F; safe internal temperatures), https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/air-fryers-and-food-safety (retrieved 2026-10-03).

## FAQ

### How do I convert oven time and temperature to an air fryer?

A common rule is to lower the temperature by 25 °F and cut the time by about 20%. A recipe at 400 °F for 20 minutes becomes about 375 °F for 16 minutes. Check the food a few minutes early, because air fryers differ.

### Why does an air fryer need a lower temperature?

An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven (USDA FSIS). Its fan moves hot air fast over the food, so the outside browns and cooks quicker than in a regular oven at the same setting.

### How do I know the food is done?

Use a food thermometer. USDA FSIS safe minimums: poultry 165 °F, ground meat 160 °F, steaks, chops and roasts 145 °F with a 3-minute rest, fish 145 °F, egg dishes 160 °F, leftovers 165 °F.

### What temperature range do air fryers use?

Most foods cook at 350 to 400 °F for 5 to 25 minutes, according to USDA FSIS. The page shows no answer if the converted setting falls below 200 °F.

### Can I change the 25 °F and 20% rule?

Yes. Open More options to set your own temperature drop in °F and time cut in percent; set both to 0 to keep the oven values.

### Should I fill the basket?

No. USDA FSIS warns that overcrowding blocks the air flow and can leave food undercooked. Cook large amounts in batches.

## Sources

- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Air Fryers and Food Safety: air fryers are countertop convection ovens; foods generally need 5 to 25 minutes at 350 to 400 °F; safe minimum internal temperatures. Read in a browser; retrieved 2026-10-03. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/air-fryers-and-food-safety
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart: poultry 165 °F, ground meats 160 °F, beef, pork, veal and lamb steaks, chops and roasts 145 °F with a 3-minute rest, fish and shellfish 145 °F, eggs 160 °F, leftovers 165 °F. Read in a browser; retrieved 2026-10-03. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart
- Wikipedia, Convection oven: a fan oven is usually set lower than a non-fan oven. Retrieved 2026-10-03. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convection_oven