Air Fryer Recipes & Guides
Everything you need to convert your favorite oven recipes for the air fryer — the core conversion rules, a quick-reference table, step-by-step example recipes, and answers to the questions home cooks ask most.
How to Adjust Oven Recipes for the Air Fryer
−25°F
Lower the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C). The air fryer's rapid fan-driven heat cooks the surface faster, so a slightly cooler setting prevents burnt outsides and raw centers.
−20%
Reduce the cooking time by roughly 20%. A 30-minute oven bake becomes about 24 minutes in the air fryer. Check doneness a few minutes early the first time you convert a recipe.
- Preheat 2–3 minutes for frozen or breaded foods; skip it for delicate bakes.
- Cook in a single layer — overcrowding blocks airflow and steams instead of crisps.
- Shake the basket or flip food halfway through for even browning.
Quick Reference: Common Conversions
| Food | Oven | Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| French Fries (frozen) | 425°F · 25 min | 400°F · 20 min |
| Chicken Wings | 400°F · 45 min | 375°F · 36 min |
| Frozen Pizza (personal) | 425°F · 15 min | 400°F · 12 min |
Example Recipe: Crispy Frozen Pizza
The air fryer turns a personal frozen pizza into a crispy, bubbling snack in about half the oven time — no preheating a full-size oven required.
- 1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes.
- 2Place the frozen pizza (or slices) in the basket in a single layer — trim to fit if needed.
- 3Air fry for 10–14 minutes, checking at the 8-minute mark. The cheese should bubble and the crust edges turn deep golden.
- 4Let rest 1–2 minutes before slicing — the cheese sets and won't slide off.
Example Recipe: Crispy Chicken Wings
Wings are where the air fryer truly shines — rendered fat, shattering skin, and no deep fryer mess.
- 1Pat 2 lbs of wings very dry, then toss with 1 tbsp oil, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp baking powder (the secret to extra-crispy skin).
- 2Air fry at 375°F for 24 minutes, flipping halfway.
- 3Crank to 400°F for a final 4–5 minutes to blister the skin.
- 4Toss in your favorite sauce and serve immediately.
Air Fryer FAQ
Why is my air fryer smoking?+
Smoking usually comes from excess grease dripping onto the hot heating element — common with fatty foods like wings or bacon. Add a tablespoon of water to the drawer under the basket, trim excess fat, and clean the basket and drawer after every use to prevent residue burn-off.
How do I reheat leftovers in an air fryer?+
Set the air fryer to 350°F and reheat for 3–5 minutes, checking halfway. Pizza, fries, and fried chicken come out crisp instead of soggy — far better than a microwave. Cover delicate items loosely with foil if they brown too fast.
Can I use parchment paper in an air fryer?+
Yes, but only perforated or air-fryer-specific parchment, and always weigh it down with food — loose paper can fly into the heating element. Never preheat with empty parchment inside.
Do I need to flip food halfway through?+
For the most even browning, flip or shake at the halfway mark. The top of the food gets the strongest direct heat, so turning ensures both sides crisp up equally.