Have an oven recipe but want to use your air fryer? Enter the oven temperature and time and we'll suggest a starting point. Air fryers vary a lot by model and size, so always check food early and cook to safe internal temperatures.
Start checking at about 11 minutes. Shake or flip halfway.
How it works: the converter lowers the temperature by 25°F (to a maximum of 400°F, a common upper setting) and shortens the time by about 20%. This is a widely used rule of thumb, not a guarantee.
Frozen favorites starting chart
Always follow the package directions first. These are general starting points for a preheated basket air fryer.
| Food | Temperature | Approx. time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen french fries (regular cut) | 400°F | 12–18 min | Shake every 5 minutes |
| Frozen breaded chicken tenders | 400°F | 10–14 min | Check for 165°F |
| Frozen mozzarella sticks | 390°F | 6–8 min | Don't overcook or they'll burst |
| Frozen egg rolls | 390°F | 10–12 min | Spray lightly with oil |
| Fresh chicken wings | 380°F, then 400°F | 20 + 5 min | Finish hot for crisp skin; 165°F |
| Reheating pizza slices | 360°F | 3–4 min | Crisps the bottom without drying |
Tips for restaurant-level crunch
- Preheat for 3–5 minutes if your model allows it.
- Don't overcrowd the basket — cook in batches so hot air can circulate.
- Use a light spray of oil on breaded foods for even browning.
- Shake or flip halfway through.
- Use a thermometer — color isn't a reliable sign that chicken or pork is done.
Try it with our air fryer chicken tenders or buffalo cauliflower bites.