This toaster-to-oven air fryer conversion calculator is a simple online tool that converts cooking times and temperatures from a toaster oven to an air fryer. Whether you have a non-convection or a convection toaster oven, this tool provides estimated settings to achieve optimal results in your air fryer.

To use the calculator, simply input the temperature and cooking time from your original toaster oven recipe. Then, select the type of toaster oven you are converting from (non-convection or convection) and the type of food you are preparing. The calculator will instantly provide you with the recommended temperature and time for your air fryer, along with helpful tips for perfect results.

How does the Tool Work?

The conversion logic within this tool is based on established principles of heat transfer and cooking efficiency, supported by a body of research in food science and culinary arts.

Temperature Conversion

The primary principle is that an air fryer operates as a highly efficient, small-cavity convection oven. The powerful fan circulates hot air at a much higher speed than a standard convection toaster oven, leading to faster cooking and browning.

• Non-convection toaster ovens rely on radiant heat from heating elements, similar to a traditional oven. Research by institutions like the American Institute of Physics has shown that radiant heat is less efficient and more prone to hot spots compared to forced-air convection. Therefore, the conversion from a non-convection toaster oven to an air fryer requires a significant temperature reduction, typically 25-50°F (15-28°C).
• Convection toaster ovens already use a fan to circulate air, making them more efficient than non-convection models. Because the cooking process is already accelerated, the necessary adjustment to air fryer settings is smaller. Studies on convection cooking, such as those published in the Journal of Food Science, confirm that forced convection reduces cooking time and promotes more even browning. Thus, the tool recommends a smaller temperature reduction of 15-20°F (8-11°C) for these models.

Cooking Time Reduction

The dramatic reduction in cooking time is the most significant benefit of air frying. This is due to the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that browns food and enhances flavor, which is accelerated by the rapid, high-temperature airflow. This is why air fryers can produce crispy results in a fraction of the time.

• For recipes from a non-convection toaster oven, the tool reduces the time by 20-30%. This accounts for the shift from slower radiant heat to highly efficient, forced-air convection. A 30-minute recipe would require a shorter, more intense cooking period of approximately 20-22 minutes in the air fryer.
• When converting from a convection toaster oven, the time reduction is less severe, at 15-20%. The starting appliance is already more efficient, so a smaller adjustment is needed to account for the air fryer’s even greater power. For a 30-minute recipe, this would mean a cooking time of around 24-25 minutes.

FAQ

How to convert toaster oven times to air fryer?

To convert toaster oven times to air fryer, reduce the time by 20-30% for a non-convection toaster oven and reduce the time by 15-20% for a convection oven. A convection oven is more similar to an air fryer as it uses a fan, and that’s why there’s less difference in the timing.

Why do I need to reduce the temperature for my air fryer?

You need to reduce the temperature because air fryers cook hotter and faster due to a powerful fan that circulates hot air in a small, enclosed space, intensifying the heat and accelerating the cooking process.

Can I convert any toaster oven recipe to an air fryer?

Yes, you can convert any toaster oven recipe to an air fryer. However, very liquid-heavy recipes like soups or stews are not suitable for an air fryer.

Should I preheat my air fryer?

Yes, preheating is highly recommended. It ensures the food begins cooking immediately in a hot environment, leading to a crispier exterior and more even results. A 3-5 minute preheat is usually sufficient.

Why did my food get too dry after converting the recipe?

Your food may get too dry after converting the recipe if the cooking time or temperature was too high. The powerful airflow of an air fryer can extract moisture quickly, so it’s essential to start with the lower end of the recommended time and check your food frequently.

Does a toaster oven cook the same as an air fryer?

No, a toaster oven does not cook the same as an air fryer. While both use heat, an air fryer circulates air with a powerful fan at much higher speeds in a smaller space, resulting in faster cooking and a crispier texture.