Air fryers are popular because they make food crispy with less oil—but what if you don’t have one? The good news is you can still enjoy the same crispy, golden results using your regular oven.
This guide shows you exactly how to make air fryer recipes in the oven using simple steps, smart temperature adjustments, and airflow tricks. With the right setup, you can make crispy fries, juicy wings, roasted veggies, and more—no special equipment required.
What Are Air Fryer Recipes?
Air fryer recipes are dishes cooked with circulating hot air to create a crispy outside and tender inside—similar to deep-frying, but with far less oil.
They’re known for:
- Crisp texture
- Faster cook times
- Less oil
- Even cooking
Air fryer recipes often use high heat and a basket that allows air to move around the food. But guess what? Your oven can mimic this same method with a few key adjustments.
Even if you don’t own an air fryer, you can recreate the crisp and crunch right in your oven.
Can Air Fryer Recipes Be Done in the Oven?
Yes—absolutely. Your oven can recreate the crispy, browned results of an air fryer using:
- High heat
- Convection mode (if available)
- Proper airflow
- A baking rack
Hot air is circulated around food from all sides in air fryers to cook it. A convection oven works in a very similar way, pushing air around with a built-in fan.
Even a standard oven can do the job when you:
- Preheat
- Use a high rack
- Spread food in a single layer
- Allow air to circulate
Result: crispy fries, crisp-skin wings, crunchy veggies—just like the air fryer.
Essential Tips for Making Air Fryer Recipes in the Oven
Thanks to real kitchen testing and food-science principles, here are the most important oven tricks that ACTUALLY work.
1. Use Convection Mode (If You Have It)
Convection ovens circulate hot air—just like an air fryer.
This creates a dry, intense heat that boosts browning and crispiness.
If you don’t have convection?
No problem—use the top rack and crank the heat.
2. Always Preheat the Oven
Preheating ensures the food starts crisping immediately.
A cold oven = soggy food.
3. Use a Baking Rack
A rack lets air flow under your food.
This improves:
- Crispiness
- Even cooking
- Browning
If no rack, use a perforated pan or flip halfway.
4. Spread Food Out
Crowding traps steam. Steam kills crispiness.
Keep space between pieces—especially fries and wings.
5. Use Less Oil
Air fryer recipes use minimal oil.
Oven crisping works the same:
- Light spray
- Light brush
- No drenching
Too much oil = soggy food, slow cooking, greasy texture.
6. Cook at Higher Temperatures
Most air fryer recipes convert well at:
- Air fryer 350°F → Oven 375–400°F
- Air fryer 375°F → Oven 400°F
- Air fryer 400°F → Oven 425°F
This compensates for slower airflow compared to an air fryer.
Quick Oven Conversion Table
| Air Fryer Temp | Standard Oven Temp | Convection Oven Temp |
| 350°F | 375–400°F | 350°F |
| 375°F | 400°F | 375°F |
| 400°F | 425°F | 400°F |
How to Make Air Fryer Recipes in the Oven for Beginners
Let’s break down how to adapt popular air fryer recipes for oven use.
1. Oven-Baked Fries (Air Fryer Style)
Ingredients:
Potatoes, oil, salt, pepper (optional)
Steps:
- Slice potatoes evenly.
- Toss with 1–2 tsp oil and seasoning.
- Line a rack or baking sheet with a single layer.
- Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Flip halfway for even crisping.
Result: Crispy, golden fries—just like the air fryer.
2. Crispy Chicken Wings (Air Fryer → Oven)
Ingredients:
Wings, oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika
Steps:
- Pat wings dry.
- Toss with a little oil and seasoning.
- Place on a rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Flip halfway.
Tip: Drying wings removes surface moisture, which helps the skin crisp through the Maillard reaction.
3. Roasted Vegetables (Air Fryer Style)
Ingredients:
Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, oil, salt, garlic
Steps:
- Chop into even sizes.
- Toss lightly in oil and seasoning.
- Spread in a single layer.
- Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Stir once or twice.
Result: Caramelized edges just like an air fryer—thanks to high heat + airflow.
4. Crispy Fish Fillets (Air Fryer → Oven)
Ingredients:
White fish, breadcrumbs or panko, herbs, oil spray
Steps:
- Coat fish in crumbs and herbs.
- Lightly spray with oil.
- Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Do not flip unless needed.
Result: Golden outside, tender inside.
Air Fryer in the Oven Recipes to Try
- Crispy fries
- Chicken wings
- Roasted veggies
- Crispy fish fillets
- Seasoned potato wedges
- Breaded chicken strips
- Zucchini fries
All easily adapted with the same airflow + high-heat principles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Air Fryer Recipes in the Oven
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcrowding the Pan
Blocks air, causes steaming, reduces crispiness.
2. Skipping Preheating
Food cooks unevenly and browns slowly.
3. Using Too Much Oil
Leads to soggy food, not crisp.
4. Cooking at Low Temperatures
High heat is essential for crispy oven results.
5. Not Using a Rack
Air cannot reach all sides → slow browning.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your oven delivers air-fryer-level crisp.
Conclusion
You can make air fryer recipes in the oven—and the results can be just as crispy and delicious. With high heat, good airflow, minimal oil, and a few simple adjustments, your oven becomes a powerful air fryer alternative.
Whether it’s fries, wings, veggies, or fish, your oven can deliver golden, crunchy meals without the need for special equipment. Try these tips, test a recipe, and enjoy crispy comfort food right from your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best oven temperature for air fryer recipes?
For most air fryer recipes in the oven, aim for 375°F to 400°F. This range helps get your food crispy and golden. If you’re cooking something small or delicate, like fish, lower the temperature a bit to avoid overcooking.
How long should I cook air fryer recipes in the oven?
When you make air fryer recipes in the oven, you’ll usually need to cook your food for about 10 to 15 minutes longer than the air fryer time. The extra time helps make sure everything gets crispy and golden.
Can I use parchment paper or aluminum foil when making air fryer recipes in the oven?
Yes! Parchment paper or foil can help with cleanup and crisping. Just make sure there’s space around the food so the air can flow. Both options work great to keep things neat and crisp!
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Hi, I’m Rob Newaz Khan. I share practical, experience-based guidance on kitchen appliances such as air fryers and coffee makers. My content is built around real home use, common user questions, and manufacturer best practices, with the goal of helping readers use their appliances safely, fix everyday issues, and make better decisions in the kitchen.
