How Do You Bake Instead of an Air Fryer? A Simple Guide to Oven Baking Techniques

If you want to bake instead of using an air fryer, you can totally use your oven—just tweak the temperature and cooking time a bit.

Drop the oven temperature by about 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the air fryer, and give your food roughly 20-25% more cooking time. That way, things cook through without getting dry or burnt.

If you don’t have an air fryer or need to cook a big batch, the oven’s a solid substitute.

Spread food out on a baking sheet, or grab a crisper basket if you’ve got one—leaving space for hot air to move around is key, kind of like what an air fryer does.

For more tips on making the swap, you can check out this easy oven to air fryer conversion guide.

How to Bake Recipes Instead of Using an Air Fryer

You can bake air fryer recipes in the oven if you adjust the time and temp.

Keep an eye on texture and doneness as you go.

Using the right setup helps you get even cooking, even though the oven doesn’t have that wild air fryer airflow.

Adapting Air Fryer Recipes for the Oven

Start with a baking tray or dish about the same size as your air fryer basket.

Don’t crowd the pan—let the hot air do its thing.

If the recipe says to shake or stir halfway, go ahead and do that in the oven too.

It helps with even browning and just makes things taste better.

If your oven has a convection mode, use it.

That setting gets the air moving and brings you closer to that air fryer vibe.

Temperature and Time Adjustments

Air fryers cook fast, thanks to that focused heat and airflow.

So, bump up the cooking time by about 20-25%.

Lower the oven temp by 25-50°F compared to the air fryer recipe.

Say the air fryer wants 375°F—try 325-350°F in your oven.

Check your food sooner than you think, since ovens can be a little unpredictable.

A food thermometer is handy if you want to be extra sure about doneness.

Best Practices for Even Baking

Lay food out in a single layer on your baking pan.

If you pile it up, you’ll end up with soggy bits—nobody wants that.

A wire rack on your tray is a great trick.

It lets heat hit the underside and helps food crisp up, which is honestly half the point of air frying.

Rotate your pan halfway through so you don’t get weird hot spots.

Make sure the oven’s fully preheated before you put anything in.

That way, you get a more reliable cook and better texture.

If you’re after crunch, give your food a light oil coating before baking.

It’ll help with browning, just like in an air fryer.

For more details, you can peek at this oven to air fryer conversion guide.

Tips for Achieving Air Fryer-Like Results in the Oven

If you want that classic air fryer crisp, you’ve got to nail airflow, heat, and the right gear.

How you set up your oven and where you put your food can make a big difference.

Oven Rack Positioning for Optimal Circulation

Stick your tray on the middle rack, or maybe a notch higher.

That spot lets hot air move evenly around your food, so you get better crisping.

Don’t jam trays together or overload the oven.

Each piece needs a little breathing room for best results.

A wire rack inside your baking sheet lifts food up, letting heat circulate underneath.

That move really helps avoid soggy bottoms.

Using Convection Settings

If your oven has convection, use it.

The fan keeps hot air moving, which is basically what an air fryer does.

Set the oven 20-25°F lower than the original recipe, since convection cooks faster.

Keep an eye on things—convection can shave 20-25% off your cooking time.

Check your food a few minutes early so you don’t overdo it.

Choosing the Right Bakeware

Go for shallow, flat pans or perforated trays. These let air move freely and won’t trap steam.

Skip the deep pans—they just hold in moisture and mess up your results.

Metal pans usually heat up more evenly. They also give you that nice browning, unlike glass or ceramic.

Non-stick or lined pans make cleanup easier and help keep food from sticking.

Try a crisper basket or a wire rack inside your baking sheet. That combo lets hot air hit every side, kind of like what an air fryer does.

If you’re curious, check out how to use your convection oven as an air fryer for more ideas.