About Cooking Time Converter

Convert cooking times and temperatures between ovens and cooking methods. Part of the DevTools Surf developer suite. Browse more tools in the Calculators collection.

Use Cases

• Convert a conventional oven recipe to air fryer settings
• Adjust cooking time when substituting a convection oven for a conventional recipe
• Calculate Instant Pot pressure cooking time from a slow cooker recipe
• Scale cooking time when cooking at high altitude

Tips

• Select your source appliance (conventional oven, convection, air fryer, Instant Pot) and target appliance — each has a different time and temperature conversion formula
• Convection ovens run 25°F hotter than conventional; reduce temperature by 25°F and time by 20-25% when converting
• High-altitude mode adjusts for reduced air pressure above 3,500 feet — water boils at lower temperatures and baked goods need longer cooking times at altitude

Fun Facts

• Convection ovens force air circulation with a fan, reducing cooking time by 20-25% compared to conventional ovens. The principle was developed in the 1940s for industrial bakery ovens before entering domestic use in the 1970s.
• The Maillard reaction — the browning of food surfaces — was characterized by French chemist Louis-Camille Maillard in 1912. It occurs above 280°F (140°C) and is responsible for the complex flavors of roasted, seared, and baked food.
• Instant Pots (electric pressure cookers) cook food faster because pressure raises the boiling point of water from 212°F to 250°F (121°C). At this temperature, tougher connective tissues in meat break down much faster than at standard cooking temperatures.

FAQ

What temperature do I use when converting to convection?

Reduce the recipe temperature by 25°F (15°C) and reduce cooking time by 20-25%. Alternatively, keep the same temperature and only reduce time. The former is recommended for delicate baked goods; the latter for roasted meats.

Can I convert any recipe to an air fryer?

Most oven recipes work in an air fryer at 25°F lower and 20-25% less time, with smaller batches due to basket size. Recipes requiring liquids (soups, braises) or batters that don't adhere (beer batter) don't work in air fryers.

Does food altitude really affect cooking?

Yes — above 3,500 feet, reduced air pressure lowers boiling points, slows leavening in baked goods, and extends stovetop cooking times. Recipes must increase liquid, reduce sugar, and increase baking powder to compensate. Adjustments become significant above 5,000 feet.