168 C in a fan oven is equivalent to approximately 150 C in a conventional oven. This 20-degree reduction is standard when converting between conventional and fan-assisted cooking. When using an air fryer, which operates similarly to a fan oven, you'll typically maintain the original 168 C temperature for best results.
The key principle when converting 168 C to fan oven settings is recognising that circulating hot air cooks food more efficiently. Fan ovens and air fryers distribute heat evenly, eliminating cold spots that occur in conventional ovens. This means you can either reduce the temperature by 20 degrees or shorten cooking times by about 25% when using fan-assisted appliances.
For air fryer users, maintaining the original 168 C often works better because of the appliance's compact size and rapid air circulation. Many recipes on airfryerrecipe.co.uk specifically account for these differences, especially in our air fryer conversion chart section. When baking cakes or roasting vegetables at 168 C in a fan oven, you might notice slightly faster browning compared to conventional methods.
168 C is a sweet spot for many air fryer recipes, particularly for achieving crispy textures without burning. This temperature works perfectly for reheating leftovers, cooking frozen foods, or preparing delicate items like fish fillets. The circulating air at 168 C creates that desirable golden exterior while keeping interiors moist - something our vegetable recipes demonstrate beautifully.
When converting 168 C to fan oven settings for specific dishes, consider the food's moisture content and thickness. Denser items like potatoes or meatloaf benefit from the full 168 C in an air fryer, while delicate pastries might need a 150 C fan oven setting. Always check food 5-10 minutes before the recipe's suggested time when using these temperatures.
The 168 C fan oven temperature is particularly versatile for UK kitchens. It's ideal for roasting chicken thighs, baking scones, or crisping up frozen snacks. Our collection of air fryer recipes includes numerous 168 C options that have been tested for perfect results. Remember that all air fryers vary slightly, so you might need to experiment with timing during your first few attempts.
To ensure your 168 C fan oven setting is accurate, invest in an inexpensive oven thermometer. Air fryers can sometimes run hotter than their displays indicate, especially when preheating isn't accounted for. If you notice food cooking too quickly at 168 C, try reducing the temperature by 5-10 degrees or shortening the cooking time slightly.
While we've focused on 168 C to fan oven conversions, the same principles apply across temperature ranges. The general rule is to reduce conventional oven temperatures by 20 degrees for fan ovens, but air fryers often work best at the original temperature. This is particularly true for recipes under 200 C, where precise temperature control matters most.
For those frequently switching between appliances, bookmarking our cleaning guide will help maintain your air fryer's temperature accuracy. Residue buildup can affect heat distribution, making your 168 C setting less reliable over time. Regular maintenance ensures consistent results whether you're baking, roasting, or reheating.