170 C converts to Gas Mark 3 in UK ovens and air fryers. This moderate temperature is perfect for everything from baking cakes to roasting vegetables in your air fryer. Whether you're using a conventional oven or your trusty air fryer, knowing this conversion will help you achieve perfect results every time.
The Gas Mark system is uniquely British, making 170 C to Gas Mark conversions essential for UK cooks. Gas Mark 3 represents a moderate oven temperature that's versatile enough for most baking and roasting needs. When using your air fryer at 170 C (Gas Mark 3), you'll find it ideal for cooking items like cakes or chicken pieces. Many air fryer recipes from airfryerrecipe.co.uk use this temperature as it provides gentle, even cooking without burning.
Converting 170 degrees Celsius to Gas Mark is straightforward once you understand the system. The Gas Mark scale runs from 1/4 (the lowest) to 9 (the hottest), with each full number representing about 13-15°C increase. At 170 C to Gas Mark 3, you're working with what professional bakers call a "moderate oven" - hot enough to cook through but gentle enough to prevent burning edges. This makes it perfect for air fryer cooking where hot air circulates rapidly.
The 170 C to Gas Mark 3 setting is particularly effective in air fryers due to their efficient heat circulation. Unlike conventional ovens where heat can be uneven, air fryers distribute the 170 C temperature uniformly around your food. This means items like cookies bake evenly without needing rotation, and roasted vegetables cook through perfectly. When following recipes from our collection, you'll notice many recommend this temperature for its reliability.
Knowing that 170 C equals Gas Mark 3 helps when adapting traditional oven recipes for your air fryer. Many classic British bakes like Victoria sponge or scones work beautifully at this temperature. The moderate heat allows cakes to rise properly while developing a golden crust. For savoury dishes, 170 C (Gas Mark 3) is excellent for cooking potatoes or reheating leftovers without drying them out.
When using your air fryer at 170 C to Gas Mark 3, remember cooking times may be shorter than conventional oven recipes suggest. The powerful fan circulation means foods cook faster, so always check a few minutes early. Our conversion chart includes timing adjustments to help you adapt any recipe. Whether you're baking, roasting, or reheating, 170 C provides that perfect balance of gentle heat and efficient cooking that air fryers excel at.
If your oven has a fan setting, 170 C fan converts to slightly lower than Gas Mark 3 - about Gas Mark 2-3. The moving air makes the temperature more effective, similar to how an air fryer operates. This is why many air fryer recipes suggest 170 C as it mimics the efficiency of a fan oven. When converting 170 C to Gas Mark for baking, always consider whether your oven has this feature as it affects cooking times.
To get the best results when cooking at 170 C to Gas Mark 3 in your air fryer, preheating is essential. Unlike conventional ovens that take time to reach temperature, air fryers heat up quickly but still benefit from a 2-3 minute preheat. This ensures your food starts cooking immediately at the right temperature. For delicate items like cakes or pastries, lining your air fryer basket with parchment prevents sticking while allowing air circulation.
Another tip when using 170 C in your air fryer is to avoid overcrowding the basket. The moderate temperature works best when hot air can circulate freely around each item. This is particularly important for recipes like roasted vegetables or chicken wings where even browning matters. After cooking, remember to clean your air fryer properly to maintain its performance at precise temperatures like 170 C.
Many everyday foods cook perfectly at 170 C (Gas Mark 3) in an air fryer. This includes most cakes, muffins, and biscuits that need gentle, even heat. Savoury options like meatballs, fish fillets, and stuffed peppers also benefit from this temperature. Even frozen foods like chicken nuggets or spring rolls cook through beautifully at 170 C without burning the exterior - just remember to shake the basket halfway for even results.
