180 C in a fan oven is equivalent to 160 C in a conventional oven. This 20-degree reduction is standard for fan-assisted cooking, where circulating hot air cooks food more efficiently. When using your air fryer, which works similarly to a fan oven, you'll often find recipes calling for 180 C as it's ideal for everything from roasting vegetables to baking cakes.
The key difference with fan ovens is their ability to distribute heat evenly, meaning you can cook at lower temperatures than conventional ovens. At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we recommend starting with this 20-degree reduction rule when converting recipes. For example, if a traditional recipe calls for 200 C, you'd set your fan oven to 180 C instead. This principle applies equally to air fryers, which use rapid air technology similar to convection cooking.
Many modern recipes now specify fan oven temperatures directly, eliminating the need for conversion. However, older cookbooks or international recipes might still use conventional oven settings. Our air fryer conversion chart can help you navigate these differences effortlessly, whether you're baking, roasting, or reheating.
180 C has become a go-to temperature for fan ovens and air fryers because it's hot enough to crisp and brown food while gentle enough to cook through evenly. This makes it perfect for everything from roast chicken to Victoria sponge cakes. The circulating air prevents hot spots that can cause uneven cooking in conventional ovens.
When moving between fan ovens, conventional ovens, and air fryers, temperature adjustments are often needed. While 180 C in a fan oven equals 160 C conventional, air fryers typically use the same temperature as fan ovens due to their similar cooking mechanisms. This makes converting recipes between these appliances straightforward.
For those using American recipes with Fahrenheit measurements, 180 C converts to 350 F in a fan oven. Remember that cooking times may vary slightly between appliances - air fryers generally cook faster than ovens due to their compact size. Check out our recipe collection for tried-and-tested fan oven and air fryer adaptations.
When baking at 180 C in a fan oven, you might need to reduce cooking times by 5-10 minutes compared to conventional oven recipes. The rapid air circulation can cause cakes and pastries to dry out if left too long. For best results, start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests.
Air fryers excel at 180 C for creating crispy textures without excessive oil. This temperature is ideal for frozen foods like chips or chicken nuggets, yielding golden results in about 15-20 minutes. The same principles apply as with fan ovens - the circulating hot air ensures even cooking from all angles.
Maintenance is key for consistent performance at 180 C. Regular cleaning with proper tools prevents smoke from built-up grease and ensures accurate temperature control. Unlike conventional ovens, air fryers reach their set temperature almost immediately, making them more energy-efficient for quick meals.
If food isn't cooking evenly at 180 C in your fan oven or air fryer, try reducing the quantity you're cooking at once. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation. Also ensure your appliances are properly preheated - while air fryers heat up quickly, fan ovens may need 10-15 minutes to stabilise at 180 C.
