188°C in a conventional oven equates to approximately 170°C in a fan oven. This 20°C reduction is standard when converting between conventional and fan-assisted cooking. For air fryer users, this conversion becomes particularly important as most air fryers operate similarly to fan ovens.
The general rule for converting conventional oven temperatures to fan oven settings is to reduce the temperature by 20°C. This means when your recipe calls for 188°C, you'll set your fan oven to 168°C. However, most ovens only adjust in 5°C increments, so you'd typically round this to 170°C. This conversion applies whether you're baking cakes, roasting vegetables, or cooking meats in your fan oven or air fryer.
At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we recommend always checking your specific appliance's manual as some models may vary slightly. The 188°C to fan oven conversion is particularly useful for British kitchens where fan ovens are prevalent. When using an air fryer, which essentially works like a compact fan oven, this same temperature adjustment applies for most recipes.
Fan ovens circulate hot air more efficiently than conventional ovens, which is why they require lower temperatures. Cooking at 188°C in a fan oven would actually be too hot, potentially burning your food while leaving the inside undercooked. This principle carries over to air fryers, which also use rapid air circulation to cook food evenly.
The 188°C fan oven equivalent is especially important for baking. Cakes, cookies, and pastries require precise temperatures for proper rising and browning. Our air fryer conversion chart provides comprehensive guidance for all your baking needs. Remember that some recipes may need slight adjustments based on your specific oven or air fryer model.
When converting 188°C recipes for your air fryer, start with the fan oven equivalent of 170°C. Air fryers tend to cook even faster than fan ovens, so you may need to reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. For example, if a recipe suggests 30 minutes at 188°C in a conventional oven, try 20-25 minutes at 170°C in your air fryer.
The 188°C to fan oven conversion (170°C) is ideal for many dishes. It's perfect for roasting vegetables, baking chicken, or preparing frozen foods in your air fryer. This temperature provides enough heat for proper cooking without risking burning the exterior of your food.
For specific recipe ideas at this temperature, check out our chicken recipes section. Many chicken dishes work beautifully at this temperature in both fan ovens and air fryers. The moderate heat allows the meat to cook through while developing a lovely golden colour.
When baking cakes or cookies at the 188°C fan oven equivalent, position your baking tray in the middle of the oven. In an air fryer, you might need to use the baking accessory that came with your unit. Some air fryers have hot spots, so rotating your bake halfway through can ensure even cooking.
If your food isn't cooking properly at the 188°C fan oven equivalent, your appliance might need calibration. Oven thermometers are inexpensive tools that can verify your oven's accuracy. For air fryers, try the bread test: a slice of bread should toast evenly in about 4 minutes at 170°C.
Regular cleaning also affects temperature accuracy. A buildup of grease and food particles can insulate heating elements. Our guide to air fryer cleaning explains how to maintain your appliance for optimal performance. Remember that opening the door frequently can cause temperature drops in both ovens and air fryers.
