221°C converts to approximately 200°C in a fan oven. This 20-degree reduction is standard when adapting conventional oven temperatures for fan-assisted cooking. Whether you're using a traditional fan oven or an air fryer (which works similarly to a mini convection oven), this conversion ensures your dishes cook evenly without drying out.
Fan ovens circulate hot air continuously, cooking food faster and more evenly than conventional ovens. When a recipe calls for 221°C in a regular oven, using this same temperature in a fan oven would likely overcook your food. That's why most manufacturers recommend reducing the temperature by 20°C when using fan settings. This principle applies equally to air fryers, which use rapid air technology similar to fan ovens. At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we've tested this conversion extensively with everything from roasted vegetables to baked goods.
The 221°C to 200°C fan oven conversion works particularly well for items that benefit from even heat distribution. When air frying at this temperature, you might need to adjust cooking times slightly compared to conventional oven recipes. Our air fryer conversion chart provides detailed timing adjustments for different foods. Remember that all appliances vary slightly, so it's worth doing a test run with new recipes.
The 221°C (200°C fan) temperature works beautifully for many air fryer dishes. It's ideal for achieving crispy exteriors while keeping interiors moist - perfect for roasted potatoes, chicken thighs, or even homemade cookies. When converting 221 degrees celsius to fan oven settings for baking, you might need to reduce the time by 5-10 minutes compared to conventional oven instructions.
In an air fryer, 200°C (the fan equivalent of 221°C) delivers excellent results for frozen foods like chips or chicken nuggets. The circulating air creates that desirable crispiness without needing to preheat like a conventional oven. For best results with fresh ingredients at this temperature, lightly oiling the basket and shaking contents halfway through ensures even cooking. Check out our frozen food recipes for specific timing guidance.
Many professional recipes specify 221°C for good reason - it's hot enough to create beautiful browning while being gentle enough to prevent burning. When converted to 200°C fan, this temperature becomes even more versatile. It's particularly effective for:
At this fan oven temperature, your air fryer can handle most weeknight dinners with minimal fuss. The cleaning process afterwards is quick too, especially if you use liners or parchment designed for air fryers.
While 221°C converts to 200°C in theory, actual oven temperatures can vary. Older fan ovens or budget air fryers might run hotter or cooler than their settings indicate. If you find foods cooking too quickly at 200°C fan (221°C conventional), try reducing the temperature by another 10 degrees. Conversely, if browning isn't occurring as expected, a slight increase might help. An inexpensive oven thermometer can help verify your appliance's accuracy.
When using this conversion for baking in your air fryer, remember that the compact space heats differently than a full-sized oven. Cakes and breads might need temperature adjustments beyond the standard 221°C to 200°C fan conversion. Our recipe collection includes tested adaptations for all sorts of baked goods at various fan oven temperatures.
