249°C in a conventional oven converts to approximately 220°C in a fan oven. This 20-30°C reduction is standard when switching between conventional and convection cooking methods. Fan ovens circulate hot air more efficiently, so they require lower temperatures to achieve similar results. This principle applies whether you're using a built-in oven or an air fryer, which essentially functions as a mini convection oven.
The key difference with fan ovens lies in their heating mechanism. Unlike conventional ovens that rely on radiant heat from top and bottom elements, fan ovens use a circulating fan to distribute heat evenly. This means food cooks more quickly and uniformly at lower temperatures. When converting 249°C to fan oven settings, that 220°C equivalent will give you comparable cooking results without overdoing it. Many modern recipes at airfryerrecipe.co.uk now include both conventional and fan oven temperatures for this very reason.
This temperature conversion becomes particularly important when baking delicate items like cakes or pastries. The even heat distribution prevents hot spots that could cause uneven rising or browning. For air fryer users, understanding this 249°C to fan oven conversion helps adapt traditional oven recipes. Most air fryers operate on similar convection principles, though their compact size means cooking times may need slight adjustment.
When using an air fryer instead of a conventional oven, you'll typically set it to about 220°C - the same as a fan oven conversion. However, because air fryers are more efficient at circulating hot air, you may need to reduce cooking time by 10-20%. Our air fryer conversion chart provides detailed timing adjustments for various foods. This ensures your roasted vegetables or baked goods come out perfectly every time.
Many classic British bakes and roasts call for temperatures around 249°C. Converting these to fan oven settings opens up new possibilities for energy-efficient cooking. A Sunday roast, for instance, will develop beautiful crispiness at 220°C in a fan oven or air fryer. The lower temperature helps prevent drying out while still achieving that golden exterior we all love.
Pizza is another great example where this conversion matters. While traditional recipes might suggest 249°C for a crisp base, the fan oven equivalent of 220°C will give similar results without burning the toppings. The circulating air helps melt cheese evenly while crisping the crust. For air fryer pizza, you might even go slightly lower to account for the intense air circulation in the compact space.
When working with the 249°C to fan oven conversion, remember that oven models vary. It's always wise to check your food a few minutes early the first time you try a new temperature setting. Oven thermometers can help verify your appliance's accuracy, especially important for temperamental bakes like soufflés or meringues. Many of our cake recipes include specific notes about fan oven adjustments.
While the 249°C to 220°C conversion works well for most foods, air fryers require some additional considerations. Their rapid air circulation can dry out certain foods faster than a conventional fan oven. For items like chicken wings or roast potatoes, you might actually prefer the air fryer's efficiency at this temperature. The higher air speed creates extra crispiness that's hard to achieve in a standard oven.
Baking in an air fryer at these temperatures requires careful monitoring. The compact space means heat builds up quickly, so items like cookies or muffins may need spacing adjustments. Our airfryerrecipe.co.uk team recommends checking baked goods a few minutes early and rotating the basket if needed. With practice, you'll learn how your specific model performs at these converted temperatures.
Using the correct 249°C to fan oven conversion doesn't just improve cooking results - it saves energy too. Fan ovens and air fryers cook faster at lower temperatures, reducing electricity usage. This makes the 220°C setting both practical and economical for everyday cooking. When preparing multiple items, consider batch cooking to maximise these energy savings.
