268°F converts to Gas Mark 1 in UK ovens and air fryers. This low-temperature setting is ideal for slow cooking, gentle baking, or keeping dishes warm. Whether you're using an air fryer or a conventional oven, knowing this conversion ensures your recipes turn out perfectly every time. At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we specialise in making temperature conversions simple for home cooks. Let’s dive deeper into how this conversion works and when you might need it.
Gas Mark 1 is the UK equivalent of 268°F, a low heat setting perfect for delicate dishes. This temperature is often used for slow-roasting meats, proofing bread, or melting chocolate without burning it. Many air fryers don’t go this low, but some advanced models do offer settings down to 250°F. If your air fryer doesn’t reach 268°F, you might need to adjust cooking times or use your oven instead. Check out our air fryer conversion chart for more temperature guides.
When converting 268 degrees Fahrenheit to Gas Mark, it’s helpful to know the scale increments. Gas Mark temperatures increase by about 25-30°F per mark, making Gas Mark 1 the lowest common setting. This gentle heat is perfect for dishes that need time rather than intense heat to cook through. Whether you’re making custards, cheesecakes, or slow-cooked vegetables, 268°F (Gas Mark 1) gives you precise control.
This low temperature shines in several cooking scenarios. It’s ideal for drying herbs, making yogurt, or keeping dishes warm without continuing to cook them. In baking, 268°F works well for meringues that need to dry out slowly rather than bake quickly. Some air fryer models can maintain this temperature for dehydrating fruits or making homemade jerky. For more recipe ideas at this temperature, browse our dessert category.
Most air fryers have a minimum temperature of around 300°F, which means 268°F might not be achievable. However, some premium models with dehydrate functions can go lower. If your air fryer doesn’t reach 268°F, you can still adapt recipes by reducing cooking time at the lowest available temperature. Always check your appliance manual for specific temperature ranges and capabilities. For cleaning tips after low-temperature cooking, visit our guide on air fryer maintenance.
The circulating air in fryers cooks food faster than conventional ovens, so even at similar temperatures, timing differs. When a recipe calls for 268°F (Gas Mark 1) in an oven, you might need to reduce the time by 20% in an air fryer. This is particularly important for delicate items like custards or cheesecakes that can overcook easily. Experiment with small batches to find the perfect timing for your specific model.
While we’ve focused on 268°F to Gas Mark 1, it’s helpful to know nearby conversions too. Gas Mark ¼ is about 225°F, while Gas Mark ½ equals 250°F. These ultra-low settings are rare in air fryers but common in professional ovens. Understanding these conversions helps when adapting recipes between different cooking appliances. For more temperature guides and recipe inspiration, explore our recipe collection.
This gentle heat setting has several specialty uses in the kitchen. It’s perfect for drying flowers or citrus slices for decorations, as the low temperature preserves color while removing moisture. In baking, it helps set delicate items like flourless cakes or custards without curdling. Some chefs use 268°F for slow-cooking tough cuts of meat over many hours, though this is more common in ovens than air fryers.
For home bakers, Gas Mark 1 (268°F) is invaluable when working with sugar. It’s the ideal temperature for making candied fruits or toasting nuts without burning them. The controlled heat allows sugars to caramelize slowly rather than burn quickly. While most air fryers can’t maintain this exact temperature, understanding the conversion helps when adapting traditional recipes for modern appliances.
