331 F converts to approximately 166 C in a fan oven, making it a moderate heat ideal for roasting and baking. This temperature works beautifully for dishes like crispy chicken thighs or roasted vegetables in both fan ovens and air fryers. If you're adapting recipes between appliances, knowing this conversion ensures consistent results every time.
Fan ovens circulate hot air for even cooking, much like an air fryer, but their temperature scales differ. Converting 331 F (166 C) helps when following American recipes or adjusting air fryer settings for larger batches. At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we recommend this conversion for dishes needing gentle crisping without drying out, such as our fan-favourite lemon herb chicken.
For context, 331 F sits between the typical roasting (180 C) and slow-cooking (150 C) ranges. It’s perfect for foods that benefit from slower caramelisation, like root vegetables or stuffed peppers. In an air fryer, you might reduce the time by 20% compared to a fan oven, as the compact space heats faster.
Air fryers typically use Fahrenheit, so 331 F is a direct setting on most models. However, if your air fryer manual suggests fan oven equivalents, 166 C (331 F) aligns with the "roast" or "bake" preset. This temperature works wonders for recipes like honey-glazed carrots or garlic bread.
Unlike conventional ovens, air fryers reach 331 F faster and distribute heat more aggressively. We recommend checking food 5-10 minutes earlier than the fan oven time. For example, our air fryer conversion chart notes that 15 minutes in a fan oven often equals 12 minutes in an air fryer at this temperature.
This temperature excels with proteins that need gentle cooking, like salmon fillets or pork tenderloin. It’s also ideal for reheating frozen foods without scorching the exterior. Try it for homemade granola or drying citrus slices for garnishes.
At 331 F, fan ovens cook about 25% faster than conventional ovens. If a recipe states 40 minutes at 331 F in a standard oven, reduce it to 30 minutes in a fan oven or 24 minutes in an air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer for proteins to ensure doneness.
Avoid overcrowding the tray, as this blocks airflow in both fan ovens and air fryers. At 331 F, spacing ensures even browning – especially important for items like roast potatoes. Also, resist opening the door frequently; temperature recovery is slower in fan ovens than air fryers.
Another pitfall is forgetting to adjust liquids. The drier heat of 331 F in a fan oven may require slightly more broth or oil compared to conventional baking. Our cleaning guide also notes that sugary glazes at this temperature can cause more sticking, so lining trays helps.
