386°F converts to Gas Mark 5 in UK ovens and air fryers. This is a moderate oven temperature ideal for roasting meats, baking cakes, or crisping vegetables. Gas Mark 5 sits between 190°C and 200°C, making it versatile for many recipes. Whether you're using a traditional oven or an air fryer, this temperature ensures even cooking without burning. At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we recommend Gas Mark 5 for dishes needing gentle browning.
Understanding temperature conversions is crucial when following recipes from different sources. Many American recipes use Fahrenheit, while British cookbooks rely on Gas Marks. Converting 386 F to Gas Mark 5 helps maintain accuracy in your cooking. Air fryers often display both scales, but knowing the conversion prevents mishaps. For more conversions, check our air fryer conversion chart.
Gas Mark 5 (386 F) is perfect for air fryers because it balances speed and gentleness. This temperature crisps food without drying it out, making it great for chicken wings or roast potatoes. The circulating hot air in an air fryer cooks faster than conventional ovens, so timing adjustments may be needed. At chicken recipes, we use Gas Mark 5 for juicy results.
For frozen foods like chips or nuggets, 386 F (Gas Mark 5) gives a golden finish without oil splatter. It's also ideal for reheating leftovers evenly. Remember that air fryers vary by model, so check your manual for specific guidance. Preheating for 3-5 minutes at this temperature ensures consistent cooking from the start.
When converting recipes to air fryers at Gas Mark 5, reduce cooking times by 20%. A 30-minute oven recipe may take just 24 minutes in an air fryer. Always check food 5 minutes before the suggested time to prevent overcooking. Our recipe collection includes adjusted timings for popular dishes.
Many British classics work beautifully at Gas Mark 5 in air fryers. Sausage rolls achieve flaky pastry with fully cooked fillings at this temperature. Roast potatoes crisp perfectly without becoming hard. Even delicate items like scones or muffins bake evenly without doming too quickly. For vegetable lovers, our vegetable recipes shine at 386 F.
Meats like chicken thighs or pork chops cook through while developing a delicious crust. Fish fillets remain moist but get lightly crispy edges. Remember to space items evenly in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping at Gas Mark 5.
If food browns too quickly at Gas Mark 5, try reducing the temperature by 10°F next time. Uneven cooking may mean your air fryer needs cleaning – see our cleaning guide. For sticky items, use parchment liners designed for air fryers. Always shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results at 386 F.
