388°F converts to Gas Mark 5 in conventional ovens and requires slight adjustments for air fryer cooking. This temperature is commonly used for baking cookies, cakes, and some roasted vegetables. Whether you're using a traditional oven or modern air fryer, understanding this conversion ensures your recipes turn out perfectly every time.
The Gas Mark system is uniquely British, with Gas Mark 5 representing 375°F to 400°F in most ovens. At 388°F, you're right in the middle of Gas Mark 5's range, making it ideal for even baking. Many classic British recipes at airfryerrecipe.co.uk use this temperature for Victoria sponges and scones. When converting to air fryer cooking, you'll typically reduce the temperature by about 20°F due to the more intense circulating heat.
For those using fan-assisted ovens, 388°F converts to Gas Mark 4 as fan ovens cook more efficiently. The same principle applies to air fryers, which are essentially mini convection ovens. Our air fryer conversion chart shows how to adjust various oven temperatures for optimal air fryer results. Remember that cooking times will also be shorter in an air fryer compared to traditional oven baking at Gas Mark 5.
This temperature works beautifully for many baked goods and roasted dishes. Cookies develop perfect crisp edges with soft centres at 388°F (Gas Mark 5), while roasted vegetables caramelise nicely without burning. When adapting oven recipes to your air fryer, start checking for doneness about 5 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
For chicken dishes, 388°F provides enough heat to crisp the skin while keeping the meat juicy. Try our chicken recipes at this temperature for excellent results. The same applies to baking potatoes - they'll develop a wonderful crispy skin at Gas Mark 5 while staying fluffy inside. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on your specific air fryer model's performance.
When using 388°F in an air fryer, reduce the temperature to about 370°F to account for the more intense heat circulation. Most air fryer models don't use Gas Mark settings, so you'll need to set the temperature directly in Fahrenheit. The cooking time will typically be 20-25% shorter than oven directions at Gas Mark 5.
Not all ovens or air fryers maintain exact temperatures, so it's wise to invest in an oven thermometer. At 388°F (Gas Mark 5), even a 10-degree variation can affect baking results. Regular calibration checks ensure your appliances are performing accurately. For air fryer users, this is especially important as the compact space can sometimes create hot spots.
Cleaning your appliances regularly also helps maintain temperature accuracy. Built-up grease and food particles can affect heat distribution. Check out our guide on air fryer cleaning for best practices. Whether you're baking at Gas Mark 5 or using your air fryer's Fahrenheit setting, proper maintenance leads to better cooking results.
When converting traditional oven recipes to air fryer cooking at 388°F, consider the size of your air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation and affect cooking times. For best results, cook in batches and shake the basket occasionally for even browning. This technique works particularly well for roasted vegetables and frozen foods at this temperature.
