450 F converts to approximately 232 C in a fan oven, which is the standard setting for high-heat roasting and air frying. This temperature is ideal for achieving crispy textures while ensuring even cooking throughout. Whether you're adapting an American recipe or fine-tuning your air fryer settings, understanding this conversion is key to kitchen success.
Fan ovens circulate hot air constantly, creating an environment similar to air fryers but on a larger scale. At 450 F (232 C), this intense heat works perfectly for roasting vegetables, baking pizzas, or crisping chicken wings. The forced air circulation means you'll often get better results than conventional ovens at the same temperature.
Many air fryer recipes from airfryerrecipe.co.uk recommend starting at this temperature for optimal crisping. It's particularly effective for frozen foods like chips or chicken nuggets, giving them that golden finish without drying out the interior. Remember that fan ovens may cook slightly faster than standard ovens at this heat.
Air fryers essentially work as compact fan ovens, making the 450 F to 232 C conversion directly applicable. However, their smaller size means heat distribution is even more efficient. You might find cooking times reduced by 20% compared to a full-sized fan oven at the same temperature.
For specific air fryer models, check our conversion chart to adjust recipes accurately. This is especially useful when trying American recipes that specify 450 F - simply set your UK fan oven or air fryer to 232 C and monitor closely during the last few minutes.
Not all fan ovens or air fryers maintain exactly 232 C when set to that temperature. Older models might run hotter or cooler, so it's worth investing in an oven thermometer for precision. This is crucial when cooking delicate items like the cake recipes from our collection that need exact temperatures.
This high heat setting shines for roasting vegetables - think crispy roast potatoes or caramelised Brussels sprouts. It's also perfect for reheating foods that need texture revival, like day-old pizza or fried chicken. The intense heat recreates that just-cooked crispiness beautifully.
When using your air fryer at this temperature, remember to shake or turn food halfway for even cooking. Our potato recipes section has great examples of dishes that benefit from 450 F/232 C cooking. Just reduce quantities to suit your air fryer's smaller capacity compared to a full fan oven.
At 450 F/232 C, both fan ovens and air fryers can generate significant heat. Always use oven gloves when handling trays or baskets, and ensure proper ventilation. For cleaning after high-heat cooking, our cleaning guide has tips to remove baked-on grease safely.