Gas Mark 4 converts to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the most versatile oven temperatures for air fryer cooking. This medium heat setting works perfectly for everything from roasting vegetables to baking cakes in your air fryer. Whether you're converting a traditional recipe or adjusting cooking times, knowing this conversion is essential for UK home cooks using American recipes or modern appliances.
Gas Mark 4 represents 350°F or 180°C in conventional oven terms, but air fryers cook differently. The circulating hot air means you might need to reduce cooking times by about 20% compared to standard oven instructions. Many air fryer recipes specifically designed for this appliance use 350°F as their base temperature for good reason - it's hot enough to crisp food without burning it. This temperature works particularly well for frozen foods, roasted potatoes, and baked goods where you want even browning.
When converting Gas Mark 4 to Fahrenheit for your air fryer, remember that most models heat up faster than traditional ovens. Preheating typically takes just 3-5 minutes at 350°F compared to 10-15 minutes in a gas oven. The compact size means heat distribution is more efficient, so you might find foods cook more evenly at this temperature than in your conventional oven. Check out our air fryer conversion chart for more detailed adjustments.
The 350°F (Gas Mark 4) sweet spot achieves the perfect balance between cooking food through and creating delicious crispy textures. At this temperature, proteins like chicken or fish cook evenly without drying out, while vegetables develop that desirable caramelisation. It's also ideal for reheating leftovers in your air fryer - pizza slices regain their crispness without burning, and fried foods re-crisp beautifully.
When adapting traditional recipes that specify Gas Mark 4 for air fryer use, start by setting your appliance to 350°F. Then reduce the cooking time by about 20% initially, checking for doneness a few minutes early. For example, if a recipe says "Gas Mark 4 for 30 minutes," try 350°F for 24 minutes in your air fryer first. Our chicken recipes section shows excellent examples of these conversions in action.
Some foods particularly suited to 350°F in an air fryer include roasted potatoes (cut into even pieces), breaded fish fillets, and homemade cookies. The rapid air circulation creates excellent texture at this temperature. Remember that different air fryer models may vary slightly, so it's worth keeping notes on what works best for your specific appliance when converting Gas Mark 4 recipes.
Many frozen convenience foods cook perfectly at the Gas Mark 4 to Fahrenheit equivalent of 350°F. From frozen chips to chicken nuggets, this temperature gives that golden crispness without overcooking. Fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots and Brussels sprouts roast beautifully at 350°F with a light coating of oil - check out our vegetable recipes for inspiration.
While Gas Mark 4 consistently means 350°F in conventional ovens, air fryer temperature controls can vary between models. Some budget models may run slightly hotter or cooler than their display indicates. If you find foods cooking too quickly or slowly at 350°F, consider using an oven thermometer to verify your air fryer's accuracy. Regular cleaning also helps maintain consistent temperature performance.
For foods that specifically need Gas Mark 4's gentle heat, like delicate cakes or custards, the air fryer's 350°F setting can work well with some adjustments. Use oven-safe ramekins or tins, and consider covering with foil if the top is browning too quickly. The concentrated heat circulation means these items often cook faster than in a conventional oven, so start checking for doneness well before the original recipe's suggested time.
While 350°F (Gas Mark 4) suits most air fryer cooking, some situations call for adjustment. Very thick cuts of meat may need lower temperatures to cook through without burning the exterior. Conversely, foods you want extra crispy like chicken wings or roast potatoes might benefit from a final 2-3 minutes at 400°F after cooking at 350°F. Experience will help you learn these nuances for your favourite recipes.
