Air Fryer Calibration Help
Different air fryer brands and models cook at different rates. Learn how to calibrate your specific air fryer for consistently perfect results every time.
Why Calibrate? Even with the same settings, a Ninja might cook 20% faster than a Philips!
Signs Your Air Fryer Needs Calibration
🔥 Runs Too Hot (Common)
- • Food burns or overcooks before timer ends
- • Outside is crispy but inside is still raw
- • Recipes finish much faster than expected
- • Food gets too dark too quickly
Solution: Use +10% to +30% calibration (reduces temp/time)
❄️ Runs Too Cool (Less Common)
- • Food takes much longer than recipes suggest
- • Results are pale or not crispy enough
- • Need to add 10+ minutes to every recipe
- • Food cooks unevenly or slowly
Solution: Use -10% to -20% calibration (increases temp/time)
Brand-Specific Calibration Guidelines
🥷 Ninja Air Fryers
Typical Calibration: +15% to +25%
Ninja models often run very hot and cook faster than expected. Start with +20% and adjust based on results.
🔵 Philips Air Fryers
Typical Calibration: 0% (Standard)
Philips invented the air fryer and their models typically run true to temperature. Start with no calibration.
🟠 Cosori Air Fryers
Typical Calibration: +5% to +15%
Cosori models tend to run slightly hot but less than Ninja. Try +10% as a starting point.
⚡ Instant Vortex
Typical Calibration: Varies by Size
Smaller models often run hot (+10%), larger models closer to standard. Test with simple recipes first.
⚡ PowerXL
Typical Calibration: Highly Variable
PowerXL models can be inconsistent. Start with standard settings and adjust based on your specific unit.
🔧 Other Brands
Typical Calibration: Start at 0%
For lesser-known brands, start with standard conversion and adjust based on your first few cooking tests.
How to Test Your Air Fryer Calibration
Choose a Simple Test Recipe
Use frozen chips/fries as your test - they're consistent and you know what to expect.
Test Settings: 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, shake halfway through
Observe the Results
Too Fast/Hot:
Done in 10-12 mins, very dark
Just Right:
Done in 15 mins, golden brown
Too Slow/Cool:
Needs 18-20 mins, pale color
Adjust Your Calibration
If Too Fast/Hot:
- • Finished 25% faster → Try +20% calibration
- • Finished 50% faster → Try +30% calibration
If Too Slow/Cool:
- • Took 25% longer → Try -15% calibration
- • Took 50% longer → Try -25% calibration
Use Our Calculator's Calibration Feature
Our air fryer calculator includes a calibration slider that automatically adjusts all conversions based on your air fryer's performance.
Try Our Calculator