How Much Electricity Does an Air Fryer Use

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in UK households, with many people choosing them as a faster and healthier alternative to conventional ovens. While they are often praised for cooking food quickly and using less oil, an important question for many homeowners and tenants is how much electricity they actually use. With rising energy costs, understanding the consumption of an air fryer helps people decide whether it is an economical option and how it compares to other appliances in the kitchen.

Average Power Rating of an Air Fryer

Air fryers are typically smaller than ovens and run on electricity alone. Most models in the UK have a power rating between 800 watts and 2,000 watts. This means they consume between 0.8 kilowatts and 2 kilowatts per hour of use. For example, if you have a 1,500-watt air fryer and use it for 30 minutes, it will consume around 0.75 kilowatt hours. With an electricity rate of 30 pence per kilowatt hour, that works out at just over 22 pence for a half-hour cooking session.

Although the power rating sounds high compared with some appliances, it is important to consider how long an air fryer is typically used. Unlike an oven, which may need to run for an hour or more to preheat and cook food, an air fryer generally cooks in a much shorter time. This efficiency often means that despite the wattage, the overall electricity cost per meal is relatively low.

Comparing Air Fryers to Ovens and Microwaves

When compared with a conventional oven, air fryers often use less electricity per meal. An oven may consume between 2 and 3 kilowatt hours for a typical hour of cooking, costing around 60 to 90 pence. An air fryer, running at 1.5 kilowatts for 30 minutes, would cost about 22 pence for the same task. Over a year, these differences can add up, especially for households that use ovens regularly.

Microwaves, on the other hand, tend to have a similar or slightly lower consumption per meal than air fryers because they often operate at 800 to 1,200 watts and run for only a few minutes. However, microwaves do not always produce the same cooking results, particularly for crisping or roasting, which is where air fryers hold their advantage.

Energy Efficiency in Everyday Use

The efficiency of an air fryer is linked to its smaller size and the way it circulates hot air rapidly around the food. This means less time is needed for preheating, and food generally cooks faster than in an oven. For example, chips or chicken wings that might take 40 minutes in an oven can often be ready in 20 minutes in an air fryer. As a result, the shorter cooking times help to balance out the electricity demand.

For single-person households or couples who cook smaller meals, air fryers are particularly efficient. Heating a large oven just to cook a small portion can be wasteful, while an air fryer heats only the space required for the food itself. Larger families may still prefer to use an oven for bigger meals, although some larger-capacity air fryers can handle family portions effectively.

Annual Running Costs of an Air Fryer

To estimate the annual cost of running an air fryer, consider a household that uses it five times a week for 30 minutes. At 0.75 kilowatt hours per use, this adds up to 195 kilowatt hours per year. At an average cost of 30 pence per kilowatt hour, the total annual cost would be about £59. This compares favourably with using a standard oven for the same number of meals, which might double or even triple the cost depending on cooking times.

Households that use their air fryer daily will naturally spend more, with potential costs of £80 to £100 per year. However, the savings compared with frequent oven use can still be substantial.

Factors That Influence Electricity Use

Several factors can change how much electricity an air fryer consumes. The size of the unit plays a role, with larger models typically requiring more power but also allowing more food to be cooked at once. Cooking temperature and time are also significant, as higher settings and longer cycles increase electricity use. The type of food being prepared can also affect efficiency, with frozen items often needing longer cooking times than fresh ones.

The efficiency of the appliance itself is another factor. More modern models tend to be better insulated and designed to distribute heat evenly, which can reduce wasted energy. Choosing the right size of air fryer for your household can also help avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

Reducing the Cost of Air Fryer Use

There are simple steps to make air fryer use more efficient. Cooking in batches when possible, avoiding unnecessarily high temperatures, and using the pre-set cooking programmes designed for efficiency can all help. Cleaning the air fryer regularly so that airflow is not restricted also supports optimal performance and energy use.

For households on time-of-use electricity tariffs, running an air fryer during off-peak hours can also lower the cost per meal, although this depends on supplier and tariff type.

Environmental Considerations

As with all electrical appliances, using an air fryer contributes to household energy demand and carbon emissions. However, their efficiency often makes them a greener choice compared with ovens for small to medium cooking tasks. By reducing cooking times and using less electricity per meal, they help lower both energy bills and environmental impact. For households aiming to improve their sustainability, combining an air fryer with lower cooking temperatures and mindful usage habits offers a practical solution.

Conclusion

An air fryer typically uses between 0.8 and 2 kilowatt hours of electricity per hour, depending on its power rating and how it is used. For a typical household using a 1,500-watt model for half an hour per meal, the cost is around 22 pence per use, or about £59 per year if used five times a week. This is often significantly cheaper than using an oven for the same meals, making air fryers both economical and efficient. With thoughtful usage, they can provide cost savings, cooking convenience, and a more energy-conscious approach to meal preparation.