Do Air Fryers Use a Lot of Electricity?

In the quest for crispy chips without the guilt, many Brits have turned to the trusty air fryer. But as energy prices climb faster than a squirrel up a tree, it's natural to wonder, "Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?" Let's dive into the watts, costs, and culinary delights of this modern kitchen marvel.

Watt's Cooking? Understanding Air Fryer Energy Consumption

Air fryers, those compact convection ovens that sit proudly on your countertop, come with varying power ratings. Here's a breakdown:

• Small to Mid-Sized Air Fryers: These typically consume between 1,400 to 1,800 watts, translating to 1.4 to 1.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per hour of use. ​

• Larger Models: Some hefty units can draw up to 2,400 watts (2.4 kWh per hour). ​

Crunching the Numbers: Cost to Run an Air Fryer

To determine if your air fryer is a friend or foe to your wallet, let's calculate the running costs:

1. Identify the Wattage: Check your air fryer's specifications.​

2. Convert to Kilowatts: Divide the wattage by 1,000. For example, a 1,500-watt air fryer becomes 1.5 kW.​

3. Estimate Usage Time: Determine how long you typically use the air fryer daily.​

4. Calculate Daily Consumption: Multiply the power (kW) by the usage time (hours). For instance, 1.5 kW × 0.5 hours = 0.75 kWh per day.​

5. Determine the Cost: Multiply the daily consumption by your electricity rate. With the January 2025 Energy Price Cap in the UK at 24.8p per kWh, the daily cost would be 0.75 kWh × £0.248 = £0.186 (or 18.6p). ​

Over a month, using the air fryer for 30 minutes daily would add approximately £5.58 to your electricity bill.​

Air Fryer vs. Oven: The Energy Showdown

Air fryers are known for their efficiency, often cooking food faster than traditional ovens. This reduced cooking time, combined with lower power consumption, can lead to energy savings. For example, cooking 500g of frozen French fries in an air fryer can take about 14 minutes, costing roughly 6p in electricity. ​

In contrast, ovens have higher power ratings and longer cooking times, which can result in higher energy usage. Therefore, for smaller meals or quick snacks, air fryers can be more economical.​

Tips to Fry Another Day: Maximising Efficiency

To ensure your air fryer doesn't become an energy hog:

• Batch Cooking: Cook multiple items simultaneously if your air fryer size permits.​

• Avoid Preheating: Many air fryers heat up quickly, eliminating the need for preheating.​

• Regular Maintenance: Keep the appliance clean to ensure optimal performance.​

• Unplug When Not in Use: To prevent any standby power consumption, unplug the air fryer after use.​

Conclusion

So, do air fryers use a lot of electricity? In the grand scheme of kitchen appliances, they're relatively modest energy consumers. Their rapid cooking times and efficient energy use make them a savvy choice for those looking to save both time and money. Plus, with the added benefit of healthier meals, it's a win-win for your waistline and your wallet.​