Quick answer: A 1,500-watt air fryer costs about $0.27 an hour at the US average rate of 18.2¢ per kWh, or roughly $0.09 for a 20-minute cook. In the UK, at 26.32p per kWh, the same 20 minutes costs about 13p.
Air fryers draw a lot of power, but only for a short time and into a small space. That is why they usually cost less per meal than heating a full-size oven.
Air fryer running costs by wattage
| Air fryer power | US per hour | US per day | US per month (20 cooks) | UK per hour | UK per day | UK per month (20 cooks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 W | $0.18 | $0.06 | $1.20 | 26p | 8.7p | £1.74 |
| 1,500 W | $0.27 | $0.09 | $1.80 | 39p | 13p | £2.61 |
| 1,700 W | $0.31 | $0.10 | $2.04 | 45p | 15p | £2.95 |
| 2,000 W | $0.36 | $0.12 | $2.40 | 53p | 17p | £3.47 |
Most basket air fryers are rated between 1,400 and 1,800 W; large dual-basket models can reach 2,000 W or more. The rating is on the base or in the manual.
Air fryer cost calculator
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Why the real cost is often lower
Like an oven, an air fryer has a thermostat. Once it reaches temperature, the element switches on and off, so over a 20-minute cook it rarely draws full power the whole time. The figures above are the maximum.
Air fryer vs oven
For one or two portions, an air fryer almost always wins: no long preheat and a far smaller space to heat. For a family-size roast or several trays at once, the oven can be as efficient per portion. See the full comparison: air fryer vs oven vs microwave.
How to use an air fryer for less
- Preheat only when the recipe needs it, and only for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cook in batches back to back while the fryer is hot.
- Don’t overfill the basket: food cooks unevenly and takes longer.
- Use the microwave for reheating small portions; it uses even less energy.
Frequently asked questions
Does an air fryer use a lot of electricity?
Its power is high, around the same as a space heater, but cooking times are short. A 20-minute cook at 1,500 W uses about 0.5 kWh.
Is it cheaper to air fry or microwave?
The microwave is cheaper for reheating and steaming because it runs for only a few minutes. The air fryer is the cheaper way to crisp and roast small portions.
How much does an air fryer cost to run per year?
One 20-minute cook a day at 1,500 W works out at about $32.88 a year in the US and £47.55 in the UK.
A real example: an air fryer five times a week
Cooking with a 1,500 W air fryer five times a week, about 20 minutes each time (0.5 kWh), uses about 130 kWh a year: roughly $23.66 in the US or £34.22 in the UK.
Cooking the same meals in an electric oven at around 1.4 kWh each would use about 364 kWh, roughly $66.25 or £95.80. For small portions, the air fryer typically uses about a third of the energy.
When the air fryer is not the cheapest option
- Cooking for a large family in several batches can use as much energy as one oven load.
- Reheating leftovers or cooking vegetables is usually cheaper in the microwave.
- Long, slow dishes such as stews are cheaper in a slow cooker per hour, and better suited to it.
More questions readers ask
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
Many models do not need it, or need only 2 to 3 minutes. Skipping unnecessary preheating saves a little energy every time.
Does a bigger air fryer cost more to run?
Larger models often have a higher wattage, 1,700 to 2,000 W or more. They cost more per minute, but can cook more food at once.
Sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook.
- Ofgem, Energy price cap.
- Our methodology.