February 19, 2025 Lisa Santorelli

Do Air Fryers Use a Lot of Electricity? Find Out Here

Ever wondered if your air fryer is secretly inflating your hydro bill? Short answer: Not really! Air fryers use less electricity than ovens but more than microwaves. Even a commercial air fryer is surprisingly efficient. Want to know how much they really cost to run? Keep reading for the juicy details!

Understanding Air Fryer Wattage

Typical Wattage Ranges

Air fryers are a kitchen favourite, but how much power do they really use? Most models fall between 800 and 1,500 watts, with smaller units using less and commercial air fryers drawing more. Compared to a traditional oven, which can gobble up 2,400 to 3,000 watts, air fryers tend to be the more efficient option.

Comparing to Other Appliances

Let’s compare air fryers to other household kitchen gadgets. Microwaves typically run between 600 and 1,200 watts, making them slightly more energy-efficient but far less versatile. Toasters fall in the same range as air fryers, but they can only do one thing—toast. Slow cookers use a tiny 200 to 300 watts, but they take hours to do their job. Air fryers sit comfortably in the middle, offering a solid mix of efficiency and function.

vibrant kitchen with a small and large commercial air fryer side by side, surrounded by glowing electricity symbols, illustrating energy consumption and efficiency differences

Calculating Electricity Costs

The Formula for Energy Consumption

Wondering how much your air fryer is adding to your electricity bill? Here’s a simple way to figure it out: Wattage (kW) × Time (hours) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh) = Cost. For example, if you use a 1,200-watt air fryer (1.2 kW) for 30 minutes (0.5 hours) at an electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh, your cost per use is: 1.2 × 0.5 × 0.15 = $0.09. That’s less than a dime per use—pretty reasonable for a quick and crispy meal.

Factors Affecting Energy Use

A few things can bump up or lower your air fryer’s energy consumption. Cooking time plays a big role—longer cook times mean more electricity used. The type of food also matters. Frozen foods take more energy to cook than fresh ones. Cooking in batches can actually save energy, reducing the number of times you need to turn on the fryer. Plus, some models are just more energy-efficient than others.

Air Fryer Energy Efficiency

How Air Fryers Can Save Energy

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food faster, which helps cut down on energy use. Unlike ovens, they don’t need to preheat for long—most get up to temperature almost instantly. Their smaller size also means less heat is wasted, making them a smart choice for quick meals. If you’re only cooking for one or two people, using an oven to roast a small portion is overkill. An air fryer can do the job with way less power.

Tips for Minimizing Energy Use

Want to make your air fryer even more efficient? Use preset cooking modes—they’re designed to optimise time and temperature. Don’t overload the basket, or you’ll end up cooking longer than necessary. Batch cooking can also help, as you’re using the fryer less often. Once you’re done, unplug it to avoid phantom energy drain. And if you’re in the market for a new one, look for models with energy-saving features.

side-by-side comparison of a commercial air fryer and a conventional oven, with glowing electricity symbols highlighting their power usage differences in a modern kitchen

Air Fryer vs. Oven Electricity Usage

When it comes to energy consumption, air fryers are the clear winner for most everyday cooking needs. Ovens draw a hefty 2,400 to 3,000 watts and require time to preheat before they even start cooking. Air fryers, on the other hand, run between 800 and 1,500 watts and don’t waste time heating up a massive oven space. For a simple 30-minute cooking session, an oven can cost three times as much as an air fryer in electricity. If you’re cooking small meals, an air fryer is the smarter pick. It’s also great for summer when you don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen just to make dinner.

Conclusion

Air fryers won’t send your electricity bill through the roof, making them an energy-efficient addition to any kitchen. While they use more power than a microwave, they offer a balance of speed, versatility, and efficiency. Understanding wattage, calculating costs, and following a few simple tips can help you use your air fryer wisely. Whether you're crisping up leftovers or making a full meal, they’re a smart way to cook without wasting electricity. With a little know-how, you can enjoy the benefits of an air fryer while keeping your energy costs in check.