How Much Does a Air Fryer Cost to Run?
Updated March 2026. Default rate effective 1 April 2026 (Ofgem Q2 2026). Figures are typical estimates rather than model-specific guarantees.
An air fryer costs approximately 10p per use and around £31 per year to run, making it one of the cheapest cooking appliances. Despite having a similar wattage to a small oven, air fryers cook much faster in a smaller space, using significantly less total energy per meal.
Calculator24.5p/kWh
W
times
min
p/kWh
Per use
10.0p
Per day
7.1p
Per week
49.8p
Per month
£2.16
Annual cost
£25.95
Typical annual electricity use: 105.92 kWh
Based on typical air fryer usage at current rates.
Annual estimate
£25.95
Annual electricity use
105.92 kWh
Typical household bill context
About 4% of a typical home's annual variable electricity spend at the current default rate.
What Affects the Cost of Running a Air Fryer?
Air fryer running costs are affected by: Wattage — models range from 800W to 2,000W depending on capacity. Cooking time — air fryers cook 20-30% faster than ovens. Capacity — larger air fryers draw more power but can cook more food per batch. Duty cycle — the heating element cycles at approximately 65% as the small cavity heats and maintains temperature quickly.
Helpful guides
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Related appliances
Assumptions and methodology
- Electricity rate: 24.5p/kWh (Ofgem Q2 2026)
- Default wattage is based on a typical appliance in this category
- Usage assumptions are meant to be a sensible starting point, not a fixed rule
- Costs vary with tariff, model, settings, load size, and household habits
Tips to Reduce Air Fryer Running Costs
Air fryers preheat in 2-3 minutes versus 10-15 minutes for an oven — take advantage of this speed. Avoid overcrowding the basket as it increases cooking time and energy use. Use your air fryer instead of your oven whenever the portion size fits — the energy saving is around 60% per meal.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about electricity costs and our calculators.