PennyPerHourAir fryer vs oven: which costs less to run?
For small meals, an air fryer is much cheaper than an electric oven. A 20-minute air fryer cook uses around 0.35kWh (9.2p). An electric oven cooking for 30 minutes, including preheating, uses around 1.2kWh (32p).
Electricity 26.32p/kWh, gas 7.97p/kWh (Ofgem cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026). Typical figures.
Cost per meal, appliance by appliance
| Appliance | Typical use | Energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microwave (900W) | 5 minutes | 0.08kWh | 2.0p |
| Air fryer (1,500W) | 20 minutes | 0.35kWh | 9.2p |
| Slow cooker (low) | 8 hours | 1.3kWh | 34p |
| Electric fan oven | 30 min + preheat | 1.2kWh | 32p |
| Gas oven | 30 min + preheat | 2.0kWh gas | 16p |
These are typical figures. Appliances with thermostats (ovens, air fryers) cycle their elements on and off, so they rarely draw full power for the whole cook.
When the oven still makes sense
An air fryer wins for one or two portions. If you're cooking a full roast or several trays for a family, a full oven is often more efficient per portion than running an air fryer in several batches. Gas ovens are also cheaper per kWh than electric ones, because gas costs 7.97p/kWh against 26.32p for electricity.
Choosing an air fryer
- Dual-basket models cook two things at once and stop you running separate batches.
- Size: 4–5 litres suits 1–2 people; 8 litres or more for families.
- Check the wattage. Higher wattage heats faster but doesn't automatically mean higher running costs, because the cook is shorter.
Work out the cost for your air fryer
Change the wattage or hours to match yours.
Default price is the Ofgem cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026. Check your bill for your exact unit rate. Figures exclude standing charges.
What to buy: our picks by need
We recommend types of product based on running costs and features, not specific brands we have tested.
A single-basket 4–5 litre air fryer: quick to heat and easy to store.
See options on Amazon →A dual-basket model of 8 litres or more, so two parts of a meal finish together.
See options on Amazon →An air fryer oven with shelves, big enough for a small chicken or a tray bake.
See options on Amazon →Shopping for one? Compare current models, prices and wattages before you buy.
Browse air fryers on Amazon →Affiliate link: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer cheaper than a microwave?
No. A microwave is usually cheapest for reheating. Air fryers win when you want food crisp, which a microwave can't do.
How much does an air fryer cost per hour?
At full power a 1,500W air fryer would cost 39p an hour, but thermostat cycling means real use is typically lower.
Is a slow cooker cheap to run?
Yes. Eight hours on low uses roughly 1.3kWh, about 34p.