With energy bills still a major concern for UK households, the air fryer has become one of the most talked-about kitchen appliances of recent years. But is the hype justified? We've crunched the real numbers — based on the UK's current energy price cap — to show you exactly how much an air fryer costs to run and whether it genuinely saves you money compared to a conventional oven.
How We Calculate Running Costs
Electricity in the UK is currently priced at around 24.5p per kWh (Ofgem price cap, 2025). To work out the cost of running any appliance, the formula is simple:
Cost = (Wattage ÷ 1000) × Hours Used × 24.5p
So a 1,500W air fryer running for 20 minutes = 1.5 × 0.33 × 24.5p = ~12p
Air Fryer vs Oven: The Cost Comparison
A standard electric fan oven draws around 2,000W and typically needs 10–15 minutes to preheat before cooking even begins. An air fryer needs no preheating and cooks 20–30% faster. Here's how the costs stack up for common meals:
| Meal | Air Fryer Cost | Oven Cost | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen chips (500g) | ~10p | ~25p | ~15p |
| Chicken breast (2 pieces) | ~12p | ~28p | ~16p |
| Sausages (6) | ~9p | ~22p | ~13p |
| Roast vegetables | ~11p | ~30p | ~19p |
| Reheating leftovers | ~5p | ~20p | ~15p |
The savings per meal look modest, but they add up fast. If you cook with an air fryer once a day instead of your oven, you could save £50–£70 per year on electricity alone.
Does the Purchase Price Pay Itself Back?
A decent air fryer in the UK costs anywhere from £40 to £120. Based on average daily savings of around 15p per use, a £60 air fryer pays for itself in roughly 14–16 months of regular use — and continues saving money every year after that.
💡 Quick tip: The bigger the air fryer, the more power it draws. A compact 1,500W model is the most economical for one or two people. Larger 2,000W+ models are still cheaper than an oven but are best justified when you're cooking for a family.
What About Compared to a Microwave?
A microwave is cheaper to run per minute — typically drawing 700–1,000W — but it can't crisp or roast food the way an air fryer can. For reheating, a microwave wins on cost. For cooking from scratch, the air fryer produces far better results and still beats an oven comfortably on energy use.
Other Ways an Air Fryer Saves You Money
Running costs are just one part of the picture. Air fryers also help you save by using little to no cooking oil (a litre of oil lasts much longer), reducing food waste through faster, more precise cooking, and cutting down on takeaway temptation because meals are genuinely quick to prepare — think crispy chicken in 18 minutes.
Are There Any Downsides?
Honestly, a few. Air fryers aren't great for large batch cooking unless you buy a dual-basket model. They also struggle with dishes that need moisture, like casseroles or soups — that's still oven or hob territory. And if you're cooking for six or more people every night, a large oven may still be more practical for certain meals.
✅ Final Verdict: Yes, They're Worth It
For the vast majority of UK households, an air fryer is a genuine money-saver. The combination of faster cooking times, no preheating, and lower wattage makes it significantly cheaper to run than a conventional oven for everyday meals.
If you cook alone or for two, a compact model around 1,500W gives you the best efficiency. For families, a dual-basket model like the Tower T17190 still undercuts oven costs while giving you serious capacity.
Ready to make the switch? Browse our top-rated air fryer picks for every budget below.
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