How Much Does It Cost to Run a Air Fryer? (UK 2026)
Based on the active UK Ofgem price cap of 24.5p per kWh (1 January 2026 – 31 March 2026).
A typical 1700W air fryer costs £0.42 per hour of continuous use at current UK electricity rates (24.5p/kWh). For typical daily usage (30 minutes cooking cycle, 4 times per week (approx. 0.29h/day average)), it costs approximately £0.21 per day or £45.43 per year.
Manufacturer specs: Ninja Foodi Max & Philips Airfryer XXL specification sheets (1700W standard element)
* Includes 1W standby consumption outside active hours (£2.11/year).
How to Save Money Running a Air Fryer
- Skip preheating unless specifically cooking delicate pastries; air fryers reach 200°C in under 2 minutes.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; leaving space for circulating hot air cooks food 20% faster.
- Cook batch meals sequentially while the chamber is already at operating temperature to save reheating power.
- Clean the heating element reflector regularly so grease build-up does not impede radiant convection.
Alternative Appliances Compared
vs. Electric Built-In Oven
View running cost →An air fryer cooks typical 1-2 person meals 50% faster and uses up to 70% less electricity than heating an entire 70-litre oven cavity.
vs. Microwave Oven
View running cost →Microwaves are even lower wattage for simple reheating, but air fryers provide crisp browning through convection coils.
Air Fryer Technical Power Profile
Source data: Ninja Foodi Max & Philips Airfryer XXL specification sheets (1700W standard element)
Frequently Asked Questions: Air Fryer Electricity Costs
How much does it cost to run an air fryer for 30 minutes in the UK?â–¾
A 1700W air fryer running for 30 minutes consumes 0.85 kWh. At the 24.5p/kWh price cap, that costs approx. 20.8p per cooking session.
Is an air fryer really cheaper to use than an electric oven?â–¾
Yes, significantly. A conventional oven draws 2500W to 3000W and requires 15 minutes of preheating plus 40 minutes of cooking (approx. 2.0 kWh = ~49p). An air fryer accomplishes the same dish in 25 minutes without preheat (0.7 kWh = ~17p), saving over 65%.
Do dual-zone air fryers use double the electricity?â–¾
Only if both drawers are running simultaneously at maximum heat. If you only activate one drawer, the unit draws only half its rated wattage (typically 850W–1000W).
How much money can a UK family save annually by switching to an air fryer?â–¾
Families who substitute their conventional oven 4 times per week with an air fryer typically save between £50 and £85 per year on domestic electricity bills.
Does an air fryer draw power on standby?â–¾
Modern digital air fryers draw between 0.5W and 1.5W on standby for the digital clock and LED display, costing less than 30p per year.