A faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient way to cook—without giving up on taste.
Healthier than pan-frying and quicker than an oven, air fryers have become a kitchen must-have. But with money tighter than ever, is buying one really worth it?
Experts say yes! Air fryers cook meals faster while using far less electricity than traditional ovens—helping us cut energy bills without sacrificing crispy, delicious food.
Some Councils are even giving away free air fryers, like North Lincolnshire. So we should check through our Council’s Household Fund if we are eligible for free appliances.
Cutting Down on Energy Costs
With energy prices soaring, switching to an air fryer can make a real difference. Which? researchers found that running an air fryer costs around 14p per day, while an electric oven can cost twice as much. Over time, that adds up to serious savings.
A John Lewis & Partners test found air fryers cook food 30% faster than ovens while using half the energy. That means we can enjoy homemade chips, roast chicken, and even baked goods without the long wait—or the high running costs.
Putting it to the test
The BBC programme Sliced Bread put air fryer energy savings to the test. Producer Simon used a smart meter to compare the cost of cooking two chicken legs—one in an oven, one in an air fryer:
“The oven took 35 minutes, using 1.05 kWh, which cost 21.04p.”
“The air fryer took 20 minutes, using just 0.43 kWh, costing 8.6p.”
That’s less than half the cost of using an oven!
While smaller, lower-wattage air fryers save the most, even larger models still use less energy than ovens. If we’re unsure, the Citizens Advice electrical appliance calculator can help compare costs between our appliances.
It’s also worth noting that ovens often stay on standby, adding 40-50p per day to our bill. Air fryers, on the other hand, only use electricity when needed—an easy way to save even more.
Quick, Easy & Versatile Cooking
For busy households, an air fryer is a game-changer. Meals that take 30-40 minutes in an oven can often be done in just 15 minutes. And it’s not just for chips—air fryers can cook roasted veggies, salmon, pizzas, and even cakes.
According toTesco Real Food, air fryers are perfect for batch cooking, making it easy to prep meals in advance without wasting energy. Plus, they use less oil, meaning healthier meals without losing flavor or crunch.
Worth the buy?
Experts recommend choosing a model with adjustable temperature settings, a spacious basket, and strong energy efficiency ratings. Air fryers require an upfront investment, but they quickly pay for themselves in energy savings.
Image: Nicoleta Ionescu / Shutterstock
