APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS · OCT–DEC 2026
How much does an air fryer cost to run?
Air fryers are rated at around 1.7 to 2.5 kW, but they heat a small space and cook quickly, which is why they are often cheaper per meal than an oven. At the GB average price-cap electricity rate of 26.32p per kWh for October–December 2026, an air fryer costs about 46p an hour at full power, or 15p for a typical 20-minute meal.
PER HOUR
46pat 1,750 W, full powerPER MEAL
15p0.58 kWh over 20 minutesPER WEEK
61p4 meals a week (assumed)PER YEAR
£32122 kWh at the assumed useWork out your own cost
Choose your region or type in your own unit rate, then change the wattage and hours to match your appliance and how you use it. It starts with a week at our assumed use, averaged to hours a day.
2.3 kWh over 7 days · about £0.09 a day
How much electricity it uses
- Single-drawer air fryers such as the Tower Vortx T17169 (6 litres) and Ninja AF110UK (4.7 litres) are rated at 1,700 W and 1,750 W.
- Larger dual-drawer models draw more: the Ninja AF300UK is rated at 2,400 W and the 10.4 litre AF500UK at 2,470 W.
- Once up to temperature, the heating element switches on and off, so cooking at full rated power for the whole time is an upper estimate.
| Example | Rated power | Per hour | Per meal | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower | 1,700 W | 45p | 15p | £31 |
| Typical | 1,750 W | 46p | 15p | £32 |
| Higher | 2,470 W | 65p | 22p | £45 |
Usage assumption: Four 20-minute meals a week at full rated power. This is our illustration, not a measured average; change it in the calculator.
What drives the cost
- Cooking time and temperature.
- Size: a dual-drawer model running both drawers draws more power than a small single drawer.
- Batch size: an air fryer only saves money when the food fits; cooking several batches can cost more than one oven load.
How it compares
| Appliance | Typical use | Energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | 1 meal, 20 minutes | 0.58 kWh | 15p |
| Electric oven | 1 use | 0.79 kWh | 21p |
| Microwave | 1 use, 5 minutes | 0.11 kWh | 2.8p |
| Slow cooker | 1 meal, 8 hours | 1.28 kWh | 34p |
Ways to spend less
- The Energy Saving Trust says an air fryer is ideal for cooking smaller amounts for one or two people, while an electric oven is better for batch cooking or a large group.
- It also suggests not opening the drawer more than necessary, to avoid letting heat out.
Unit rates vary by region: this period they run from 25.36p per kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and Northern Wales. See every region’s rate →
Questions
How much does an air fryer cost to run per hour?
At 26.32p per kWh (the GB average price-cap rate, October–December 2026, Direct Debit, 0% VAT), an air fryer rated at 1,750 W costs about 46p an hour at full power. Models from 1,700 W to 2,470 W cost 45p to 65p an hour.
How much does an air fryer cost to run a year?
It depends on how much you use it. Our assumption is four 20-minute meals a week at full rated power. At 26.32p per kWh that comes to about £32 a year (122 kWh). Change the hours or uses in the calculator to match your own.
Is an air fryer cheaper than an oven?
Usually, for small amounts. Twenty minutes in a 1,750 W air fryer at full power uses about 0.58 kWh, less than the 0.69 to 1.05 kWh energy-label cycles of the ovens we cite. An oven can cook far more food at once, so for a large batch it can work out cheaper.
Does the cost depend on where I live?
Yes, a little. Price-cap electricity unit rates for October–December 2026 range from 25.36p per kWh in East Midlands to 27.86p in Merseyside and Northern Wales. Pick your region in the calculator, or enter the unit rate from your bill if you are on a fixed or time-of-use tariff.
About these figures
Running costs are energy used × unit rate. They exclude the daily standing charge, which you pay whether or not the appliance runs. Costs per hour assume the appliance draws its full rated power the whole time; many appliances cycle on and off, so real use is often lower. Power ratings and energy figures are examples from the sources below, not a measured UK average.
Other appliances
Sources
- Tower Vortx 6 litre digital air fryer T17169GRY ↗1,700 W, 6 litre air fryer.
- Ninja air fryer 4.7L AF110UK ↗1,750 W, 4.7 litre air fryer.
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer AF300UK ↗2,400 W, 7.6 litre dual-drawer air fryer.
- Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer air fryer AF500UK ↗2,470 W, 10.4 litre air fryer.
- Energy Saving Trust: air fryer vs oven, which cooking appliance is cheaper to run? ↗Cooking tips for ovens, hobs, air fryers, microwaves and slow cookers.
- Ofgem: energy price cap unit rates and standing charges ↗GB average electricity unit rate and VAT basis, October–December 2026.
Last updated 11 October 2026. Figures are dated benchmarks taken from the sources above. How we use sources →