Which is cheaper to run, an air fryer or an oven?

Author: Nelda Hickle  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Using New York's electricity prices, we safely say a standard 4-quart air fryer will cost about 27 cents per hour to run. That's 50% more energy-efficient than the average full-size electric oven and about 35% more efficient than the average gas oven (calculated with New York state's average energy costs).

Which uses more electricity, an oven or an air fryer?

A traditional oven uses around 2300 watts per hour while a family-sized air fryer only uses around 1500 watts an hour on average. This is because the heat is more concentrated on the food than on its surroundings. To help save energy using your air fryer plan to cook foods that have fully thawed.

Is it cheaper to use the oven or an air fryer?

Generally speaking, an air fryer is more likely to save money on your energy bill compared to an oven thanks to their typically lower wattage and quicker cooking times. This is especially the case if you are cooking for small groups as dinkier air fryers tend to be more energy efficient than larger models.

What is the downside of the air fryer?

What are Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer? Air fryers vary in the amount of foods they can hold, but usually do not have a large capacity. Air fryers may not be convenient when cooking for large groups. Foods that are air fried have different sensory characteristics than foods that are deep fried.

What cannot be cooked in an airfryer?

Any food with a wet batter should not be placed in the air fryer. You also want to avoid putting food that has a wet batter, like corndogs or tempura shrimp, in air fryers.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Saves More Money on Energy Bills? - Which?

Why is Airfryer not healthy?

The Bottom Line. Acrylamide is a chemical that can be created by cooking processes including baking, air frying, and toasting. Acrylamide is considered a probable human carcinogen based on the results of studies in laboratory animals.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

Can you do bacon in an air fryer?

Preheat an air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Lay bacon in the air fryer basket in a single layer; some overlap is okay. Fry for 8 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until bacon is crisp, about 7 minutes more.

What is the best air fryer for the money?

  • COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer Oven Combo. ...
  • Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL. ...
  • Breville Smart-Oven Air-Fryer Pro. ...
  • Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven With Grill. ...
  • Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer. $120. ...
  • Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer. $177. ...
  • Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer Pressure Cooker. $150. ...
  • Instant Vortex Plus. $120.

Should I buy an air fryer or an oven?

It depends on your cooking needs. An air fryer is best for quick frying, grilling, and roasting small to medium-sized portions. However, an OTG oven is more versatile for baking cakes, cookies, and toasting larger quantities of food.

Does an air fryer increase the electricity bill?

Daily: If you use your Air Fryer for 30 minutes every day, it will cost you $0.09 per day. Monthly: If you use your Air Fryer for one hour every day, it will cost you $2.70 per month. Yearly: If you use your Air Fryer for 30 minutes every day for a year, it will cost you $32.85 per year.

Is it cheaper to cook a jacket potato in an air fryer or oven?

In the air fryer, the potato took 35 minutes, using 0.55 kWh of electricity, costing 18.1p. So - allowing for small variations like how old your oven is, and how much energy it uses - cooking in an electric oven costs more than double what it costs to cook in an air fryer.

Why are ovens better than air fryers?

The downside of air fryers is they can't cook as much food at one time as you can in an oven. Food cooks better in an air fryer when it's in a single layer. Some foods, like French fries, can be stacked, but should be tossed at least once.

What is the new alternative to air fryers?

They were also proposed as a cheaper alternative to using a regular oven. But now it seems the supremacy of the air fryer is being challenged by another countertop kitchen gadget, the Halogen Oven. This is a device which uses a halogen lightbulb to cook food in a small glass bowl underneath it.

What is more economical air fryer or oven?

Air fryers are an energy efficient and economical way to quickly cook smaller quantities of food. They are cheaper and quicker to use than an oven, but may not be the best option for large families or batch cookers because of their limited capacity.

What can you not cook in an air fryer?

7 Foods You Should Never Cook In Your Air Fryer
  • Wet Batters.
  • Cheesy Items.
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts.
  • Baked Goods.
  • Leafy Greens.
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains.
  • Too Much of Anything.

Can you fry an egg in an air fryer?

Frying an egg in an air fryer is much easier than you might imagine with this simple air fryer fried egg recipe. Simply crack your eggs into a small skillet, or metal heatproof dish, season and air fry! Try it served with smashed avocado, buttery toast and chopped chives.

Can you air fry hot dogs?

Air fry the hot dogs: Add your 4 hot dogs to the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each hot dog. Air fry at 350˚F for 5 minutes. When the hot dogs are done, they should be glistening hot and slightly browned in spots.

What is the downside of an Airfryer?

Price: Air fryers can be expensive, especially if you choose a high-end model. Dimensions: Air fryers can be bulky, so it is important to make sure you have the space to place them in your kitchen. Cooking time: In some cases, cooking time in an air fryer may be longer than in a conventional oven.

Why do chefs hate air fryers?

Air Fryers Reduce Taste Quality

Out of the top three reasons restaurants don't use air fryers, the taste is the leading cause. It has numerous benefits and can cook food efficiently. However, the taste can be subpar compared to other cooking methods available at the commercial level.

What is replacing the air fryer?

A convection oven has the same advantages over an air fryer as a regular oven—size. If you're making multiple dishes or batches of food, a convection oven can help prepare it all at once.

Can I put a paper towel in an air fryer?

Airflow is essential to the machine, so while a paper towel is useful for cleaning, it should not be used while cooking food in the air fryer. It can restrict the airflow of the machine and even catch fire. It's important to remember that the air inside the air fryer can get very hot.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of an air fryer?

A slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer can help collect grease without making a mess.

Can I wrap potatoes in foil in an air fryer?

No need to wrap each potato in aluminum foil, only to have to unwrap the hot foil multiple times to see if the potato is cooked through. Air frying allows the hot air to circulate in a small closed environment for perfectly cooked potatoes that have a soft interior and crispy skin.

Previous article
Does eggshell paint touch up well?
Next article
Where is the overflow drain?