How Much Does It Cost to Run a Air fryer in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Air fryers have become a favourite way to cut cooking costs. They draw around 1.5kW — less than an oven — and cook small portions much faster because they only heat a small basket, so a typical 20-minute meal costs a fraction of using the main oven.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 1,500W air fryer running 0.5 hours a day costs about £0.20 per day (£51 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.39
- Per day
- £0.20
- Per week
- £0.99
- Per month
- £4.28
- Per year
- £51
- kWh per year
- 195
Based on 1500W ÷ 1,000 × 0.5h × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Air fryer running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 15 min | 30 min | 45 min | 1 hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800W | £0.05 | £0.11 | £0.16 | £0.21 |
| 1,200W | £0.08 | £0.16 | £0.24 | £0.32 |
| 1,500W | £0.10 | £0.20 | £0.30 | £0.39 |
| 1,800W | £0.12 | £0.24 | £0.36 | £0.47 |
| 2,000W | £0.13 | £0.26 | £0.39 | £0.53 |
Typical air fryer cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 1.50 kWh | £0.39 |
| Per day | 0.75 kWh | £0.20 |
| Per month | 16.3 kWh | £4.28 |
| Per year | 195 kWh | £51 |
What affects the cost
Cooking time
Most meals take 10–25 minutes.
Wattage
Larger dual-basket models draw up to 2.5kW.
Preheating
Many models need little or none.
Batch size
Overfilling the basket extends cooking time.
Cheaper alternatives to a air fryer
• Microwave for reheating • Slow cooker for batch meals • Halogen oven • Hob for quick pan cooking
How to reduce the cost
- Don't preheat longer than needed
- Cook in batches back-to-back while it's hot
- Choose a basket size that suits your household
- Use the oven only for big family meals
Frequently asked questions
How much does a air fryer cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.39 per hour for a 1,500W model at 26.32p/kWh.
How do I work out what my air fryer costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
Is an air fryer cheaper than an oven?
For small meals, yes. 20 minutes in a 1.5kW air fryer costs about £0.13, while an electric oven usually needs preheating and runs longer.
Does an air fryer use a lot of electricity?
Its power draw is high while it runs, but cooking times are short, so total energy per meal is low.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.