Do Air Fryers Use a Lot of Electricity?

On this page (7 sections)

1. How much electricity does an air fryer use?
2. How do you estimate the cost of running an air fryer?
3. Does an air fryer use less electricity than an oven?
4. Does wattage tell you how much an air fryer will cost?
5. Does preheating change electricity use?
6. How can you reduce energy use while cooking?
7. What’s the simplest way to decide if your air fryer uses too much?

Do air fryers use a lot of electricity? Usually not for a short cooking session, but the amount depends on the fryer’s wattage and how long it runs.

Measuring your own appliance gives a better estimate than wattage alone.

A watt is a measure of power. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures energy over time, which is the unit your electricity bill uses.

For example, a 1,600-watt appliance running at full power for 30 minutes would use 0.8 kWh; actual use can differ as the heating element cycles.

How much electricity does an air fryer use?

An air fryer’s energy use depends on its power and run time. Multiply its wattage by the hours it runs, then divide by 1,000 to estimate kilowatt-hours.

For instance, 1,600 watts multiplied by 0.5 hours equals 800 watt-hours, or 0.8 kWh. This is a simple estimate, not a promise of the exact energy a cooking session will use.

The heating element may cycle on and off to maintain temperature. Food amount, settings, and cooking time also affect the result, so two sessions can use different amounts of energy.

If you’re new to the appliance, our guide on how to use an air fryer for the first time covers basic setup and cooking steps.

How do you estimate the cost of running an air fryer?

Multiply the kilowatt-hours used by your electricity rate per kWh to estimate a session’s cost. Your bill or utility account can show the rate to use.

As a sample calculation, if a session uses 0.8 kWh and your rate is 20 cents per kWh, the estimate is 16 cents. Replace both numbers with your measured use and actual rate.

This calculation is only an estimate. Taxes, fees, and time-based rates can affect what you pay, and the appliance’s rated wattage may not match its average draw throughout a session.

How can a plug-in meter help?

A plug-in meter can track energy use during a typical cooking session, so you can compare it with the estimate from wattage and time. Check that the meter is compatible with your outlet and appliance before using it.

The P3 Kill A Watt Meter has a large LCD that counts consumption by kilowatt-hour and can calculate electricity expenses by day, week, month, or year. It is designed for AC 115-volt appliances, with a 15-amp maximum capacity.

The Plug-In Watt Meter offers several display modes for watts, kilowatt-hours, volts, amps, and cost. It has an overload warning and adjustable overload setting.

Check its limits and follow its instructions before use.

Does an air fryer use less electricity than an oven?

It can use less energy for a small portion, but the answer depends on the cooking job. Compare the energy for the same food and serving size rather than assuming one appliance always costs less.

An air fryer’s smaller cooking space may suit a snack or a few portions. An oven may be more practical when you’re cooking a large batch or several dishes at once.

Our comparison of air fryers and ovens explains how capacity, cooking time, and meal size affect the choice. For a small household, the best small air fryers guide can help you compare compact options.

Does wattage tell you how much an air fryer will cost?

Wattage helps estimate energy use, but it doesn’t tell you the full running cost by itself. You also need run time and your electricity rate.

A 1,700-watt fryer could use more energy than a 1,100-watt model if both run for the same length of time at full power. But a shorter cooking session or cycling heat can change the total.

The Cuisinart 4.5 Qt Basket has a 4.5-quart capacity and four cooking functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Keep Warm. It has four presets for French fries, wings, frozen snacks, and vegetables.

The Chefman 6 Qt Compact has a 6-quart capacity and four preset functions. Its touch screen lets you customize cooking time and temperature.

Does preheating change electricity use?

Preheating adds to the time the appliance runs, so it can add energy use. Whether you need to preheat depends on the food and the recipe instructions.

If a recipe calls for preheating, follow its directions. If it doesn’t, check the air fryer’s instructions and the recipe before adding an extra step.

Read whether you need to preheat an air fryer for more guidance. A meter can show whether preheating makes a noticeable difference in your own routine.

How can you reduce energy use while cooking?

Use the shortest time and temperature that cook the food properly. Avoid extra preheating or repeated cooking cycles unless the recipe or appliance instructions call for them.

Cook an amount that fits your basket without blocking airflow. Overfilling may lead to uneven results and another round of cooking, which adds run time.

Keep the basket and air paths clean as the manual directs. For routine care, see how to clean an air fryer basket and inside.

What’s the simplest way to decide if your air fryer uses too much?

Measure a normal cooking session and compare its cost with your other cooking options. The result depends on what you cook, how long the fryer runs, and your local rate.

Use a compatible meter, note the kilowatt-hours, and multiply by your rate per kWh. If you’re comparing with an oven, measure or estimate the energy for the same meal and serving size.

Choose an air fryer for small portions when its capacity and cooking time suit the job. Choose an oven when its larger space makes more sense for the meal, and use how long air fryers last if you’re weighing long-term ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How much electricity does an air fryer use per hour?

An air fryer’s energy use per hour depends on its wattage and how long it runs. A 1,600-watt appliance running at full power for 1 hour would use 1.6 kilowatt-hours; shorter sessions or cycling heat can make actual use lower.

A plug-in meter can help measure it.

Is an air fryer cheaper to run than an oven?

It depends on the appliances, food, cooking time, and local electricity rate. A smaller air fryer may use less energy for a small portion, while an oven may suit larger batches.

Compare the energy used for the same meal with a meter to get a useful estimate.

Does preheating an air fryer use much electricity?

Preheating adds some energy use because the appliance runs before food goes in. The amount depends on the fryer and how long it preheats.

Follow the recipe and appliance instructions; some foods may not need preheating.

See our guide to whether you need to preheat an air fryer.

How can I measure an air fryer’s electricity use?

Plug a compatible electricity meter into the outlet, then plug the air fryer into the meter and follow its instructions. Record the kilowatt-hours for a typical cooking session.

Check the meter’s voltage and current limits against the appliance, and don't use a meter that isn't rated for the load.