How to Cook Faster and Use Less Energy With Air Fryers

Air fryers can be a cheaper way to cook smaller meals, because there is less space to heat than in a standard oven.

The biggest savings come from choosing the right appliance for the amount of food you are cooking.

Simple air fryer habits, such as not overfilling the drawer and keeping heat inside, can help your air fryer work more efficiently.

With energy bills still putting pressure on many households, it’s understandable that more of us are looking at everyday habits and wondering: are there cheaper, newer ways to do the basics? 

When it comes to cooking, the answer is often yes. Energy Saving Trust reports cooking makes up around 3% of the average home’s energy use, and choosing the right appliance for the meal can help reduce costs and carbon emissions. That doesn’t mean your oven is always the wrong choice; it simply means your air fryer could be a useful money-saving option for smaller portions. 

How does an air fryer save energy?

An air fryer works a bit like a small fan oven. Hot air moves quickly around the food, helping it cook evenly and giving that crisp finish many enjoy.

Because an air fryer is smaller than a standard oven, it has less space to heat. That means it often warms up quickly and can cook the same small meal using less electricity. It can be especially useful for everyday portions, leftovers, quick lunches and simple family favourites.

Energy Saving Trust found that, when cooking the same 600g portion of chicken breast, an air fryer cost 15p in Great Britain compared with 21p in an electric oven. Which? testing also found air fryers can use considerably less energy than ovens for smaller amounts of food, although the savings drop if you need to cook in several batches. 

When is an air fryer a good choice?

Air fryers can work well for chips, jacket potatoes, chicken pieces, fish, vegetables and frozen foods. They are also handy when cooking for one or two people, or when you only need to cook one part of a meal.

They are useful for quick meals that do not need a full oven; small portions, snacks and side dishes that use little or no oil. (Cooking times vary, so always check food is cooked through before serving.)

When is the oven better?

The best energy efficient appliance is the one that fits the job. Your oven may still be better if you are cooking for lots of people, batch cooking several meals at once, or preparing a few dishes at the same time.

A simple rule is to ask, “Am I heating more space than I need?”. If yes, an air fryer may help. If the oven is full but used well, it may still be the sensible option.

Simple Ways to Save More Energy With an Air Fryer

Small habits can make your air fryer work harder for your money:

• Avoid opening the drawer too often. Each time hot air escapes, the appliance has to build the heat back up.
• Do not overfill it. Air needs to move around the food, so overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and longer cooking times.
• Cook similar foods together, use the right setting for your model, and turn the appliance off at the plug when finished, but only when it is safe and has cooled as advised.

How to work out what you are saving

Estimate the cost by checking the wattage and your electricity unit rate.

Power rating in kW x hours used = kWh

Then:

kWh x your electricity unit rate = cost

For example, a 1,500W air fryer is 1.5kW. Used for 20 minutes, it uses about 0.5kWh. Multiply 0.5kWh by your electricity unit rate to estimate the cost.

Savings will depend on your air fryer, tariff, cooking time, portion size and whether you would normally use the oven. But small changes, used regularly, can add up.

Need help with energy bills?

LEAP offers free energy and money-saving advice to eligible households. Our friendly advisors can help you understand your energy use, check your bills and find practical ways to reduce costs at home.

You may also be entitled to appliance support through LEAP, subject to eligibility, your area and availability. Apply for a LEAP energy advice call and an advisor will talk you through what help may be available.