Inputs
Use the power rating on the appliance label or manual. If your oven cycles on and off, use an estimated average power rather than the maximum rating.
Kitchen energy calculator
Air fryer vs oven cost calculator
Compare the electricity cost of cooking with an air fryer and an oven. Enter appliance power, cooking time, electricity price, and weekly use to see the difference.
Method
Cost equals appliance power multiplied by cooking hours and electricity price. Weekly and yearly figures multiply that per-cook cost by use frequency.
Result
This compares electricity only. It does not account for preheating, food quantity, cooking quality, standing charges, or gas ovens.
Last reviewed: 16 June 2026Calculation type: electricity use estimate
How to use this calculator well
Use this page when you want a quick like-for-like electricity comparison between an air fryer and an electric oven. The result is most useful when the cooking time and food quantity are realistic for both appliances, because a shorter cook time can matter as much as a lower power rating.
- Cooking timeEnter the expected active cooking time. If the oven needs preheating, add the preheat minutes to the oven side by increasing the shared time or by running a second comparison for preheat only.
- Power ratingUse kW values from the appliance label or manual. A 1,500 watt air fryer is 1.5 kW, and a 2,500 watt oven is 2.5 kW.
- Electricity priceUse the unit rate from your energy tariff in pence per kWh. Standing charges are not included because they are paid regardless of which appliance is used.
Worked example
For a 30 minute cook, a 1.5 kW air fryer uses about 0.75 kWh. At 28p per kWh, that costs about 21p. A 2.5 kW oven for the same time uses about 1.25 kWh and costs about 35p. At four uses per week, the difference is roughly 56p per week, or about £29 per year.
Is an air fryer always cheaper than an oven?
No. It is often cheaper for small portions because it usually heats a smaller space and may cook faster, but the result depends on wattage, time, and how much food is being cooked.
Why is the oven preheat not separate?
Preheat habits vary. If you normally preheat for 10 minutes, include that time in the cooking time or run a separate comparison using 10 minutes to estimate the preheat cost.
Does this include gas ovens?
No. This page compares electric appliances using pence per kWh. Gas oven comparisons need gas consumption and gas unit price, so they are not included here.