‘Air fryer’ could now be considered a household term, as these handy appliances have become increasingly popular in recent years. Able to cook delicious and healthy meals quickly and efficiently, these kitchen appliances could almost be considered staples. However, with the rising cost of electricity, many are concerned about the amount of electricity that air fryers use and whether or not they’re energy-efficient and cost-effective.
To shed some light on the subject, Kitchenways is exploring the energy consumption of air fryers. We will also discuss some tips on how to reduce your energy use when using an air fryer, so your appliance can be as eco-friendly as possible!
How Much Electricity Does an Air Fryer Use?
Air fryers typically use between 800 to 1800 watts of electricity, depending on the size, model and how long it’s running for.
More specifically, a small air fryer uses around 800 to 1,000 watts, a medium air fryer will need approximately 1,200 to 1,400 watts, and a large air fryer will use between 1,600 to 1,800 watts.
Are Air Fryers Energy Efficient?
Air fryer ovens use a little more electricity than some other kitchen appliances, but they are generally more energy-efficient than traditional ovens or deep fryers. They are approximately on the energy efficiency level of a toaster oven or a microwave.
How Do Air Fryers Work?
To understand how much electricity an air fryer uses and why, let’s take a look at how these appliances work! An air fryer uses a compact heating element and a fan to circulate hot air around the food, which allows it to cook quickly and evenly.
A classic oven, on the other hand, uses heating elements to heat the air inside the oven, which can take longer to cook food.
The exact amount of energy that an air fryer uses compared to a classic oven will depend on the specific models being compared and their energy ratings. However, in general, air fryers are designed to be energy-efficient appliances, using a fraction of the energy that an electric oven would use to cook the same amount of food.
Plus, air fryers cook food faster than electric ovens, meaning that they spend less time heating up and are generally turned off sooner, resulting in less energy consumption and a lower energy bill.
How Can I Lower My Energy Cost?
While air fryers are not significant energy consumers and are relatively efficient to use, it is always a good idea to be mindful of your energy consumption and consider ways in which you can minimise your household’s overall energy bills.
So to this end, here are several ways to save electricity when using an air fryer:
- Preheat: Make sure you preheat the air fryer before you start cooking. This will reduce the cooking time and save energy.
- Use the right size: If possible, use an air fryer that is the right size for the amount of food you are cooking. Using a larger air fryer for smaller quantities of food will waste energy.
- Use the right temperature: Use the recommended cooking temperature for the food you are cooking. Cooking at a higher temperature will not save time or energy, and may even lead to overcooked or burned food.
- Make use of accessories: Use accessories like baking sheets, muffin cups, or silicone mats that fit the air fryer basket. This will prevent food from sticking and save energy by reducing cooking time.
- Clean your air fryer: We know what you’re thinking, but really, cleaning your air fryer properly will help you save money! Regularly removing any debris or grease buildup will ensure that the air fryer operates efficiently, saving on energy costs.
Conclusion on How Much Electricity Air Frying Uses
As we’ve seen, to run an air fryer, you will use approximately as much energy as a toaster oven, and less than an electric oven. Since these handy appliances use less energy than other cooking methods, they can be considered energy efficient and relatively inexpensive to run.
However, there is more to be explored if you haven’t yet decided if this is the right appliance for your home! Read our blog on air fryer pros and cons to find out both the positive and negative things to consider before investing in an air fryer.