Live Direct Debit rates for UK average since 1 October 2026. Full-power figures.
Cost per hour
| Appliance | Typical power | Per hour at full power |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | 1,400–1,800 W | 39p |
| Electric oven | 2,000–2,200 W | 55p |
| Microwave | 600–1,500 W | 26p |
An air fryer draws a bit less power than an oven, but the bigger difference is time.
Per meal, the air fryer usually wins
An oven has to heat a large box before you can start cooking, often 10 to 15 minutes. An air fryer heats a small basket in a couple of minutes and often cooks faster. As an example:
| Cooking chips for two | Time | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | 20 minutes | 13p |
| Oven, including preheating | 40 minutes | 37p |
These are full-power estimates. Both appliances switch their heating on and off once they're hot, so the real cost of each is usually a little lower, but the air fryer typically stays around half the price.
When the oven makes more sense
- Cooking for a family, where you'd need several air fryer batches.
- Roasts and large dishes that don't fit in a basket.
- Batch cooking several dishes at once on different shelves.
For reheating, a microwave is usually cheapest of all.
Check your own air fryer's wattage on its label and try it in the appliance calculator.
Sources: National Energy Action, Ofgem price cap via Uswitch, Octopus Energy tariff data.