Budgeting: Is an air fryer worth it? What it costs and what it saves

Is an air fryer worth it?

For many households, yes. An air fryer is a small countertop oven with a powerful fan. Because it heats a small space, it warms up quickly and cooks small portions faster than a full-size oven, using less energy. If you often cook for one or two people, an air fryer can cut your energy use and make quick meals easier. If you cook big family meals or rarely use one, the savings are much smaller.

The real test is how you cook. An appliance only saves money if you use it instead of something more expensive, like the oven or takeaways. One that sits in a cupboard costs money and saves nothing.

It's also worth thinking about kitchen space. Air fryers take up room on the counter, and many people find they use them more when they're always out and ready. If your kitchen is small, think about which appliance it would replace or where it would live before buying.

How much does an air fryer save?

Here's a worked example of the energy cost of cooking a small meal, in round numbers that work in any currency:

Cooking one small meal a day in the air fryer instead of the oven saves about 0.18 a day, or about 60 a year. If the air fryer cost 80, it pays for itself in about 16 months. Your own figures depend on your energy prices, your oven and how often you cook.

Who gets the most from an air fryer?

Small households

People cooking for one or two get the biggest benefit, since a full oven heats a lot of empty space for a small meal.

People who use the oven often

If you switch on the oven most days for things like chips, chicken, vegetables or reheating, an air fryer can replace many of those uses.

People tempted by takeaways

A quick, crispy meal at home in fifteen minutes can replace a takeaway on a tired evening, which saves far more than the energy difference. Meal planning on a budget helps you keep cheap, quick meals ready.

Who might not find it worth it?

Large families may find an air fryer too small, needing several batches for one meal, which reduces the saving. People who mostly cook on the hob, or who already use a microwave for small meals, may see little benefit. And if your kitchen is small, another appliance may take up valuable space.

What does an air fryer cost?

Air fryers range from cheap basic models to larger ones with two drawers and extra features. A basic model does most jobs well. Bigger, dearer models suit families who want to cook more at once. Buying in a sale or second-hand can cut the price a lot. Check the size before buying: too small and you'll need batches, too big and you lose some of the energy saving. A model with a basket you can lift out and wash easily makes cleaning quicker, which means you're more likely to use it.

Running costs

An air fryer uses electricity while it runs, but for a short time. Using it often for small meals is where the saving comes from. Your energy bill shows your price per unit, which you can use to work out your own figures.

How can you get the most from an air fryer?

Use it for meals you'd otherwise cook in the oven. Cook in one go rather than reheating several times. Keep it clean so it works efficiently. Batch-cook vegetables or proteins for the next day while it's already hot. How to save money on your electric bill has more ways to cut energy use, and how to save money on groceries covers the food side.

Work out the cost per use

Divide the price by how many times you'll use it. An air fryer used every day costs very little per use. One used twice a month is a poor buy. Cost per use explains the idea, and is a coffee machine worth it? shows the same thinking for another kitchen gadget.

How do you track kitchen savings in Wealtie?

Add energy bills as recurring transactions, so they log themselves on their date, and keep food and takeaways in their own expense categories with a monthly budget. Comparing a few months before and after buying shows whether the air fryer is paying its way.