An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to crisp up food. It works by circulating hot air around the food, allowing for even cooking with minimal oil. You can even cook frozen food in it without having to thaw it first. So, if you’re looking for a healthier option, an air fryer might be just what you’re looking for.
An air fryer is an excellent way to cook your favorite foods while reducing the amount of fat and oil you use. However, we frequently receive inquiries about how much electricity an air fryer consumes. After doing some research, we discovered that it is actually quite minor – about 5-10% more than a standard oven!
This blog post will answer any other questions you might have about how much electricity an air fryer uses and how to save money on your electric bills, so keep reading!
Air Fryers
How Much Electric Does An Air Fryer Use?
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer, as mentioned in the introduction, is a small kitchen appliance similar to a regular convection oven. It is primarily used for cooking and reheating food in an air environment, so it is ideal for quickly cooking anything from frozen meatballs to tater tots!
One difference between an air fryer and a standard oven is that it uses less or no oil at all. The air fryer can cook any type of food, making it extremely versatile. You’re also less likely to burn your food because there’s little preparation required.
Whereas other heating appliances require preheating before use, the air fryer only takes about 5 minutes to reach the required temperature. Most foods cook in about 20 minutes, which can save you a lot of time in the kitchen. You can even grill vegetables, seafood, and meat in an air fryer.
When shopping for an air fryer, consider its size – whether small or large. The size is determined by the number of servings you anticipate preparing, so decide what type of foods you will cook in your air fryer before purchasing one.
You can get smaller ones that hold about 3-5 quarts, or larger ones that hold up to 6 quarts if you need to prepare food for a larger group. Temperature control is also important to consider when selecting an air fryer because it varies depending on the brand and model.
How does an Air Fryer work?
An air fryer functions similarly to any other kitchen appliance. It has heating coils that generate heat to cook your food, as well as an additional fan that circulates hot air around the food. Because it does not require any oil, it can be used as a healthier alternative to other appliances such as deep frying in oil or baking with butter and grease.
You want to use this appliance to cook most foods without or with little oil. You can still add flavor with small amounts of butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and other oils, but no more than a teaspoon. However, you are not required to use any type of cooking spray!
It takes about five minutes for a typical air fryer to heat up before it can begin cooking your food. Once they’re hot, start adding whatever you’re cooking and coat them evenly with whatever seasonings you want.
Different types of Air Fryer
There are numerous brands of air fryers available on the market today. You can go with big brands like Philips or Breville, or go with less expensive brands like Avalon Bay and Gourmia. It’s entertaining to compare various types of air fryers to see which one works best for you.
Traditional Air Fryer
Consider this to be a standard oven with heating coils on the bottom. The food is cooked by forcing hot air around it, similar to baking something in an oven. Traditional air fryers are also relatively inexpensive in comparison to other models, making them an excellent starting point if you’re just getting started with one at home!
Convection Air Fryer
A fan in the convection air fryer distributes heat evenly to the food you’re cooking. This works more like a traditional oven but uses a fraction of the energy. Another advantage is that it uses less oil to cook your favorite fries and other fried foods!
Digital Air Fryer
If you want the perfect crispy skin on your meat or fish, this type of air fryer is a must-have. It has a digital timer and temperature control options, so you don’t have to keep popping in and out of the kitchen to see how your meal is coming along.
Vertical Air Fryer
A vertical air fryer is a tall, slim appliance that looks like an oversized blender. It is tall enough to cook an entire chicken inside!
You can also cook multiple servings at once without having to move food from one fryer to another. Cleaning will also be a breeze because it has easy-to-clean nonstick housing.
Cordless Air Fryer
This type of air fryer has a detachable power cord, which is ideal if you don’t want any wires or cables cluttering up your kitchen. The only disadvantage is that they are usually more expensive than standard models, but if this feature is critical to you, it may be worth the extra money.
Portable Air Fryer
If you need an air fryer that you can easily transport from one location to another at any time, the portable air fryer is ideal. They are even small enough to store in cabinets or under your kitchen sink!
The capacity of these fryers is only 1-2 liters, so it will be tempting to overcook if you are not careful.
Steam Air Fryer
This type of air fryer is ideal for cooking steamed dishes rather than deep-fried ones. It can steam vegetables and has a removable tray for easy draining. This model can also be used to make poached dishes, so it’s worth a look!
Professional Air Fryer
As the name suggests, this type of air fryer is intended for use in professional kitchens where chefs prepare large quantities of food. It has a larger cooking space capacity, allowing you to cook multiple servings at the same time.
It also includes features not found in standard models, such as adjustable pressure and timer controls, making it ideal for preparing large quantities of food.
When purchasing an air fryer today, there are several brands to choose from. Many different models are available under each brand, including the most popular ones such as Philips, GoWISE, and Cosori. However, when shopping for an air fryer, keep in mind what you intend to cook with it because size and design will vary depending on your needs!
Read some reviews about the product that interests you before deciding which is best for you. See what features other customers liked or disliked about a specific model so you can get a better idea of how much it would cost to own one based on your requirements.
How much does an Air Fryer cost?
The cost of various types of air fryers varies according to model, brand, capacity, size, and power rating. You will undoubtedly find something within your price range, but remember to prioritize your needs when selecting an air fryer.
Look for features that set it apart from the competition, as you will undoubtedly use it more frequently than other types of fryers.
Consider additional features such as a larger capacity or larger size if you frequently entertain family and friends. Having more features also means spending more money, so set a budget and stick to it!
Here’s a list of some air fryers available online currently:
- Cosori Air Fryer – This air fryer has an average price range of $100-200 and is ideal for cooking small portions because its capacity is only 3 liters. It has an auto shut-off feature, a timer control, and an LCD screen display for easy monitoring of the food while it cooks.
- Philips Air Fryer – This model is more expensive than Cosori’s because it can cook servings of up to 3 liters. Philips is a well-known brand, so its air fryer is more expensive than others. It has an adjustable temperature control to ensure even cooking and an auto shut-off feature.
- GoWISE Air Fryer – This brand is known to be the safest type because it has built-in safety features that shut off the power to prevent overheating and other accidents. The average price for this is around $110-140. It also has a larger capacity (6 liters) and includes a baking pan as well as a cookbook.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Aside from being one of the most cost-effective alternatives to fryer ovens, air fryers have several other advantages. Here’s what to expect when purchasing an air fryer:
Healthier Cooking Method
The traditional deep frying method involves submerging food in hot oil. This can cause your food to absorb a lot of grease and fat, so it’s not recommended for those trying to live a healthy lifestyle or lose weight.
Air fryers, on the other hand, cook food quickly by circulating hot air around the basket, resulting in less oil use because less is required! Furthermore, some models include wire mesh baskets rather than just metal baskets, making them easier to clean and less likely to accumulate oil in crevices.
Faster Cooking
One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that it cooks food faster than traditional fryers, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen! This makes it ideal for people who are constantly on the go or simply want to enjoy their meal without having to wait too long.
The only disadvantage is that some types cook food more slowly than others, so select a model with adjustable temperature settings for versatility.
Easy Clean-up
When compared to other models, some air fryers include dishwasher-safe accessories or parts, making cleanup easier. In addition, unlike deep fryers, you won’t have to deal with hot grease splatters because there is no direct contact between the oil and your food.
Affordable
Many people who want to buy an air fryer complain about how expensive they are, but they are actually less expensive than deep fryers. You can get one with all the features you require without spending a fortune!
Also, if you intend to purchase cookware and kitchen appliances in the future, make your investment count by selecting a versatile type that is simple to use and compatible with your existing items.
How much electric does an air fryer use?
How many watts does an air fryer use?
When using any device at home, saving energy is important because it saves both money and the environment! Fortunately, an air fryer only uses 5-10% more energy than a standard oven. This means you can save time by cooking instead of waiting for your appliances to warm up, as you would with other heating appliances.
Most home ovens use around 1,500 watts of power, so that gives you an idea of what to expect. For a standard hour of cooking, the air fryer will use approximately 2-2.8 kilowatts – far less than running all of your appliances!
It’s important to remember that each model’s wattage will vary depending on its brand and size, so I recommend reading your user manual before using it to find out what power load it uses.
An air fryer is one of those appliances that use less energy than the average kitchen appliance, so if you’re looking for ways to save money at home by conserving electricity, this small kitchen appliance might be just what you’re looking for!
Air Fryers vs Ovens – which ones Save Money on Electric Bills
While an air fryer consumes less energy, you may be wondering if an oven is more efficient than an air fryer. The truth is that it depends on your lifestyle and the foods you intend to prepare with the two appliances.
For example, if you only use your oven once a month or so, cooking with it will save you money over using an air fryer, which uses more energy due to the heating coils and hot air circulating around the cavity.
But if you want something you can use almost every day, I recommend getting an air fryer because they are faster and more convenient! Furthermore, some ovens include additional features such as temperature probes, making them more expensive than air fryers.
The bottom line is that it depends on your lifestyle and how you intend to use the two devices – if you intend to cook frequently, an air fryer would be ideal, but if you only want something for special occasions or once in a while, an oven can be just as good!
Air fryers save time by cooking food more quickly. They use less energy than standard ovens. You can get one with all the features you require without spending a lot of money. Some models include dishwasher-safe parts to make cleaning easier. Because it is best for smaller families/groups, only cook small batches at a time.
Some models have temperature control and timer functions. An air fryer is one of those appliances that uses less energy than the average kitchen appliance, so if you’re looking for ways to save money at home by conserving electricity, this small kitchen appliance might be just what you’re looking for!
Best Time to Use Your Air Fryer than Oven For Energy Saving
An air fryer is best used for small batches of food that cook quickly. They are not suitable for large family gatherings or parties because they can only hold 1 to 4 pounds at a time, depending on the model.
So, if you’re going to use an air fryer, make sure to check its size as well as the capacity required by the number of people you’ll be feeding.
As previously stated, using an oven consumes more energy than using an air fryer due to the heating elements inside as well as all other appliances in your kitchen running such as microwaves, etc. There are other times when using your air fryer can save you a lot of money on your electric bill – here are some examples:
- Cooking for a Small Group of People
Why use an oven large enough to cook 10 pounds of meat if you’re only cooking for a few people? It would be a waste and not environmentally friendly because you would only be using half of the tray and it would still heat up the appliance.
Instead, use an air fryer to save time and energy! Whatever small batch of food you want to make, such as chicken wings or pizza pockets, can easily fit in this small kitchen appliance without heating up your entire house! If you’re only cooking for one person, an air fryer is an excellent choice.
- Deep Frying
Some air fryers come with a small deep-frying basket and tray. If you want to make fried chicken or French fries, using an air fryer is preferable to baking the whole chicken.
Using an oven can heat up your kitchen because it is still an open space that heats up, just like cooking on the stovetop or using your microwave oven.
You might want to avoid heating up your entire house by cooking everything at once, so instead of using the oven, why not use an air fryer? It can handle smaller batches and will undoubtedly save energy and time!
However, if deep frying is your thing every day and you don’t mind heating up all of your food at once, go ahead and use your oven. It’s ideal for a small kitchen or an open-plan living/dining area because it doesn’t heat up the entire space when in use.
Just don’t leave your appliances running when no one is around – you don’t want to cause yourself any unnecessary accidents, do you?
- Steaming Food
Cooking vegetables in an air fryer is one of its best features because they don’t take long to cook and come out crisp! You can also steam fish or seafood in an air fryer because some models come with baskets that are ideal for this purpose.
You can make multiple batches at once and they will still cook in a reasonable amount of time. This small kitchen appliance is unquestionably the best solution for people who despise cooking vegetables for more than 20 minutes!
- Food Reheating
Air fryers are ideal if you have a hectic schedule and simply want to reheat your food quickly without having to wait a long time.
Simply place the food inside, press reheat, and go about your business; there’s no need to constantly monitor how your food cooks because most air fryer models have automatic shut-off functions when it’s done.
Yes, using an air fryer requires some energy, but when compared to using the oven and other appliances at the same time, there is a significant difference.
- Cook Breakfast
You can quickly cook an egg and even make sandwiches like toasted ham and cheese! So, if it’s just you in the morning and you don’t want to heat up the entire house, why not use an air fryer? It heats up quickly, making cooking more convenient, and there is no odor left in the kitchen after cooking!
- Quick Drying
Laundry can be a chore with all of the waiting time between drying cycles, especially since most dryers only run at full blast every 30 minutes or so. Air fryers are smaller than standard ovens, but they can still dry your clothes faster than most dryers – using this small kitchen appliance during laundry day is definitely a time and energy saver!
- Reheating Leftover Food
If you despise using the microwave, using an air fryer makes reheating leftover food so much more enjoyable! It’s ideal for leftovers that have been sitting in your fridge for days or even weeks because it doesn’t take long to warm up.
Moreover, unlike microwaves, which have a bad reputation for making food safe afterward due to uneven heating, air fryers are safer because their heating elements are located at the bottom of the machine, where all air circulates better. This automatically results in more evenly heated food.
You can also use an air fryer to reheat food that has previously been cooked in the oven; this way, you won’t have to clean another appliance once the cooking is finished!
- Searing Meat
An air fryer is ideal for quickly searing meat before adding sauce or simply serving it without any sauce at all.
Just don’t overcrowd the basket when searing the meat because it will take too long for them to cook properly and it will end up steaming inside the machine by the time it’s ready.
Tips and Tricks for Saving Money on Electric Bills when Using Air Fryers
Electricity is costly, and we all want to find ways to save money on our utilities. If you’re thinking about buying an air fryer or already have one, here are some tips and tricks you might not know about using this type of appliance.
Electric bills may be a few dollars higher than usual at first, but these tips can help reduce them over time!
- Placing the Air Fryer Away from Major Appliances
The most important piece of advice is to keep your air fryer as far away from major appliances as possible. You won’t have too many appliances using the same amount of power at the same time this way. The fewer appliances that consume your energy, the better!
Consider this: one light bulb near a window emits less light than ten bulbs farther away from a window, or none at all.
- Don’t Use Convection Mode for Everything
Convection mode means that hot air will move around inside the device and cook differently than other modes on an air fryer. For example, convection mode uses a fan to suck in cool air at the bottom of the appliance, heat it up with electricity, and push out hot air at the top of your food.
If you use this mode for all your cooking needs including bread, pastries, or meat that doesn’t need to be cooked quickly, then you will see that it continuously uses more electricity than other modes.
- Don’t Get Caught Up in Recipes
The simplest way to save money when using an air fryer is to avoid getting caught up in recipes! When people first start using one of these appliances, they tend to experiment (which is great!) but often spend too much time planning meals or looking for new recipes instead of actually using them.
Instead, take your time and experiment with simpler recipes before moving on to more complicated ones to save money and energy.
- Don’t Use the Air Fryer All Day, Everyday
You’ll end up spending a lot of money on your electric bill if you use your air fryer for everything, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Instead of using the air fryer all day, try using your oven or stovetop for certain meals. That way, you can still enjoy fried foods while spending less money!
- Buy a Larger Capacity Air Fryer
This may appear to be counterproductive because a larger capacity air fryer will take longer to cook your food. If you plan your meals around cooking times, you can save money by not using the air fryer as frequently. If at all possible, purchase a model with a capacity of 2 pounds or greater.
- Use Stoneware Pans
Stoneware pans are great because they heat up quickly and use less energy than other types of cookware. You can also use them to serve food at parties or special occasions without having to worry about guests becoming overheated!
The best part is that if you use an air fryer with adjustable temperature controls, stoneware pans will actually regulate the amount of heat produced, making your electric bill less expensive.
- Don’t Leave the Air Fryer On While You’re Not Cooking
Even if your air fryer has an automatic shut-off feature, you should not leave it on while not in use. When the appliance is heating up, not much electricity is consumed; however, if you use this mode on a regular basis, your bill is likely to be higher.
Set the air fryer to preheat before dinner and turn it off immediately after your meal is finished cooking if you know you’ll only use it for one meal per night.
- Use Stoneware Pans Instead of Frying Bags
Fry bags are made of heat-resistant material that will not melt even when exposed to hot oil. They are, however, relatively expensive to purchase if you intend to use them for more than one meal.
If you want to reduce your electric bill, use stoneware pans, which are much cheaper and just as effective at cooking food.
- Use Less Oil for Frying Foods
Even though you’re using oil in an air fryer, that doesn’t mean you should use as much as possible! Grease is thick and takes longer to heat up, so if you use too much of it, your electric bill will likely skyrocket!
If possible, use less than the recipe calls for, or look for recipes that don’t call for any grease at all (there are plenty of them!).
- Don’t Cook Too Many Different Foods at Once
Because air fryers have limited space, it is not possible to cook multiple types of food in one cycle. Instead, cook your main dish and side dishes separately to reduce the amount of time you spend using the appliance. As an added bonus, this will keep flavors from mixing and affecting the taste of your meal!
- Use a Vegetable Steamer Rather Than a Microwave or Oven
If you want to steam vegetables while cooking other things, use a vegetable steamer instead of turning on the oven or microwave. Not only will this save energy, but it will also keep steamed vegetables from spoiling before they are consumed.
- Avoid Drying Out Food by Cooking It in a Regular Oven Instead of an Air Fryer
There are some foods that should not be cooked in an air fryer. For example, if you want crispy chicken wings, bake them for 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit instead of cooking them in the appliance. They won’t burn on the outside and will taste just as good!
- Use Your Microwave While You’re Waiting for Something Else to Cook
If you need to cook something that takes a long time but don’t want to leave it on the stovetop or oven, use your microwave! This will help you save money on your electric bill by keeping your electricity usage low.
- If You Can’t Get Rid of Your Oven or Stove, Use These Appliances at Night Instead
Because the air fryer has a lower wattage than an oven or stove, if you really want to save electricity, use these appliances during peak hours and the air fryer during off-peak hours. As long as you preheat whatever you’re cooking, your food should be ready in about the same amount of time!
- Make Sure That Your Food Doesn’t Come in Contact with Grease While It’s Cooking
Making sure that some foods do not come into contact with grease is one way to keep them from sticking together while cooking! If you’re cooking bacon or sausage, flip it halfway through the cooking time so that it’s crispy on both sides!
- If You Don’t Have Room For an Air Fryer, Preheat Your Oven with a Pan of Water Inside It
Don’t worry if your air fryer won’t fit in your kitchen. You can get by without one by preheating your oven and filling the bottom with water.
The steam produced when water comes into contact with hot coils will aid in the cooking of whatever food you are attempting to heat! Just make sure to line the rack with tin foil before placing the dish on it to avoid having to clean up burnt grease later!
- Try Baking Some Foods in the Air Fryer
Certain foods can not only be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop, but they can also be baked in an air fryer! If your appliance includes a baking accessory, even better! Simply use cooking spray and look for recipes that require less than 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Cook Your Side Dishes at a Lower Temperature Than You Normally Would
Cooking times will vary depending on how much food you’re attempting to cook and the temperature at which it’s being cooked!
Keep this in mind when preheating your oven to avoid burning whatever dish requires less time to cook! Cooking at a lower temperature will also help you save money on your energy bill.
- Preheat Your Oven with a Strip of Tin Foil in It to Keep Foods from Sticking
To prevent food from sticking to the bottom of your oven and causing uneven cooking, line the bottom with tin foil before preheating! This eliminates the need for grease or oils to adhere to the food, making cleanup quick and simple.
- Cook Two Different Types of Food Simultaneously by Placing One Above the Other
If you want both types of food to cook at the same time, simply stack them inside the air fryer! Make sure there’s enough space between them, or else they’ll cook unevenly.
Conclusion about How Much Electric Does An Air Fryer Use
If you’re thinking about buying an air fryer, don’t forget to factor in the cost of your electric bill. The tips and tricks in this post should help you save money on your power bill while still reaping the benefits of cooking with an air fryer.
There are numerous ways to reduce the amount of energy used or wasted during food preparation, ranging from hand-washing dishes to using a cooler as insulation for hot foods. Which tip has been the most beneficial to you? Do any other readers have any ideas they’d like to share?
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