Experts reveal 'real energy-saving' alternative that's cheaper to run than an air fryer

While air fryers have long been considered the best money-saving kitchen appliance, a study has found a cheaper alternative.

In 2023, the air fryer market was valued at a staggering $1 billion, Global Market Insight reported at the time.

It's said that around two thirds of US homes have one of the popular kitchen appliances, which many people purchased as a way to cook food in a healthier way.

Air fryers are also considered cheaper to run than a conventional fan oven, giving people even more of a reason to invest in one.

According to CNET, the nifty piece of kitchen tech is '50 percent more energy-efficient than the average full-size electric oven and about 35 percent more efficient than the average gas oven'.

But is it the cheapest kitchen appliance to use? A recent study conducted by cleaning experts Vacuum Wars decided to find out.

As per the data released in October, the trusted kettle was surprisingly found to be one of the more expensive appliances to run, costing around £0.67 (84¢) an hour.

The grill and oven was then found to cost approximately £0.54 (67¢) per hour.

When it comes to air fryers, it was found that they are cheaper than running an oven - but microwaves are the cheapest alternative.

The study found that, per hour, air fryers cost £0.34 (42¢) to run, while a microwave with the average wattage of 1,050 cost just £0.26 (32¢) for 60 minutes of power.

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple in most households (Getty Stock Image)

Christopher White, CEO of Vacuum Wars, said of the company's findings to UNILAD: "The air fryer has earned a reputation as one of the cheapest cooking options because it uses relatively low energy compared to traditional ovens or grills. At 1,400 watts, it costs about £0.34 per hour to run, and since it cooks faster than more 'traditional' methods, it’s a popular choice for saving both time and money in the kitchen."

He continued: "That being said, the microwave is still the real energy-saving champion. It costs only £0.26 per hour, making it a cheaper overall and more efficient option for heating up leftovers or cooking small meals.

"Unlike the air fryer or oven, the microwave doesn’t need time to preheat, so you’re using less electricity from the moment you turn it on. Plus, since it heats food directly, it often cooks faster, further cutting down your energy use."

A study has found that microwaves are cheaper to run than air fryers (Getty Stock Image)

While the beloved air fryer might not be the cheapest kitchen appliance, there are things you can do to make it as cost-effective as possible.

Keeping your air fryer clean can prove useful as 'a clogged air filter can make it difficult for the hot air to circulate', says renewable energy firm, GreenMatch.

GreenMatch also advises that you cook multiple items at a time to optimise energy consumption.

Happy cooking!