Air Fryer vs Oven – Which Is Cheaper to Run (UK)?

Looking for air fryer vs oven UK 2025 comparisons to find out which costs less to run. With UK electricity prices staying high, more households are switching from traditional ovens to air fryers to save money and cook faster. But is it really worth it — and how much can you save?

Let’s compare both for energy use, cooking time, and results using the latest 2025 models.

air fryer vs oven UK 2025 energy comparison

🔹 Why Compare Air Fryers and Ovens?

Air fryers have exploded in popularity because they use rapid hot air circulation to crisp food with minimal oil — often in half the time of a conventional oven.
Ovens, on the other hand, offer larger capacity and versatility for baking, roasting, and grilling — but they’re power-hungry.

💡 Quick fact:

  • Typical air fryer = 1,500W, average use 20–30 mins
  • Typical oven = 2,000–2,500W, average use 45–60 mins
    👉 That’s a potential 50–70% energy saving per meal.

🍟 Top 3 Energy-Efficient Air Fryers (UK 2025)


1️⃣ Keplin Dual Zone Air Fryer – Energy Saving 8L Family Model

  • Dual 4L baskets allow two dishes at once.
  • Rapid 360° air circulation cooks up to 50% faster than ovens.
  • Adjustable temperature and timer with touchscreen controls.
  • Energy-saving mode reduces power draw during preheat.
  • Non-stick baskets are dishwasher safe.
    💡 Why it saves money: Uses just 1.6 kWh per hour — half the cost of a standard oven, perfect for large families.
    👉 View on Amazon

2️⃣ Chefman Digital Air Fryer with One-Touch Controls and Rapid Air Technology

  • 4.5L capacity ideal for smaller kitchens.
  • Digital presets for fries, chicken, fish, and more.
  • Auto shut-off and overheat protection for safety.
  • Non-stick basket for easy cleaning.
    💡 Why it saves money: Compact design and shorter cook times make it ideal for single meals — just 10p per 20-minute use.
    👉 View on Amazon

3️⃣ Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK – 3.8L with Roast, Reheat & Dehydrate Functions

  • Trusted Ninja brand with 4-in-1 functions.
  • Roast, fry, reheat, and dehydrate settings for versatility.
  • Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
  • Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate.
    💡 Why it saves money: Efficient 1,500W motor cooks full meals in 20–25 mins — far less than a 60-min oven roast.
    👉 View on Amazon

🔥 Top 3 Countertop Ovens (UK 2025)


4️⃣ Prodex PX7030B Tabletop Electric Mini Oven with Grill

  • Compact 30L oven ideal for small kitchens or caravans.
  • Adjustable thermostat (100–230°C) with timer.
  • Includes grill rack and baking tray.
  • Uses 1,500–2,000W depending on mode.
    💡 Why it saves money: Smaller than a built-in oven but still uses more energy than an air fryer — around 30p per 30-min bake.
    👉 View on Amazon

5️⃣ Cooks Professional 23L Electric Mini Oven with Adjustable Temperature

  • Compact 23L capacity for roasting, baking, or grilling.
  • 1,300W heating element — relatively low for an oven.
  • Double-glazed door improves efficiency.
  • Includes tray, wire rack, and handle.
    💡 Why it saves money: More efficient than full-size ovens but still about double the energy of a mid-range air fryer.
    👉 View on Amazon

6️⃣ VonShef 23L Mini Oven & Grill – Multi-Function Countertop Cooker

  • Stylish stainless-steel finish with adjustable thermostat.
  • Functions for bake, grill, and toast.
  • 1,500W heating element and 60-minute timer.
  • Compact design ideal for student flats.
    💡 Why it saves money: Great alternative for small spaces, but still less efficient than an air fryer per meal.
    👉 View on Amazon

⚖️ Air Fryer vs Oven UK 2025 – Real Energy Cost Comparison

AppliancePower (W)Typical Use TimeCost per Use*
Air Fryer (avg)1,50025 mins£0.18
Mini Oven1,80040 mins£0.36
Full-Size Oven2,40050 mins£0.60

💡 Based on £0.30/kWh electricity rate.

Verdict:
Air fryers can halve your cooking costs, especially for quick meals like chips, chicken, or vegetables. For larger roasts or baking, ovens are still useful but should be used less frequently. When comparing air fryer vs oven UK 2025, energy use shows the fryer as the more efficient choice


🍽️ Cooking Results & Convenience

FactorAir FryerOven
Cooking Time20–30 mins45–60 mins
Energy EfficiencyExcellentFair
CapacitySmallerLarger
TextureCrisp exteriorEven bake
Ease of CleaningEasy (non-stick basket)Moderate

💡 Air fryers give crispier, healthier results with minimal oil, while ovens win for big trays and baked goods.


🔍 FAQs

Q: Can I cook everything in an air fryer?
Nearly — you can roast, fry, reheat, or bake small portions. Only large roasts or full pizzas need an oven.

Q: Is preheating needed?
Most air fryers don’t need preheating, saving extra power — ovens typically use 5–10 minutes of wasted energy.

Q: Do air fryers raise electricity bills?
No — they use less energy and run for shorter times, so bills often go down.

Q: Are air fryers safer?
Yes. With auto shut-off and cool-touch exteriors, they’re safer than ovens — especially for families.


Energy Tip

Use your air fryer for most meals, and reserve your oven for big roasts or batch baking.
Pair either with a smart plug with energy monitoring to track exact running costs and spot more savings.


🏁 Final Recommendation

If your goal is cutting energy costs, the Keplin Dual Zone Air Fryer offers unbeatable efficiency for families, while the Ninja AF100UK gives top-tier cooking performance and reliability.

For those who still need oven flexibility, the Cooks Professional Mini Oven balances size and efficiency well — but overall, For energy-conscious households, the air fryer vs oven UK 2025 comparison shows the fryer winning for speed and efficiency and air fryers win hands down for cost, speed, and day-to-day convenience.


💬 Have You Seen This?

Want another quick win for winter savings?
👉 Check out Best Window Insulation Film Kits UK 2025 to keep the warmth in and bills down.

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Like knowing exactly where your electricity goes?
👉 See Best Power Usage Meters for Tracking Electricity UK — perfect for spotting hidden energy drains.

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