Is An Air Fryer Cheaper To Use Than A Microwave?

As energy prices rise, more people are looking for cost-effective cooking options. Air fryers and microwaves are both popular appliances known for their convenience and energy efficiency, but which one is cheaper to use? Let’s break down the energy costs of each appliance, how they work, and which one might save you more money in the kitchen.

1. Understanding How Air Fryers and Microwaves Work

Before we dive into costs, let’s briefly understand how these appliances operate:

Air Fryers: Air fryers use convection technology to circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy texture similar to frying but with little or no oil. They’re ideal for roasting, baking, and air-frying various foods.
Microwaves: Microwaves heat food by emitting microwaves, which cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, generating heat. Microwaves are best for quickly reheating, defrosting, and cooking certain types of foods.

Each appliance has specific advantages based on cooking style, but the main question remains: Which one is cheaper to operate?

2. Energy Consumption Comparison

To determine which appliance is more cost-effective, let’s look at the average power usage and calculate the cost per use based on typical usage times.

Air Fryer Power Consumption

Power Range: Air fryers generally use between 1,200 and 2,000 watts (1.2 – 2 kW).
Cooking Time: An air fryer typically takes 10-20 minutes to cook most foods, depending on portion size and type.

Example Cost Calculation:

Power Consumption: 1.5 kW (average air fryer)
Electricity Rate: £0.30 per kWh
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (0.25 hours)

Cost Per Use: 1.5 kW × 0.25 hours × £0.30 = £0.11 per use

Microwave Power Consumption

Power Range: Microwaves use between 600 and 1,200 watts (0.6 – 1.2 kW).
Cooking Time: Most microwave meals or reheating tasks take 2-5 minutes.

Example Cost Calculation:

Power Consumption: 0.8 kW (average microwave)
Electricity Rate: £0.30 per kWh
Cooking Time: 4 minutes (0.067 hours)

Cost Per Use: 0.8 kW × 0.067 hours × £0.30 = £0.02 per use

Summary:

Air Fryer Cost Per Use: Approximately £0.11
Microwave Cost Per Use: Approximately £0.02

In general, a microwave is cheaper per use than an air fryer, primarily because it cooks food faster and consumes less power.

3. Other Factors to Consider

Cooking Speed

Microwave: Typically, microwaves are faster, especially for reheating and defrosting, making them a more economical choice for short cooking tasks.
Air Fryer: While an air fryer takes longer, it’s better suited for crisping and roasting, which a microwave can’t achieve.

Food Quality and Cooking Versatility

Air Fryer: Ideal for achieving a crispy texture, similar to baking or frying. An air fryer can handle a wider range of foods, from fries and chicken to pastries.
Microwave: Efficient for reheating leftovers and cooking foods with high water content, like vegetables, but it lacks the ability to brown or crisp.

Meal Size

For larger meals or batch cooking, an oven or other appliance might be more efficient than either an air fryer or a microwave. However, for single servings or smaller meals, both the air fryer and microwave are good options.

4. Which One is Cheaper Overall?

For quick reheating and cooking, microwaves tend to be cheaper to operate due to their shorter cooking times and lower wattage. However, if you’re looking to make a meal that requires a crispy texture, an air fryer offers better cooking results, though it will cost slightly more per use.

5. Energy-Saving Tips for Each Appliance

Regardless of which appliance you prefer, here are some energy-saving tips to help lower costs:

For Air Fryers:

Preheat Only When Necessary: Many air fryers require little to no preheating, so avoid this step unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid Overcrowding: Overloading the air fryer basket can lead to longer cooking times. Cook food in single layers when possible.
Use Shorter Cooking Times: Most air fryers cook faster than ovens, so start with a shorter cooking time and check food to avoid overuse.

For Microwaves:

Use Microwavable Lids: Covering food with a microwavable lid or cover speeds up cooking by trapping steam.
Choose the Right Power Setting: Many foods don’t need full power, so use lower power settings to reduce energy use.
Keep the Microwave Clean: A clean microwave heats food more efficiently, so regularly clean the interior to remove food splatters and debris.

Conclusion

When it comes to energy costs, microwaves generally offer cheaper, faster cooking, making them ideal for reheating, defrosting, and cooking foods with high water content. Air fryers, on the other hand, consume more energy per use but provide a unique cooking experience with a crispy finish that microwaves can’t match. Choosing the right appliance depends on your cooking needs, but for cost savings, a microwave is typically the better choice.