The air fryer has established itself as one of the star appliances in today’s kitchens. It works by circulating hot air, allowing you to cook with very little oil and achieve results similar to traditional frying. In addition to its healthy side, many users value its speed and the idea that it can save energy compared to other appliances such as the electric oven.
With this question in mind, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) compared several dishes prepared in different appliances. The data shows that, in most cases, the air fryer consumes less electricity than the oven, although there are nuances depending on the recipe and the amount of food being cooked.
OCU DATA
For a 1.3-kilogram roast chicken, the air fryer consumed 0.54 kWh (about €0.09), while the electric oven consumed 1.157 kWh (about €0.19). There were also differences in cooking times: 53 minutes versus 76.
For frozen French fries, the air fryer required 0.287 kWh (€0.05) versus 0.863 kWh (€0.14) for the oven. For a simple cake, the air fryer consumed 0.223 kWh (€0.04), while the oven consumed 0.71 kWh (€0.11). In this case, however, the oven allowed for a larger cake.
In the case of a baked potato, the fryer used 0.39 kWh (€0.06) and the oven 1.08 kWh (€0.17). Here, the air fryer reduced the cooking time by 20 minutes.
WHY THE OVEN USE MORE ENERGY
The difference is explained by power and preheating. While air fryers typically range between 700 and 2,000 W, an electric oven typically operates between 2,000 and 5,000 W. Added to this is the fact that the oven needs to preheat, which further increases consumption with each use.
On the other hand, the oven has capacity in its favor: it allows you to cook several large portions in a single batch, something that a deep fryer can hardly handle.
OTHER APPLIANCES IN THE COMPARISON
The OCU also analyzed other household appliances. For chicken, the cheapest option was the pressure cooker, costing just €0.05, although it didn’t offer the crispy skin that a deep fryer offers. For baked potatoes, the microwave was the most economical at €0.02, although it still didn’t achieve the characteristic exterior texture.
Tests show that the air fryer is more efficient than the oven for most everyday dishes, especially when cooking small or medium-sized batches. However, if you’re looking to prepare large volumes of food or dishes like a large cake, the oven is still more practical. And for specific recipes, such as a baked potato or a quick stew, other appliances such as the microwave or pressure cooker can be even cheaper.
