Are Air Fryers Cheaper to Run Than Ovens?

Air fryers have gained a reputation as a game-changer for saving money and kitchen space, and even worthy of replacing a traditional oven. But how does the air fryer compare to a traditional oven? Appliance expert and Cookology founder, Andrew Wright looks at the differences, and the unique benefits to each. 

While it may seem like the air fryer came out of nowhere in 2020, they’ve been around since the early 2000’s. The basic air fryer essentially acts as a more compact, counter-top fan oven, using its smaller size to heat food quickly and using considerably less oil. 

With this in mind, leading kitchen appliance retailer Cookology says that the debate of ‘either /or’ isn’t so simple. Air fryers and ovens shouldn’t be considered rivals, but instead partners, offering distinct differences, benefits, and setbacks.

The key differences include;

Heating method and airflow

Air fryer: Uses rapid air circulation (like a compact convection oven) with a powerful fan placed close to the food. This creates fast, concentrated heat and crisping.

Oven: Heats food with either conventional heating elements (top or bottom shelving) or convection (fan-assisted, but usually less intense than an air fryer). This makes heat distribution broader and less intense.

Size and capacity

Air fryer: Air fryers are much more compact, usually offering around two to six litres of cooking space, making it best for small batches, snacks, or meals for a few people.

Oven: Offering a much larger capacity, ovens are suitable for numerous dishes and trays, or big items to be heating, offering space to cook for numerous guests.

Cooking speed and energy use

Air fryer: Heats up almost instantly, cooking faster due to concentrated airflow. The smaller chamber and cooking speed makes an air fryer generally more energy efficient.

Oven: Takes longer to preheat and cook but tends to balance efficiency in bigger households due to the ability to cook larger meals at once.

Versatility, texture and results

Air fryer: Air fryers are great for crisping with little or no oil, offering an alternative to frying and reheating.

Ovens: Ovens produce more even cooking for baking, roasting and slow cooking, and whilst it doesn’t crisp similarly to an air fryer, it promotes more versatility alongside additional cooking techniques and recipes. 

Andrew Wright, expert, and founder of kitchen appliance retailer Cookology explains, “When people ask if an air fryer is better than an oven, the honest answer is it depends on what you need. Ovens remain unbeatable for their sheer size and versatility – you can roast, grill, bake, and cook enough food to feed family or entertain guests, something that an air fryer can never fully replace.

“However, air fryers have different strengths. Their compact design, quick cooking times, and energy efficiency make them a brilliant everyday tool, especially for smaller households or kitchens, where space and cost are more considered. Instead, we’d suggest that they’re not competitors, as they actually offer different things – the oven for big, versatile cooking jobs and the air fryer for fast, efficient meals with minimal fuss.

Ultimately, it’s about what you need the technology for. Whilst air fryers deliver speed, convenience and efficiency – together, the air fryer and the oven make a fantastic pairing for the modern kitchen. By understanding both of their individual versatility, you can understand what works better for you. 

You can find more information about the comparison of air fryers and traditional ovens here – https://cookology.com/why-use-air-fryer-instead-oven/ 

As one of the top lifestyle magazines in the UK, Crave brings you fresh ideas on food, health and travel.