Is it cheaper to use an air fryer than a microwave? Both appliances are fairly energy efficient when compared with lots of other kitchen machines (such as energy-sucking washing machines or ovens), but as mentioned, most experts agree that microwaves tend to be cheaper to run than air fryers.
The microwave is cheaper to run – so if you are only looking to use an appliance solely based on costs, then a microwave will help keep those energy bills as low as possible for cooking. Some people have both because of the different uses that they have – so you may decide to opt for the air-fryer for some uses.
Air fryers don't use a lot of electricity, with most requiring between 800 and 1800 watts (W) to run, though some large models need more. Air fryers also use less electricity than electric ovens, which typically use around 2,200 W to 5,000 W, and therefore cost more to run.
The air fryer appliance will need to preheat and will take longer to warm up the food. It's a slower process, but if you're after a crunchy texture, the air fryer is the winner. Microwaves work much quicker and don't need to preheat. However, they won't deliver on crispy crumbed foods.
An average air fryer uses between 800 and 1500 watts of power, while a toaster oven can use between 1200 and 1800 watts. On the other hand, some high-end air fryer models can use up to 2000 watts of power, whereas some toaster ovens can use as little as 800 watts.
The average-sized microwave oven uses about 215 kWh of electricity per year. In terms of energy usage, the appliance's wattage ranges from 600 to 1,500 watts. However, because microwaves are only used for short periods of time, their overall yearly energy use is lower than what their pull would suggest.
The downside
Air-frying also produces high temperatures at a very rapid rate, thus making it extremely easy to burn food. And charred food may be carcinogenic. In addition, Cucuzza adds, because most devices cook 1 to 3 pounds of food at a time, it can be challenging to air-fry meals for a large family.
An air fryer gives foods that crispy, fried quality that a microwave just can't replicate. An air fryer is also a healthier option and speeds up the cooking time. Ultimately, it depends on what you like to cook and which appliance works best for that, but there's definitely no shame in using them both.
Is It Safe to Use Aluminum Foil In the Air Fryer? An air fryer is simply a small oven that runs on convection heat. The heat is circulated around a tight space by a powerful fan that lies just below or behind the heating element. Just as in a standard oven, it is perfectly safe to use aluminum foil in the air fryer.
The size of the air fryer basket will determine how many rashers you can cook at one time. Set the air fryer to 200C and cook streaky bacon rashers for 6-10 mins – just-cooked bacon will take 6 mins, but crispier bacon will take 9-10 mins. Cook back bacon rashers for 4-8 mins, depending on your preference.
Using an air fryer for 15 minutes cost 13p, while a microwave costs 8.5p to run for the same time. Meanwhile boiler insurer Hometree says a slow cooker can use as little as 5p an hour in energy costs.
Air fryers are great, but they can usually only replace ovens and deep fryers. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, can be a substitute for a toaster, an air fryer, an oven, a deep fryer, a dehydrator, a slow cooker and much else besides.
How to Reheat Rice in the Air Fryer. Transfer the leftover rice to a 6-inch air fryer pan or cake pan. Tightly cover the pan with a piece of aluminum foil, then place the rice in the air fryer. Cook at 320 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes until nice and hot.
Air fryers themselves aren't a cause of cancer, but air frying does produce certain compounds such as acrylamide, which is considered a "probable" carcinogen. A carcinogen is a substance capable of causing cancer.
Another called it “a total gamechanger when it comes to cooking”, while Gordon Ramsay claimed the results are like food “cooked in oil, but [the air fryer] locks in the juice and the flavour is extraordinary”.
Although a kettle is not the worst energy consumer, switching it off at the wall can make a surprising saving. The expert noted: “Leaving an average kettle plugged in and switched on when not in use uses around 0.3kWh. Although this is seemingly a small unit of energy, it still adds £37.23 to your annual bill.”
Your fridge freezer needs to stay on all the time, so it typically uses the most electricity of all the kitchen appliances – an average of 408kWh per year.
Wet appliances
Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill, taking the top spot in our list. The power needed to heat the water that they use pushes up consumption, making them energy-hungry household appliances.
Using slow cookers, microwaves and air fryers when you can, are all great options for low-maintenance, low-cost, low-carbon cooking. Microwaves: When comes to cooking quickly and cheaply, microwaves are going to be your best friend.
While it is cheaper to use a microwave for larger quantities of water, you will save money using the kettle if you require just one cup of freshly boiled water.
Instead of heating the air around it, your microwave directly heats the food. This means your microwave will cook and reheat food very quickly, so its cost per use is likely to be lower than many other cooking appliances.