Air fryer vs. electric oven: running cost
An air fryer is cheaper to run: about $24 a year versus $45 for an electric oven at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $21 difference.
| Air fryer | Electric oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 3,000 W |
| Watt range | 800–1,800 W | 2,000–5,000 W |
| Typical use | 24 minutes a day | 3 hour of bakings a week |
| Energy per year | 131 kWh | 250 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 16¢ | 29¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.5¢ | 12¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.97 | $3.75 |
| Cost per year | $24 | $45 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $57 | $109 |
Compare at your rate and settings
What drives the difference
- Air fryer: Air fryers draw 1,200-1,800 W but cycle once at temperature; a 20-minute cook uses about 0.25-0.4 kWh.
- Electric oven: A standard 30-inch electric oven has a 2.5-3.5 kW bake element. One hour at 350°F, including about 15 minutes of preheat, uses roughly 1.5-2 kWh as the element cycles.
Ways to cut either cost
Keep the basket clean so airflow and cook times stay efficient.
See options on AmazonHeats a much smaller space with 1,200-1,800 W and needs little or no preheat, using roughly half the energy for small batches.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an air fryer or an electric oven?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric oven costs about $45 a year versus $24 for an air fryer. That's $21 more, or 1.9× as much.
How many watts do air fryer and electric oven use?
An air fryer typically draws 1,500 W (range 800–1,800 W). An electric oven draws 3,000 W (range 2,000–5,000 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.