Air fryer vs. microwave: running cost
A microwave is cheaper to run: about $23 a year versus $24 for an air fryer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $1 difference.
| Air fryer | Microwave | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 1,200 W |
| Watt range | 800–1,800 W | 700–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 24 minutes a day | 15 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 131 kWh | 127 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 16¢ | 22¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.5¢ | 6.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.97 | $1.90 |
| Cost per year | $24 | $23 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $57 | $55 |
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.
- Microwave: A microwave's advertised wattage is cooking output; it draws about 1.4-1.6x that from the wall. Clocks and displays add 1-3 W standby.
Ways to cut either cost
Smart power strip
Removes clock standby load from microwave and countertop appliances when not in use.
See options on Amazon Air fryer silicone liners
Keep the basket clean so airflow and cook times stay efficient.
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 a microwave?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an air fryer costs about $24 a year versus $23 for a microwave. That's $1 more.
How many watts do air fryer and microwave use?
An air fryer typically draws 1,500 W (range 800–1,800 W). A microwave draws 1,200 W (range 700–1,800 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.