How much does it cost to run an air fryer?

By Juan Molina · Updated October 3, 2026 · How we calculate

Short answer: An air fryer drawing 1,500 watts for 20 minutes costs about $0.09 per use at the U.S. average residential price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Used 5 times a week, that is about $1.98 per month and $23.80 per year. In Louisiana, the cheapest state, the same use costs $1.38 a month; in Hawaii, the most expensive, $5.20.

An air fryer is a small, powerful convection oven. A standard basket model draws about 1,500 watts, close to the limit of a household outlet, but it runs for minutes rather than hours, so each use costs only a few cents.

Cost by size and setting

Costs below use the U.S. average price and 20 minutes per use, 5 times a week.

Why a high-wattage appliance is cheap to use

Cost depends on power multiplied by time. An air fryer's small chamber heats in a minute or two and cooks faster than a full-size oven, so the total energy for a typical meal is a fraction of a kilowatt-hour. Its thermostat also switches the element off and on once the set temperature is reached, so the real draw over a cook is usually below the number on the label.

The comparison that matters is with the oven. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that a toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-size oven for small meals, and an air fryer belongs to that same family of compact convection cookers.

When the oven is the better choice

The saving disappears when you cook in several batches. Three rounds in an air fryer to feed a family can use as much energy as one full oven tray, and take longer. For a large roast or a full sheet of vegetables, the oven does the job in one go.

How to lower the cost

• Skip the preheat unless the recipe needs it; most foods cook fine from cold.
• Do not overfill the basket. Crowded food cooks slowly and needs extra minutes.
• Shake or turn food once so it cooks evenly the first time.
• Cook two things together when they need similar temperatures.

How an air fryer compares with other appliances

Typical power and use for each appliance, at the U.S. average price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Follow a link for that appliance's own calculator, or compare two side by side.

The math behind the numbers

1,500 watts ÷ 1,000 = 1.5 kW. 1.5 kW × 20 minutes ÷ 60 = 0.5 kWh per use. 0.5 kWh × $0.1831 = $0.09 per use. At 5 uses a week, that is 10.8 kWh and $1.98 a month.

Your own figure will differ if your appliance has a different wattage, if you use it more or less, or if your price per kWh is not the national average. Change any of those in the calculator at the top of this page. Our step-by-step guide explains where to find each number.

Cost to run an air fryer in every state

Based on 1,500 watts for 20 minutes per use, 5 times a week, at each state's average residential electricity price for July 2026.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver: Kitchen Appliances
• U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly (state electricity prices)
• U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver: Appliances and Electronics

Electricity prices are the EIA figures for July 2026. Wattages are typical values; check the label on your own appliance.