May 30, 2023
Are you looking for a new kitchen appliance that can cook food to crispy perfection without all the oil? Look no further than the air fryer.
These small countertop cooking appliances use hot air to cook food and circulate it around the food using a heating element and fan. This results in food that is crispy like fried food but with little to no oil.
But how much electricity do air fryers use? And what are the benefits of using one?
In this post, I’ll answer those questions and recommend some of the best air fryers on the market.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a small countertop cooking appliance that uses hot air to cook food.
Instead of submerging the food in oil like a deep fryer, an air fryer circulates hot air around the food using a heating element and fan. This allows food to get crispy like fried food but with no or very little oil.
Air fryers are commonly used to cook foods like french fries, chicken wings, and vegetables.
How do they compare to traditional ovens and microwaves?
To understand how much electricity air fryers use, it’s important to compare them to other kitchen appliances.
Conventional ovens heat food from all sides using elements, while microwaves use electromagnetic radiation to excite water molecules in food and create heat. Air fryers use conductive heat transfer from hot air to cook the food, similar to a convection oven but at a smaller scale.
This means that air fryers use less energy than conventional ovens, but more energy than microwaves.
How much electricity do they use?
Since air fryers are smaller countertop appliances, they use less electricity than full-sized conventional ovens.
A typical air fryer uses between 1,000 and 1,800 watts of power while cooking, which is an average of 1,400 watts per hour. This works out to around $0.75 – $2.50 per hour of use depending on the cost of electricity in your area.
Compared to conventional ovens that use 2,200 to 3,300 watts, air fryers are more energy efficient for smaller loads.
Benefits of air fryers
Aside from being energy efficient, air fryers have many benefits.
One of the most significant benefits is that less oil is absorbed by the food, making them a healthier cooking option. Additionally, air fryers are faster than conventional ovens, which means you can cook meals more quickly.
They are also great for cooking single servings efficiently, which is perfect for those who don’t want to cook large meals.
Finally, air fryers are easy to clean and store, which makes them a convenient appliance for busy households.
Recommended air fryers
Budget priced
The Dash Compact Air Fryer is a great option for those looking to save money. It has a 1.2-liter capacity and uses 1,000 watts of power. It’s perfect for cooking smaller portions or snacks like fries or chicken wings. This air fryer is easy to use with its simple temperature control and non-stick fry basket. It’s also lightweight and compact, making it easy to store in smaller kitchens.
Another budget-friendly option is the GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Air Fryer. This air fryer has a larger capacity than the Dash Compact Air Fryer, making it perfect for cooking meals for two or three people. It uses 1,400 watts of power and has a temperature range of 170°F to 400°F. It also comes with a recipe book to help you get started on your air frying journey.
Medium priced
The Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer is a versatile option that can also dehydrate, roast, and reheat food. It has a 4-quart capacity and uses 1,550 watts of power. This air fryer has a temperature range of 105°F to 400°F, making it perfect for cooking a variety of different foods. It also comes with a non-stick fry basket and crisper plate for easy cleaning.
The Cosori Pro II Smart Air Fryer 5.8QT is another great option in the medium price range. This air fryer has a 5.8-quart capacity and uses 1,700 watts of power. It has a temperature range of 170°F to 400°F and comes with a non-stick fry basket and crisper plate. Its square design allows you to cook more food at once, and it has 12 preset cooking options to make meal prep even easier. It can also be controlled by your Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart assistant.
Premium priced
The Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL is a high-end option that offers precise temperature control and a large 7.7-quart capacity. It uses 1,725 watts of power and has a unique ‘Twin TurboStar’ technology that removes excess fat from the food as it cooks. This air fryer has a temperature range of 175°F to 400°F and comes with a non-stick fry basket and removable drawer for easy cleaning.
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is another premium option that is perfect for those who want a multi-functional appliance. It can air fry, roast, bake, and broil, and has a large 1 cubic foot capacity. It uses 1,800 watts of power and has a temperature range of 120°F to 450°F. This air fryer also comes with a variety of accessories, including a non-stick pizza pan and broil rack.
Save money on your energy bill
While air fryers are generally energy efficient, there are still ways to save even more money on your energy bill. Here are some tips:
- Use your air fryer for smaller portions or snacks rather than cooking large meals.
- Preheat your air fryer for a shorter amount of time to save energy.
- Use a lower temperature setting for foods that cook quickly to save energy.
- Clean your air fryer regularly to ensure it’s running efficiently.
To sum up, air fryers are a great addition to any kitchen. They are energy efficient, fast, and super easy to use.
Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a high-end option, there’s an air fryer out there for you. And by following some simple tips, you can save even more money on your energy bill.
So why not give one a try and see how it can revolutionize the way you cook?
Craig J Todd – Freelance writer with a passion for tech, trends and simplicity.
