Many families across the UK have swapped their big ovens for air fryers to save a bit of money on their bills. These handy gadgets have become a must-have in almost every kitchen because they cook food much faster and use less power. However, as we move into March 2026, there is a lot of talk about what it actually costs to run them. New reports show that the average household using an air fryer every day will likely spend about £126 over the course of a year starting very soon.
This figure might sound like a new fee at first, but it is actually related to how much electricity prices are shifting. From the start of April, the energy price cap is expected to drop, which is good news for everyone. Because the cost of each unit of power is going down, the total amount you spend to crisp up your chips or roast a chicken will also fall. While the £126 is the estimated annual cost for regular users, it actually represents a saving compared to what people were paying last year.
How the New Energy Rates Affect Your Kitchen
The energy regulator Ofgem sets a limit on what suppliers can charge for electricity. In March 2026, we are seeing the final weeks of the old higher rates before the new lower ones kick in. For an average air fryer that uses about 1,400 watts, the cost to run it for one hour will be roughly 35p. If you use it every single day for an hour, that brings your total for the year to that widely discussed £126 mark.
Before this change, the same amount of cooking would have cost households around £141 per year. This means that even though the headline says you may be charged £126, you are actually keeping more money in your pocket than you did before. It is all down to the price of electricity falling from about 28p per unit to just under 25p. This small difference adds up quickly when you are cooking dinner every evening.
Why Air Fryers Are Still the Cheaper Choice
Even with these costs, air fryers remain one of the best ways to keep your energy bills low. A standard electric oven often uses between 2,000 and 5,000 watts, which is much higher than the 800 to 2,000 watts used by most air fryers. Because the air fryer is smaller and heats up almost instantly, it finishes the job in half the time. This double benefit of lower power and faster speed is why they are still winning the battle of the appliances.
When you compare them to other ways of cooking, the air fryer sits in a very good spot. While a microwave is still the cheapest for reheating, the air fryer is the clear winner for proper meals. Experts suggest that making the switch from a traditional oven to an air fryer for most of your daily meals can save a typical household over £100 a year on their total electricity bill.
Looking at the Numbers
To give you a better idea of what you might pay, here is a look at the estimated costs for different types of air fryers based on the new rates.
| Type of Air Fryer | Power Usage (Watts) | Cost Per Hour (Approx) | Annual Cost (1 Hour Daily) |
| Small / Compact | 800W | 20p | £73 |
| Standard Family Size | 1,400W | 35p | £126 |
| Large / Dual Basket | 2,000W | 49p | £179 |
Tips to Save Even More on Your Cooking
- Avoid overfilling the basket because the air needs to move around to cook the food quickly.
- Clean the unit regularly to make sure the heating element works as efficiently as possible.
- Don’t bother preheating for more than a couple of minutes as these machines get hot very fast.
- Cut your food into smaller pieces so it cooks in even less time and uses less power.
Understanding the March and April Timeline
It is important to remember that these new lower costs will fully take effect from 1 April 2026. During March, you will still be paying the slightly higher rates, but the announcement has given people time to plan. There is no special tax or extra charge being added to your bill just for owning the device. The £126 figure is simply a way for experts to show how much of your total energy bill is going toward your favorite kitchen gadget.
As the cost of living remains a big topic for everyone in the UK, knowing exactly where your money is going helps you stay in control. By using an air fryer instead of a large oven, you are already making a smart choice to keep your household running smoothly without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a new air fryer tax?
No, there is no specific tax on air fryers. The £126 figure is the estimated annual cost of the electricity used by the appliance.
When do the new energy rates start?
The new lower energy price cap begins on 1 April 2026, though the changes are being discussed throughout March.
Are air fryers still better than ovens for saving money?
Yes, because they use less power and cook food much faster, they are almost always cheaper to run than a full sized electric oven.
Last updated: 16 Mar 2026 (UK Time)
