Short answer: at full rated power, 30 minutes in a small 1,400W air fryer costs at most 18.4p, and in a big 2,470W dual-zone model with both drawers running at most 32.5p. In everyday use most air fryers cost less than this, because the element cycles on and off once the basket is up to temperature.
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Costs on this page use 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem price cap, Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026) and update automatically when the price cap changes. Data checked 11 October 2026.
Running costs by model
Sorted by rated wattage, lowest first. “Per year” assumes four 30-minute sessions a week.
| Model | Capacity | Rated power | Max cost per 30 min | Max cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200 | 4.1L | 1,400W | 18.4p | £38.32 |
| Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK | 3.8L | 1,550W | 20.4p | £42.43 |
| Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone 8.5L | 8.5L (splits into 2) | 1,700W | 22.4p | £46.53 |
| Cosori TurboBlaze 6L | 6L | 1,725W | 22.7p | £47.22 |
| Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK | 7.6L (2 drawers) | 2,470W | 32.5p | £67.61 |
| Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400UK | 9.5L (2 drawers) | 2,470W | 32.5p | £67.61 |
| Ninja Double Stack XL SL400UK | 9.5L (2 stacked drawers) | 2,470W | 32.5p | £67.61 |
| Tower Vortx 9L Dual Basket T17088 | 9L (2 baskets) | 2,600W | 34.2p | £71.17 |
We have not listed prices because they change daily; use the retailer buttons below to see today’s price.
Default rate: 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem price cap, Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026). Starting figures are typical values, not your model: check the rating plate or energy label and change them. Appliances with a thermostat (ovens, heaters) cycle on and off, so running at full rated power is an upper estimate. Standing charges are not included.
How we worked this out
Each wattage comes from the manufacturer’s or a major retailer’s spec listing (see sources). Cost = rated watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × the current price cap unit rate. Rated wattage is the most the appliance can draw, so these are upper-bound figures, not measurements of real cooking. For dual-zone models the rated figure covers both drawers working together; using one drawer draws less. We do not test these air fryers ourselves. See how we pick and calculate.
What changes the number
- Thermostat cycling: once at temperature, the heater is not on all the time.
- Cooking time and temperature: a 15-minute reheat costs half as much as a 30-minute cook.
- One drawer or two: a dual-zone model with one drawer in use is closer to a single-basket model.
- Capacity you actually use: a bigger air fryer that cooks the whole meal in one go can beat two runs in a small one.
Where to buy
Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200
Links open a search at each retailer; stock and prices vary. We may earn a commission. Disclosure
Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK
Links open a search at each retailer; stock and prices vary. We may earn a commission. Disclosure
Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone 8.5L
Links open a search at each retailer; stock and prices vary. We may earn a commission. Disclosure
Cosori TurboBlaze 6L
Links open a search at each retailer; stock and prices vary. We may earn a commission. Disclosure
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK
Links open a search at each retailer; stock and prices vary. We may earn a commission. Disclosure
Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400UK
Links open a search at each retailer; stock and prices vary. We may earn a commission. Disclosure
Ninja Double Stack XL SL400UK
Links open a search at each retailer; stock and prices vary. We may earn a commission. Disclosure
Tower Vortx 9L Dual Basket T17088
Links open a search at each retailer; stock and prices vary. We may earn a commission. Disclosure
For our shortlist and who each model suits, see best air fryers in the UK. Comparing with your oven? Read air fryer vs electric oven running costs.
FAQ
Which air fryer is cheapest to run?
The lowest rated wattage on this list is the Philips HD9200 at 1,400W, but it is also one of the smallest. Choose the size you need first; a too-small air fryer that needs two batches costs more.
Do dual-zone air fryers cost twice as much to run?
Only when both drawers run at once. The 2,470W rating is shared across both zones.
Is the rated wattage what my air fryer actually uses?
It is the maximum. Real use is usually lower because the thermostat switches the element on and off. A plug-in energy monitor or smart plug can show your actual use.
Why aren’t my favourite models listed?
We only include models where we could confirm the wattage on a manufacturer or major retailer page. We add more as we verify them.
Sources
- Ofgem: changes to the energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026
- Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200: 1,400W, 4.1L
- Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK: 1,550W, 3.8L
- Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone 8.5L: 1,700W, 8.5L (splits into 2)
- Cosori TurboBlaze 6L: 1,725W, 6L
- Ninja Foodi Dual Zone AF300UK: 2,470W, 7.6L (2 drawers)
- Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone AF400UK: 2,470W, 9.5L (2 drawers)
- Ninja Double Stack XL SL400UK: 2,470W, 9.5L (2 stacked drawers)
- Tower Vortx 9L Dual Basket T17088: 2,600W, 9L (2 baskets)
Data checked 11 October 2026.
