Erin Bendig
Experimenting with microwaves vs air fryers to find the most cost-effective cooking option makes sense as energy prices remain elevated. Here we crunch the numbers to find out which small appliance is cheaper to run in the kitchen. While both appliances offer convenient cooking options, they operate using distinct technologies that influence both cooking outcomes and energy use.
Microwaves heat food by emitting electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules to vibrate, resulting in rapid, uniform heating that's especially efficient for reheating or defrosting.
In contrast, air fryers circulate hot air around food, producing a crispy, fried-like texture with little to no added oil. This method often requires a slightly longer cooking time but can deliver superior texture for items like fries or chicken, enhancing flavor and crunch.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Before we get into which method is more efficient, consider our other articles about home energy savings.
- Heat Pumps vs Solar Panels
- Oven vs Air Fryer
- Electric Heaters vs Radiators
- Wood Burning Stove vs Central Heating
- Fan Heater vs Oil Heater
- Dishwasher vs Hand Washing
Microwave: Cost to run
It costs around $0.20 per hour to run an average 1200W microwave, which works out to be $74.00 per year if used for one hour every day, according to CNET.
Microwaves are quick for heating up food, they’re easy to clean, you can use them to defrost frozen items and they don't consume much energy. Using a microwave is common for both reheating food and cooking ready-made meals. Many microwaves offer different cooking options for foods like rice and pasta, fish and meat or even beverages.
Air fryer: Cost to run
It costs $0.25 to use a standard 4 qt. air fryer for an hour, which works out to $91.25 per year if used for one hour every day, according to CNET. However, the cost varies depending on how powerful the air fryer is, as well as the model and the duration you use it for.
Retailers are stuffing shelves and websites full of air fryers as they grow in popularity — meaning there are plenty of options depending on your budget and the size of your household.
The internet is flooded with people who love their air fryers because of how easy it makes cooking. It’s also a healthier option than frying food by other means. Sites like Food Network are full of easy air fryer recipes like "healthy air fryer chicken wings" and "air fryer teriyaki salmon fillets."
The verdict
If you want to base your purchase solely on which is cheaper to run, then the microwave wins. But it is common to have both a microwave and an air fryer in the kitchen, because you can use them for different purposes.
A microwave heats and reheats food well. On the other hand, an air fryer gives foods that crispy, fried quality that a microwave just can’t replicate. Plus, an air fryer can be a healthier way to cook while speeding up cooking times.
Ultimately, it depends on what foods you typically cook and which appliance works best for that. But there’s definitely no shame in using them both.
Related Content
-
I want to retire, but I have to keep working so my adult kids have insurance. Help!It's a tricky period when your adult child is under 26 but needs health insurance. We ask financial experts for advice.
-
Preferred Bank Stocks: The Investment Retirees (and Others) May Be Missing Out OnMost large banks issue preferred stocks that pay out fixed dividends, often with higher yields than bonds. Should you make room for them in your portfolio?
-
What Happens to Your Money in a Government Shutdown?From benefit checks to IRS delays, here’s what could affect your wallet if the government shuts down.
-
How to Add Your Favorite News Sources to Google Top StoriesGoogle now lets you choose which outlets you want to see more often in Top Stories. Here's how to set your preferred sources in a few clicks.
-
Ford Recalls 115,500 Vehicles for Steering Defect: What Owners Should KnowFord is recalling more than 115,500 U.S. vehicles over a steering column issue that can lead to loss of control. Learn which models are affected and what to do next.
-
Why Jerry Quit Ben & Jerry's: Five Signs It Might Be Time for You to Do the SameAfter 47 years with Ben & Jerry's, co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down. His decision highlights an important truth: Sometimes it's not about waiting for retirement — it's about recognizing the signs that it's time to quit.
-
Falling Interest Rates: What They Mean for Homeowners, Savers and InvestorsAs interest rates fall, homeowners may celebrate while savers feel the pinch. Here’s what the change could mean for your money.
-
The Real Cost of Streaming Live Sports in 2025Streaming your favorite team keeps getting more expensive. Here’s the true cost of sports — and how to save.
-
Press Pause on Spending: Reset Your Financial Mindset with a No-Spend ChallengeUse a month-long spending freeze to break habits, reclaim control over your money and lay the groundwork for smarter, lasting financial habits.
-
7 Emotional Habits to Avoid If You Want Financial SuccessThe same traits that make people emotionally intelligent can also keep your money decisions on track.
