Air Fryer vs. Oven: We Cooked the Same Meal in Both and the Result Might Surprise You
Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in the UK, especially in homes looking to save time and energy. But do they really live up to the hype when compared to the trusty oven? If you have ever wondered which one is better for your health, your wallet, and your dinner, we have done the work for you. We cooked the same meal in both and tracked every detail from energy use to taste and texture so you can make an informed choice.
The Setup: Same Meal, Different Methods
We prepared a classic home-cooked meal: breaded chicken with roasted vegetables. It is the kind of dish many people make during the week because it is simple, hearty, and gives a good test for crispiness, moisture, and cooking efficiency.
The oven we used was a standard fan-assisted electric oven, preheated to 200°C and baked on a metal tray. For the air fryer, we used a 5.5-litre digital model with temperature control and a non-stick basket, set to the same temperature. Each meal had identical ingredients and quantities.
Cooking Time and Energy Use
One of the key benefits of an air fryer is faster cooking. In our test, the air fryer completed the dish in just under 22 minutes while the oven took 35 minutes including preheating time. That difference does not just mean you get food quicker, it also has a noticeable effect on your electricity bill.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, air fryers use less electricity per meal than traditional ovens, making them a smart option for energy-conscious cooks. When we checked energy consumption with a power meter, the oven used approximately 1.3 kWh to complete the cooking cycle, while the air fryer used only 0.7 kWh. Over time, this adds up. If you cook a similar meal three times a week, the annual cost of using the oven could be over £100 higher than using the air fryer, depending on your tariff.
Food Quality: Crisp, Juicy, or Dry?
This is where opinions often get divided. The air fryer cooked the chicken to golden crispiness with a surprisingly moist interior. The vegetables, while slightly less caramelised than their oven-roasted counterparts, retained more bite and colour. The oven version gave a richer roasted aroma and a bit more surface browning on the vegetables, but the chicken was slightly drier overall.
Texture-wise, the air fryer delivered on its promise of frying without oil. Even though we used just a teaspoon of olive oil on both versions, the air fryer gave a crunch that felt indulgent. If you are aiming for health without compromising mouthfeel, the air fryer may be your new best friend.
Clean-Up and Convenience
No one likes washing up, and this is another area where the air fryer shines. The non-stick basket was easy to rinse and took less than two minutes to clean. In contrast, the oven tray needed soaking, scrubbing, and more water overall. Also, the oven heated up the entire kitchen in the process, making it less ideal in the warmer months.
A recent study by Salter showed that air fryers preheat faster and cook meals quicker than standard ovens, saving both time and electricity. The air fryer was also easier to use for a solo portion. If you are cooking for one or two, it avoids the hassle of heating a full oven. That being said, if you are preparing food for a big family or hosting guests, a full-size oven still wins for capacity.
Long-Term Cost Breakdown
Let us say you cook with your appliance five times per week. Based on current average UK electricity prices, using an air fryer will cost you approximately £55 a year compared to £95 to £120 for an oven. That is a saving of at least £40 per year and likely more as energy prices fluctuate. Add to this the reduced cooking time, easier clean-up, and potentially lower air conditioning costs in summer, and it is easy to see why many households are making the switch.
It is also worth noting that air fryers tend to be more portable and energy-efficient overall, making them suitable for shared flats, student housing, or second kitchens in home offices or garden studios.
Health Benefits: Less Oil, Less Guilt
Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional methods. While ovens also allow for low-oil cooking, the crisp effect without deep frying is what makes air fryers appealing for those watching fat intake. In tests across various meals such as chicken wings, sweet potato chips, and even fish fillets, the air fryer consistently used 70 percent less oil than oven methods while still achieving a crispy finish.
This makes it easier to reduce calories without feeling deprived. For those tracking cholesterol or aiming for a healthier diet, it is one small change that can add up over time.
Versatility and Everyday Use
Air fryers are no longer just for frozen chips. Many models now include presets for baking, grilling, dehydrating, and even reheating leftovers. Leftover pizza in the air fryer came out crisp and fresh in under four minutes. Try doing that in an oven without drying it out. And yes, you can bake cookies in them too. The Washington Post features air fryer dessert recipes that rival traditional ovens.
On the other hand, ovens are still better suited for baking large cakes, batch cookies, or multi-tray meals. If you cook in large batches or love hosting dinner parties, your oven will still have a place in your kitchen.
Environmental Considerations
Energy-efficient appliances do not just save money. They also reduce your home’s carbon footprint. With the UK’s push toward net zero goals and high energy costs expected to continue, reducing electricity usage by even small amounts can support larger climate goals.
Air fryers typically heat only the cooking chamber and circulate air more efficiently, resulting in less wasted energy. Over months and years, this more efficient use of energy reduces your demand on the grid and makes your kitchen a little greener.
So, Which One Should You Use?
If you want convenience, faster meals, energy savings, and less oil in your cooking, the air fryer is hard to beat. It suits students, young professionals, small families, and anyone trying to streamline daily life. It is ideal for quick weeknight meals or snacks between Zoom meetings.
If you regularly cook large quantities, bake from scratch, or need more even roasting across large trays, your oven still holds its place. Many households are now using both depending on the occasion.
Ultimately, the best setup is the one that meets your lifestyle and supports your goals. The air fryer does not replace your oven completely, it enhances what your kitchen can do. In tests by Which?, air fryers performed better in energy efficiency and crispness, while ovens still win for roasting large meals.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Make the Switch?
The air fryer is not just a trendy gadget. It is a practical tool that fits the modern household. When comparing air fryer benefits to traditional ovens, the differences are clear in time savings, cost efficiency, health-conscious cooking, and everyday practicality.
As energy prices rise and people become more mindful of sustainability, switching to an air fryer could be a small change with big rewards. Whether it is cutting your bill, trimming your prep time, or lightening your meals, it may just be the best investment you make in your kitchen this year.
Want help choosing the right one? The Guardian reviewed top models to help you find the best air fryer for your cooking style and budget.
Want to try one? Visit HouseAppliancesPro.co.uk/airfryers to explore top-rated air fryers for every budget and lifestyle.
