It is common to think that large appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, are the biggest contributors to electricity consumption. However, there are small everyday appliances that, although compact, can consume much more energy than you might think. One of these is the air fryer, also known as an air fryer.
This popular tabletop appliance has gained ground in many kitchens due to its speed and ability to cook without oil. However, its high electrical power and use in intense heat cycles make it a real energy guzzler, even more so than a television left on all day.
If we compare an average television used for five to six hours a day (which is the average in many homes), its consumption will be around 400 to 600 Wh per day, while an air fryer used for just one hour can exceed 1,500 Wh.
Why does it consume so much?
The air fryer has electric heating elements that generate heat quickly and uses high-speed fans to distribute that heat.
What does this mean for monthly consumption?
According to artificial intelligence analysis, the air fryer, with one hour of use per day for 30 days, can consume between 45 and 60 kWh per month.
Meanwhile, an LED TV, used for one hour a day for 30 days, can consume between 12 and 18 kWh per month.
Therefore, according to this analysis, using an air fryer every day for one hour can represent three to four times more monthly electricity consumption than watching television for several hours a day.
Recommendations for air fryer users
1. Avoid using it for very small portions
If you are only heating a small portion (e.g. a piece of toast or a pasty), it may not be efficient to turn on the fryer. In these cases, a frying pan or microwave may consume less energy.
2. Turn it off a few minutes before the end of cooking
The fryer retains heat for a few minutes after being turned off. You can turn it off 1 to 3 minutes earlier than indicated in the recipe, especially with foods that finish cooking with residual heat.
3. Skip preheating if not necessary
Not all preparations or models require preheating. If the recipe does not require it, or if it is a long cooking time, you can skip it to save energy.
4. Cook in consecutive batches
If you are preparing more than one type of food, it is best to do so in consecutive batches, taking advantage of the fact that the fryer is already hot.
5. Cook more than one food at a time
In models with dividers or double baskets, it is recommended to prepare two foods simultaneously (e.g., potatoes and chicken), which allows for better use of energy consumption.
