Air fryers remain one of the most popular kitchen appliances in the UK, thanks to their quick cooking times, lower oil use and lower energy demand than many traditional ovens.
Now, from 1 April 2026, households are set to get a small boost on running costs because the new energy price cap lowers the average electricity unit rate.
That means the headline “£126 charges” is not a new fee or tax. Instead, it refers to the estimated annual electricity cost of using an air fryer regularly after the April 2026 price change.
For many households, this is actually good news because the yearly cost of running an air fryer is expected to be lower than before.
What Changes in April 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the average electricity unit price under the energy price cap falls from 27.69p per kWh to 24.67p per kWh. That is a drop of about 10.9% per unit for electricity.
For a typical dual-fuel household paying by direct debit, the overall annual cap falls to £1,641, down by £117, or roughly 7%, for the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026.
This matters for air fryer users because the appliance runs on electricity, so a lower unit rate means a lower cost every time it is switched on.
How Much Will an Air Fryer Cost to Run?
Most air fryers use between 800 watts and 2,000 watts depending on the size and model.
Using the new April 2026 electricity rate of 24.67p per kWh, the estimated cost works out like this:
- 800W air fryer: about 20p per hour
- 1,400W air fryer: about 35p per hour
- 2,000W air fryer: about 49p per hour
If a household uses an average 1.4kW air fryer for one hour a day, the yearly running cost is about £128. Some reports round this down to around £126 per year, which is where the headline figure comes from.
Before April, the same average appliance cost roughly 39p an hour, or about £142 a year if used daily for one hour.
That means households could save around £14 to £16 a year, depending on the appliance’s wattage and how often it is used.
Air Fryer Cost for April 2026
| Air Fryer Power | Cost Per Hour from April 2026 | Estimated Yearly Cost (1 hour daily) |
|---|---|---|
| 800W | 19.7p | £72.04 |
| 1,400W | 34.5p | £125.93 |
| 1,500W | 37.0p | £135.13 |
| 2,000W | 49.3p | £180.09 |
Why Air Fryers Are Still Cheaper Than Ovens
Even with electricity still expensive, air fryers usually remain cheaper to run than standard electric ovens.
A regular oven often uses 2,000W to 5,000W, which is far more than most air fryers. Ovens also take longer to preheat and cook food, which increases total energy use.
For example, frozen chips may take 20 to 25 minutes in a conventional oven, while an air fryer can often cook them in 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount and setting.
Faster cooking and lower wattage mean lower electricity costs overall.
That is why many households still see air fryers as a budget-friendly cooking option, especially for smaller meals.
Who Is Affected and When Do the New Costs Start?
Any UK household using electricity on a standard variable tariff linked to the price cap could benefit from the lower unit rate from 1 April 2026.
The new capped rates apply for the period 1 April to 30 June 2026. There is no special application process for appliance savings.
The lower cost is simply reflected in household electricity billing from that date, depending on supplier tariffs, region and payment method.
So there is no separate “payment date” for the £126 figure. It is an estimated annual running cost, not a one-off bill.
What This Means for Households
The main takeaway is simple: air fryer users are not being hit with a new £126 charge. Instead, many homes may spend about £126 a year running an average air fryer after the April 2026 electricity price cut.
That makes the appliance one of the more efficient ways to cook at home, especially compared with larger ovens.
With energy prices still under pressure, using smaller, faster appliances can help households keep bills under better control.
FAQs
Is the £126 charge a new government fee?
No. It is an estimated annual electricity running cost for an average air fryer used regularly after April 2026.
When do the lower air fryer running costs begin?
The lower electricity price cap starts on 1 April 2026, and the new rates apply until 30 June 2026.
Are air fryers still cheaper to run than ovens?
In most cases, yes. Air fryers usually use less power and cook food faster, making them more energy-efficient for many meals.