Air fryers and microwaves are two of the most common kitchen appliances in South African homes. Both are used for quick cooking and reheating food, but many people wonder which one uses less electricity.
With electricity prices rising and loadshedding still affecting households, understanding appliance energy usage has become increasingly important.
In this guide we compare:
- Air fryer electricity usage
- Microwave electricity usage
- The cost per use
- Which appliance is cheaper to run
If you’re considering buying an air fryer, you can also read our guide to the best air fryer in South Africa to see the top models currently available.
How Much Electricity Does an Air Fryer Use?
Most air fryers use between
1500W and 2000W
Typical example:
| Air Fryer Type | Power |
|---|---|
| Small air fryer | 1400W |
| Standard air fryer | 1700W |
| Large air fryer | 2000W |
Cooking time usually ranges between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the food.
Because air fryers cook with rapid hot air circulation, they often cook faster than conventional ovens.
How Much Electricity Does a Microwave Use?
Microwaves generally use 800W to 1200W.
Typical examples:
| Microwave Type | Power |
|---|---|
| Small microwave | 800W |
| Standard microwave | 1000W |
| Large microwave | 1200W |
Microwaves usually run for 1–5 minutes, making them one of the fastest appliances for heating food.
Electricity Cost Comparison
Assuming an electricity price of R3.00 per kWh.
| Appliance | Power | Average Use Time | Cost Per Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 1800W | 15 minutes | ~R1.35 |
| Microwave | 1000W | 3 minutes | ~R0.15 |
In most situations, microwaves use significantly less electricity because they run for much shorter periods.
Monthly Electricity Cost Comparison
If used once per day:
| Appliance | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Air fryer | ~R40 |
| Microwave | ~R5 |
This makes microwaves one of the cheapest kitchen appliances to run.
However, air fryers are typically used for full cooking, while microwaves are mostly used for reheating food.
When an Air Fryer Is More Efficient
Although microwaves are cheaper to run, air fryers can be more efficient than the following:
- Electric ovens
- Deep fryers
- Stovetops
Air fryers cook faster and use less energy than traditional ovens.
For many households, they are still a cost-effective cooking appliance.
Air Fryer vs Microwave: Which Should You Use?
Use a microwave for:
- reheating leftovers
- heating drinks
- quick defrosting
Use an air fryer for:
- cooking frozen foods
- making crispy meals
- roasting vegetables
- cooking chicken or chips
Both appliances serve different purposes, which is why many kitchens use both.
Can Air Fryers or Microwaves Run During Loadshedding?
Both appliances require relatively high power.
Typical limits:
Mini UPS
→ cannot run either appliance
Small inverter (1000W)
→ may run a small microwave briefly
Large inverter (2000W+)
→ can run both but drains batteries quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an air fryer cheaper than a microwave?
No. Microwaves usually use less electricity because they operate for shorter periods.
Does an air fryer use a lot of electricity?
Air fryers use between 1500W and 2000W, but they are still more efficient than electric ovens.
Which appliance is best for saving electricity?
For reheating food, microwaves are usually the most energy-efficient option.
Final Verdict
Microwaves are generally cheaper to run than air fryers because they heat food much faster and use lower power.
However, air fryers remain one of the most energy-efficient cooking appliances when compared to ovens or deep fryers.
For most households, using both appliances for their intended purpose is the most practical option.
Learn More About Air Fryer Electricity Usage
If you’re comparing kitchen appliance energy costs, it’s helpful to understand how air fryers perform compared to other cooking appliances.
We have also created a detailed guide explaining how much electricity an air fryer actually uses in South Africa, including the real cost per hour and per month.
👉 Read our full guide: How Much Electricity Does an Air Fryer Use in South Africa
You can also compare air fryers with traditional ovens in our article:
👉 Air Fryer vs Oven Electricity Cost
These guides will help you better understand which appliances are the most energy-efficient for South African households. For more comparisons and buying advice, visit our Air Fryer Guides in South Africa.