One-third of UK households now switched to an air fryer as a quicker and cheaper method of cooking so here are six hacks to help it go that much further.

Ever since the pandemic, air fryers have been the kitchen craze that Brits can't get enough of. 

The popular appliance is widely considered as a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to ovens.

The running costs of air fryers are significantly lower, heating food up and cooking it faster, which is perhaps the secret to its popularity.

However, that doesn't mean that we're not all guilty of making some common mistakes that could be costing us time and money - unnecessarily.

With this in mind, the frugal team at MuscleFood.com have revealed six money-saving air fryer hacks to help us keep cooking up a storm for less.

How to cook with an air fryer to save time and money

Keep compartments shut

Avoid opening the compartment any more than necessary to avoid letting out heat and wasting energy.

Always ensure the compartments are closed securely to ensure efficient and safe cooking results.

Don’t overcrowd 

It is important to leave room between items so hot air has enough space to flow and cook food properly.

If it is overcrowded, the food may not cook evenly, and it will throw off cooking times. 

Your Local Guardian: MuscleFood has warned Brits could be spending unnecessary time and money by making these common air fryer mistakes. ( Getty Images)MuscleFood has warned Brits could be spending unnecessary time and money by making these common air fryer mistakes. ( Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

Clean

Cleaning up the air fryer after cooking is essential because a dirty device will take longer to heat up and use more energy, as well as reducing ultimate performance.

Preheat

There’s a debate surrounding whether air fryers need to be preheated, and while it isn’t always necessary, it does help with getting the signature crispiness the devices are famous for.

Luckily air fryers take just a short time to preheat faster than ovens, usually just a couple of minutes, which saves time and energy.

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Line basket

Prevent food sticking and building up by using a silicone liner, foil, or parchment paper to make the clean-up easier.

A dirty air fryer will increase energy consumption, so preventing build-up and taking steps to make it easier to clean is important.

Invest in a thermometer

Air fryers can cook food in a much quicker time than the oven, so thermometers can be useful in getting timings right and stopping unnecessary cooking times, while still ensuring food safety.