It seems the high cost of vegetable oil has done what no culinary innovation could—turn Nigerians into air fryer enthusiasts overnight. Once considered a kitchen gadget for the “oyinbo lifestyle,” air fryers are now as common in Nigerian homes as jollof rice at a wedding.

Back in 2018, a 5-litre bottle of vegetable oil cost N2,100—practically pocket change. But fast forward to 2024, and that same bottle now goes for N22,000. For perspective, that’s the price of a decent second-hand smartphone. A 25-litre keg, which used to cost N9,500, is now between N95,000 and N105,000—enough to make anyone question their love for fried plantains.

Enter the air fryer, a modern-day hero for the broke and health-conscious alike. Nigerians, always ready to adapt, have embraced it as a budget-friendly alternative to oil-heavy frying.

Take Mrs. Chinenye Anyadike, a businesswoman who recently bought a second-hand 3.5-litre air fryer for N18,000. “Gone are the days of chasing vegetable oil prices,” she said. “Why buy 10 litres of oil for N49,000 only to use it up in three months? I’m done playing this frying game.”

Similarly, Mrs. Fatimah Arogundade, a banker, was initially skeptical. “I thought spending N45,000 on an air fryer was a waste until my friend convinced me. Now, I even get oil from the beef I air fry. Imagine that—free oil! It’s the best festive season decision I’ve ever made,” she quipped.

Even men are jumping on the air fryer train. Mr. Kolade Adepegba, a commercial driver, was persuaded to buy a fairly used one for his wife after a woman delivering two air fryers casually remarked, “Oga, do you even know how expensive vegetable oil is now?” His wife’s reaction? Pure joy—and perhaps a bit of relief that she could finally stop saving up for one.

But as with all trends, demand is driving up prices. A 3.5-litre air fryer now costs between N45,000 and N55,000, while larger models range from N65,000 to N350,000. Fairly used ones are slightly cheaper, going for N15,000 to N40,000.

Still, Nigerians are undeterred. “In this country, you have to be wise to survive,” said Anyadike. And if that wisdom comes with crispy, oil-free fried plantains, so be it.