As energy prices continue to rise, households are adapting to cut costs and one way that Brits are trying to save is cutting back on a well loved meal.
New data from Tesco has found that home-cooked Sunday roasts are in decline with over a third of UK adults - 36 per cent - admitting to cooking the traditional dish less frequently than a year ago due to the costs of oven cooking.
The weekly dinner is a staple of British culture, as families sit around the table to enjoy a perfectly roast cut of meat with tasty vegetables crispy roasties and luscious gravy. But findings show that people don't want to risk raising their power use use by operating the oven.
However, the appetite for the Sunday roast doesn’t appear to have changed, as 46 per cent would cook them if they could do so in a more cost effective way.
Unlike more modern appliances the oven requires more energy to run overall. It was previously reported that the appliance costs an average of £1.02 per hour to run, while the air fryer amounts to 30 pence for the same time - and the slow cooker costing just five pence every 60 minutes.
Luckily, Tesco's Executive Chef Jamie Robinson has explained how you can cook a classic Sunday roast without an oven. From the air fryer to the slow cooker and even the microwave, the professional has explained how he uses each one to make variations of the tasty dinner without raising bills.
Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a great alternative to an oven and perfect for cheaper cuts of meat such as brisket or pork shoulder as the lower temperature and longer cooking time tenderises the meat, whilst allowing the flavour to come out.
Simply prepare the meat, place into the cooker with cut up veg such as carrots alongside fresh herbs and let the slow cooker do its magic.
Traditional crispy roast potatoes may not be best in a slow cooker but there are many tasty alternatives. I’d recommend trying dauphinoise potatoes for a simple but delicious swap.
Layer finely sliced potatoes, add cream, diced garlic, season with salt and pepper, top with grated cheese and cook until the potato is soft for up to six hours (pierce with a fork to check). Once cooked, leave to rest for 20-30 minutes to set as it makes easier to serve.
If you don't own a slow cooker, you can get one at Argos for just £22.
Air Fryer
"Air fryers have risen in popularity as people realise just how versatile they are, but it may be surprising to know that you can cook a Sunday roast within an hour.
"For moist, juicy chicken coated with a crispy layer of skin, all you need is a few simple ingredients. Season your chicken with fresh herbs, salt and pepper before placing in a preheated air fryer at 180 degrees.
"Leave to cook, rotating every 15 minutes, for about an hour. Once cooked through (pierce to check the juices run clear), rest for 30 minutes before serving.
"Alongside the chicken, roast your vegetables at the same time for added flavour. Simply chop up carrots, squash, parsnips or your preferred vegetables and place in the air fryer with plenty of olive oil, salt and pepper.
"Pop in a clove of garlic and roast at 180 degrees for 15 minutes. Finish with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
"For your roasties, I’d recommend trying out tinned potatoes as it’s so easy to make them taste delicious in an air fryer. Simply drain, add 5g of oil, a light dusting of flour, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder before mixing together to add a seasoned coating to the potatoes.
"Cook at 195 degrees for between 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy."
While certain air fryers cost hundreds, the Salter Compact 2L air fryer costs £28.99 at Robert Dyas.
Microwave
"While air fryers and slow cookers are best for meat, microwaves are a great option for cooking vegetables and can help ensure you end up with great tasting vegetables every time.
"Try slicing up some carrots into a microwave safe dish before adding enough water to cover the base of the dish, a tablespoon of honey and a knob of butter. Cover and microwave for 4 mins on high power.
"Carefully uncover and give the carrots a good stir before microwaving for a further 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through."
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