Having an air fryer on your countertop may seem like a magic trick. Your food comes out nicely cooked and crispy in just a few minutes. Who won’t love it? We do! However, regarding your health concerns, you may often consider whether air fryers are harmful.
In recent studies, experts have said that fryers with nonstick coatings can release highly toxic chemicals. These chemicals may cause Teflon Flu and even cancer. A TEDx speaker and lifestyle medicine advocate at Harvard, Dr. Dimple Jangda, says, “Air fryers are usually nonstick coated, which can release toxic fumes when they’re heated up.”
So, it’s a big question for us: What kind of air fryer is non-toxic? In short, air fryers with ceramic-coated or stainless steel baskets are non-toxic. In addition, I check for BPA-free labelling that ensures the plastic construction is safe.
Keep reading to learn more about it and discover the safest and most reliable choice in my kitchen.
Potential Health Concerns with Air Fryers
Low-quality air fryers from not-worthy brands are potentially hostile to healthy cooking. They typically use low-quality and unreliable coatings.
These coatings usually release highly toxic fumes and substances, making food carcinogenic and causing cancer. Let’s discuss the common air fryer coatings and their potential health concerns.
- Nonstick Coatings:
Nonstick coatings are standard in air fryers and other cooking appliances due to their smooth surface and easy cleaning. However, these coatings usually contain different forever chemicals that can cause dangerous health issues, such as cancer and infertility.
Teflon: Teflon is a trade name of polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE. PTFE is a synthetic chemical usually used as a nonstick coating on cookware, air fryer baskets, and other products like irons and industrial machinery. It offers a smooth, non-reactive surface that is resistant to sticking and easy to clean, making it suitable for cooking.
But it has a huge health concern. At high temperatures above 450° F, Teflon can release toxic fumes known as Teflon Flu. It is also known as a forever chemical, which is related to bronchial health issues and other health concerns like cancer and infertility. This health concern can also happen when the air fryer is damaged or scratched.
Other coatings: Ceramic coatings, Silicone-based coatings, Anodized aluminium, and stone coatings are some other popular coatings used in air fryers. Ceramic coating is known as a non-toxic alternative to Teflon.
However, low-quality ceramic coatings contain heavy metals like lead or cadmium. These heavy metals can make food carcinogenic, especially if the coatings degrade.
Moreover, low-quality silicone coatings may also break down at high temperatures and release toxic substances into food. Similarly, when the anodized aluminium layer is damaged or scratched, aluminium may leach into food. It causes health issues like neurotoxicity and Alzheimer’s disease.
- PFOA and PFAS:
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are the two harmful synthetic chemicals used in nonstick cookware and various industrial and consumer products. However, PFOA is a kind of PFAS that is typically related to Teflon production.
They are highly resistant to heat, oil, water, and grease. However, these chemicals persist in the human body and environment. So they are also called forever chemicals. These toxic substances have some potential health issues.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified PFOA as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” They have proved that long-term exposure to PFOA can cause kidney and testicular cancer.
Based on limited evidence in lab animals, studies also indicate that PFOA and PFAS can cause hormonal, endocrine, developmental, reproductive, liver, kidney, thyroid, and immunological effects on humans.
| PFOA | PFAS |
| Liver Cancer Kidney Cancer Testicular Cancer Pancreatic Cancer | High cholesterol Fatty liver Infertility Hormonal imbalances Increased susceptibility to infections Hypothyroidism High blood pressure High uric acid Cardiovascular disease |
So, if your air fryer is not free of PFOA or PFAS, it’s a significant health concern. When your gadget is damaged, or you cook at high temperatures, these toxic chemicals are released into your food and accumulate in your body. With time, they are eliminated slowly, increasing symptoms of the potential effects of these substances in the body.
- Material Leaching:
Apart from Teflon and PFOA or PFAS, some other heavy materials can be found in an air fryer, which may lead to various health issues. BPA is one of the most common of them.
However, BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an industrial chemical used in plastics and resins. At high temperatures, BPA can be released from the plastic parts of your air fryer and leach into food, causing various hormonal complications.
Choosing a Non-Toxic Air Fryer
Choosing a non-toxic air fryer means identifying non-toxic materials used for the cooking surface in your fryer. A non-toxic material minimizes exposure to potentially harmful or synthetic chemicals like Teflon, BPA and PFOA. Though many experts think that air fryers are not toxic until they’re damaged or scratched, many low-quality materials cause concern.
Pam Hartnett, a cancer recovery coach and dietitian, says, “Air fryers used correctly aren’t toxic, but you can take measures that will minimize your concerns.” So first of all, be aware of the materials of your air fryer.
Choose ceramic or stainless steel baskets with Teflon or PFOA for nonstick properties. Also, check for BPA-free, PFOA-free, and Lead-free labels on the air fryer for additional safety.
- Prioritize Materials:
Stainless Steel, Ceramics, and cast iron are typically popular as non-toxic materials. They are BPA-free and PFOA-free.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is the first choice of non-toxic materials for an air fryer. It is known for its durability and non-reactive properties, making it a popular choice for frequent use. Stainless Steel is also free from synthetic chemicals like Teflon and PFOA.
Unlike nonstick coatings, Stainless Steel air fryer baskets resist wear, tear, and rust. It can also withstand high temperatures without releasing toxic fumes or breaking down, ensuring safer cooking.
Ceramic: This is a natural alternative to nonstick coatings. Ceramic coatings are comparatively safer and healthier than traditional nonstick coatings, and their nonstick properties are free from harmful chemicals like Teflon (PTFE).
Moreover, Ceramic coatings are resistant to high temperatures and remain stable without breaking down or degrading while cooking in high temperatures. This coating is naturally safer and environmentally friendly.
Cast Iron: A cast iron-coated air fryer is another popular option for non-toxic air fryers. Nowadays, air fryers with cast iron baskets are very popular among consumers. There’s no fear of burning.
Cast iron pans can handle intense temperatures and rigorous cooking in an air fryer. They also heat up faster than other cookware but don’t break down or cause burning foods.
Research Specific Brands
Multiple brands are popular for their nonstick air fryers with ceramic or stainless steel coatings. Some of the most popular options are the following:
- Ninja Air Fryers
- Bella air fryer
- Emeril Air Fryer
- Cosori Air Fryer
- Philips Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex Air Fryer
- Nuwave Air Fryers
- Gourmia Air Fryer
- Big Boss Air Fryer
- Breville Air Fryer
I’ve also discussed two of the most popular Teflon-free air fryers on expertofhome.com. These articles provide more information and clearer ideas.
Summarize
Finally, I’m thrilled that I’ve found the ideal non-toxic air fryers on the market and the best one in my kitchen. After testing more than 35 non-toxic air fryers, the COSORI Air Fryer Oven Combo air fryer has become my favourite. It is versatile, multi-functional, and made of stainless steel.
The material is non-toxic and allows you to cook safer and healthier. So, if you’re looking for the best option for a non-toxic air fryer, let’s give it a shot. The COSORI Air Fryer Oven Combo air fryer will never disappoint you.
Let’s enjoy happy and healthy cooking!