Air fryers are among the most popular appliances today because they cook delicious food without the need for oil or much effort. But are they really safe to use?
There are some concerns about the toxicity of air fryers, so it’s best to purchase non-toxic air fryers.
To know more about sustainable living, read our articles about Non-Toxic Dinnerware Brands, Non-Toxic Slow Cookers, or Eco-Friendly Fridges.
Table of Contents
Can Air Fryers Be Toxic?
Generally, air fryers aren’t toxic. In an article on Delish, an online food and recipe publication, dietitian Megan Hilbert, M.S., R.D.N, said that you should only be concerned about toxic chemicals when you cook food above 500℉.
Fortunately, most air fryers don’t go above 450℉. And you don’t really need to go above 400℉ for most recipes.
Do Air Fryers Release Chemicals?
It is quite common for cooking implements, such as non-stick pots and pans, air fryers, and ovens, to release chemicals at a certain temperature. Some ingredients lead to chemical reactions that produce the following unhealthy compounds:
- Heterocyclic amines (HCA) – are formed when amino acids and creatine react when cooked in high heat; they are both found in meat.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are created by incompletely burning organic matter like oil at a temperature over 392℉.
- Advanced glycation end products – are produced when sugars and proteins react with high heat.
- Acrylamide – is common in commercial food preparation; it is formed when naturally occurring sugars react in high cooking temperatures starting at 248℉.
Do All Air Fryers Have PFAs/Teflon?
Air fryers have non-stick components, but not all of them are Teflon. Teflon is an often-used non-stick coating for cookware, but has since been found to contain thousands of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl or PFAs, which are hazardous.
Fortunately, there are many non-Teflon air fryers on the market. They have ceramic, titanium, and others as non-stick elements.
What Is the Safest Air Fryer?
The safest air fryers are those deemed healthy by manufacturers and the industry. It means that the product doesn’t contain or create harmful chemicals.
Air fryers must have a non-stick coating, and it’s best to choose one that is not Teflon. Teflon is the brand name for the chemical coating polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is described as a type of plastic sprayed on various materials to make them non-stick. Studies have shown that Teflon contains harmful PFAs.
It also contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which, according to WebMD: “is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, testicular cancers, low birth weight, and infertility. Most manufacturers assumed that PFOA burns off during the process of manufacture, but traces of PFOA were found in some Teflon-coated cookware.”
You should also make sure the air fryer doesn’t have the following:
- PFOS
- BPA
- Lead
- Cadmium
Instead, find safe air fryers that use ceramic, chrome-plated steel, enameled steel, glass, and stainless steel to achieve the same non-stick effect.
Check out 15 of the best non-toxic air fryers on the market:
1. Big Boss – Air Fryer
Best Overall Non-Toxic Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Glass
Product features | 16-quart/15-liter capacity, infrared convection with timer, dishwasher safe
Power | 1300W
Price | $77-$83
Why we love it
- Large (16-quart capacity)
- Glass product
- Can bake, grill, roast, and toast
- Adjustable time and temperature
A glass product doesn’t have non-stick elements sprayed on it, which means it doesn’t have PTFE, PFOA, and PFA. It also uses a dry and high-heat method to prevent the creation of other harmful elements like acrylamide, HCAs, and PAHs.
The glass also makes it easy to see how the cook is going. This non-toxic air fryer can bake, grill, toast, and roast food. And since it has a capacity of 16 quarts or 15 liters, you can fit a whole chicken inside without having to slice it up.
The Big Boss air fryer also looks really glamorous in the kitchen, which is not as important as function, but is still a huge plus.
Customer review | “I’ve tried other air fryers and nothing compares to the boss.” -Jacob S.
2. COSORI – Pro II Smart Air Fryer
Best Smart Non-Toxic Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Non-stick, BPA-free, PFOA-free
Product features | One-touch cooking with 13 functions, built-in NTC sensor, ETL listed
Power | 1700W
Price | $119.99-$149.99
Why we love it
- Upgraded COSORI Pro
- Smart technology
- Available in four colors
The new COSORI air fryer is even better than the first PRO. It still has BPA-free and PFOA-free non-stick compounds. It is better looking than the first gen and comes in four colors: black, dark gray, red, and white. It has 13 cooking functions that you can choose with just one touch.
The product has a capacity of 5.8 quarts. It comes with a built-in NTC sensor, which provides even cooking. The removable basket is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. It is also ETL (electrical testing laboratories) tested, making it one of the best safe air fryers around.
Customer review | “The COSORI is amazing. I love to make chicken thighs in it, just season them up and cook for about 28 minutes.” -Wanda C.
3. Beautiful by Drew Barrymore – Digital Air Fryer
Best Non-Toxic Air Fryer for Glamorous Kitchen
Non-toxic materials | Stainless steel, PFOA-free, PFOS-free
Product features | Touch-activated display, high-performance circular heat technology
Power | 1700W
Price | $79-$97.50
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Touch-activated display
- Elegant-looking
- Available in five colors
Those looking for non-Teflon air fryers with a luxurious aesthetic will love the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore digital air fryer. First, it is PFOA- and PFOS-free, so you don’t have to worry about contaminants while cooking your favorite food. And one just cannot disregard the look of this particular product. It really deserves its brand name. It also comes in five colors: black sesame, cornflower blue, oyster gray, sage green, and white icing.
It has a six-quart capacity, which can serve a family of five. Aside from air frying, it can roast, dehydrate, and reheat ingredients. The air fryer is touch-activated for maximum convenience.
Customer review | “I love everything about this air fryer; it’s very unique & spacious. I use it every day & I am able to cook more than 2 meals at a time. I love love it. I would definitely recommend to buy.” -Caren G.
4. Breville – Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Best Teflon-Free Non-Toxic Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Stainless steel
Product features | 13 smart cooking functions, super convection technology, Element IQ technology, accessories include pizza pan, two oven racks, broil rack and roasting pan, and mesh basket rack
Power | 1800W
Price | start at $399.95
Why we love it
- 13 cooking functions
- Large
- Many cooking accessories
Made of brushed stainless steel, the Breville smart oven air fryer pro is among the lineup of healthy air fryers. It doesn’t contain Teflon and all the other harmful chemicals that come with the non-stick coating. This large appliance can do a dozen other things aside from air frying: bake, broil, dehydrate, make bagels, make cookies, make pizza, proof, reheat, roast, slow cook, toast, and warm.
The Element IQ system allows precise cooking and the PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control system prevents overheating. Plus, it has a super convection system that speeds up cooking.
Customer review | “My Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the best kitchen appliance I have ever had. It is precise. I use it several times a day.” -MyFood60602
5. Instant Pot – Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
Best Healthy Non-Toxic Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Stainless steel exterior and stainless steel pot, BPA-free, PFOA-free, PTFE-free
Product features | Base unit/outer pot, inner pot, pressure cook lid, and air fryer lid
Power | 1500W
Price | $169.99-$199.99
Why we love it
- 13 cooking functions
- Easy to use
- Whisper quiet
BPA-free air fryers are a must, and the Instant Pot is precisely that. It is made of stainless steel inside and out and is PFOA- and PTFE-free. This specific iteration of the iconic multiple-cooking pot integrates an air fryer, which has become a popular cooking appliance because it makes food less greasy.
The Instant Pot has 13 cooking options: air fryer, bread proofing, broiler, dehydrator, mini oven, pressure cooker, roaster, saute, slow cooker, steamer, sous vide, warmer, and yogurt maker.
Customer review | “It makes cooking much easier than having to cook in the stove or sometimes even the oven.” -PeeWee1
SHOP INSTANT POT CRISP + AIR FRYER
6. Ninja Foodi – Digital Air Fryer
Best Non-Toxic Air Fryer for Small Kitchens
Non-toxic materials | Stainless steel, BPA-free
Product features | Digital Crisp Control technology, chrome-plated wire rack, sheet pan, air fry basket, removable crumb tray
Power | 1750W
Price | $199.99-239.99
Why we love it
- Small and light
- Multiple cooking options
- Makes amazing crispy products
The Ninja digital air fryer is among the top BPA-free air fryers. It is made of stainless steel to do away with harmful chemicals in common non-stick cookware.
The Digital Crisp Control Technology is fantastic because of its precision-controlled temperature to create the perfect crispiness when using the air fryer function. Other functions include air broil, air roast, bagel toast, bake, dehydrate, toast, and warm.
Customer review | “Bought one for Christmas and use it every day! We never use our full-sized oven anymore.” -ZonkCity
7. KitchenAid – Digital Countertop Oven With Air Fry
Best Stainless Steel Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Stainless steel air fry basket
Product features | 360° Even-heat convection technology, air fry basket, grill rack, removable crumb tray, removable metal rack
Power | 1800W
Price | starts at $219.99
Why we love it
- No need to flip ingredients
- Multiple cooking options
It’s amazing that you don’t need to flip your food when using the KitchenAid oven with air fryer. It’s especially convenient when cooking delicate products like fish, which can easily break apart when flipped. The 360° Even-Heat Convection technology provides top-and-bottom heating.
It has a stainless steel air fryer basket, which is vital if you want a non-toxic air fryer. It can also toast, dehydrate, proof, and more.
Customer review | “I love this thing. It fits perfectly in our little counter space and has so many great features.” -Israel A.
8. Philips – Airfryer Premium
Best Non-Toxic Air Fryer on Amazon
Non-toxic materials | Teflon-free
Product features | SmartSensing technology, Fat Removal technology, family-sized baking dish, 9 muffin cups
Power | 2225W
Price | $102.13-$349.95
Why we love it
- Automatically adjusts time and temperature
- Comes with an app with 500+ recipes
- Large size
- Multiple cooking options
- Easy to clean
One of this air fryer’s best features is that it adjusts time and temperature through SmartSensing technology so you don’t have to open and close the basket to check how the food is cooking. Its Fat Removal technology captures excess fat from meat.
You can also bake, grill, reheat, and roast in this excellent example of non-Teflon air fryers. You need not be cautious of using it for cooking at high temperatures. The product is available in neutral black and white colors.
Customer review | “Apart from cooking with ease and no heat in the kitchen, the air fryer looks very stylish in the kitchen (I chose a white one).” -Putney
9. Paris Rhone – Air Fryer
Best Ceramic Non-Toxic Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Stainless steel, ceramic-coated non-stick basket
Product features | All-around air circulation for 360° cooking, automatically shuts off when the basket is removed
Power | 1200W
Price | $73.99-$92
Why we love it
- Viewing window for convenience
- Multiple cooking options
The PARIS RHONE is one of the top PFA-free air fryers with a ceramic non-stick element. It can cook as high as 392°F with no risk of chemical contamination.
One terrific product feature is the viewing window, so you can watch your food as it cooks. Eight cooking modes are available: French fries, fish, steak, chicken drumsticks, chicken wings, shrimp, hotdogs, and egg tart.
Customer review | “This is my very first air fryer and I am in love. I love the fact that you don’t need oil to cook food in this… To see through the window is great for seeing if your food is brown enough.” -Carolyn
10. Gotham Steel – Air Fryer
Best Non-Toxic Air Fryer With Copper Coating
Non-toxic materials | Non-stick copper coating
Product features | Rapid Air technology
Price | $79.99
Why we love it
- Easy to clean
- Fat-draining
There are many advantages to copper as an air fryer’s non-stick coating. For safe air fryers, the most important advantage is the lack of Teflon and its harmful compounds. It is triple-coated to ensure nothing sticks in the basket. Copper is also a great heat conductor that allows heat to be distributed effectively throughout the entire basket. It also has Rapid Air technology.
The Gotham Steel air fryer also has a fat-draining design to remove excess fat from your food. There are ten cooking options for variety. It is also very aesthetically pleasing with its black design and copper accents.
Customer review | “I love my air fryer. It’s the perfect size and works wonders.” -Khasna B.
11. Transonic – Air Fryer
Best Glass Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Glass basket
Product features | Touchscreen, Rapid Air technology, powers off when the basket is pulled out, panoramic visual
Power | 1200W
Price | $98.88++
Why we love it
- Stylish
- Multiple cooking options
- User-friendly touchscreen
- Maximum cooking temperature of 400°F
There is just something about a glass appliance that looks so elegant in the kitchen. With the Transonic air fryer, it is a safety issue, as a glass component makes this product a non-toxic air fryer. You can easily keep an eye on the cook because of the 360-degree panoramic visual.
The Rapid Air technology allows the air fryer to heat up quickly so you can cook right away. It goes as high as 400°F.
Customer review | “With the glass basket, I no longer need to worry about the coating and it is very easy to clean after use. Also, normally I need to open the basket to check the meat, but with the glass basket, it is very easy to check.” -Sky
12. Oster – Countertop Oven With Air Fryer
Best Non-Toxic Air Fryer – Toaster Oven
Non-toxic materials | Stainless steel
Product features | Turbo convection heat technology, metal rack and air fryer tray in one, baking pan, removable crumb tray
Power | 1400W
Price | $89.99-$98.0
Why we love it
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space
- Multiple cooking functions
- Perfect for personal meals
- Energy-efficient
This compact Oster air fryer can air fry, bake, broil, toast, and warm. It has turbo convection technology to ensure that food is cooked quickly. It is non-stick, too, and is among the best non-Teflon air fryers around. It has independent dial controls for various functions, such as temperature, type of cook, and timer.
It is energy-efficient and uses 50% less energy than its counterparts.
Customer review | “I am beyond amazed. It is such a beautiful, little oven–perfect for personal meals. The air fry function works great, and it heats up so quickly.” -Edgar
13. Ultrean – Air Fryer
Best BPA-Free Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Stainless steel, BPA-free, PTFE-free
Product features | Rapid Air technology, automatically shuts off when basket is pulled, overheat protection, LCD display, UL-certified
Power | 1700W
Price | $42.99-$69.99
Why we love it
- Comes in many beautiful colors
- Multiple cooking options
- LCD display
The Ultrean air fryer is one of the most affordable PFA-free air fryers on the market. It has a non-stick basket made of stainless steel. It also bakes, grills, roasts, and comes with seven cooking presets. With an LCD display and soft-touch buttons, cooking is easier than ever with the Ultrean air fryer.
It is made with safety in mind—aside from being BPA- and PFOA-free, it is also UL-certified. The air fryer automatically shuts off when you remove the non-stick basket while cooking. This item is available in black, white, red, and blue.
Customer review | “I have been enjoying this product. Really really like it. It’s really nice…” -Shayan M.
14. GreenPan – Bistro Multi-Cooker Air Fryer
Best PFOA-Free Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Thermolon volt non-stick coating, PFAS-free, PFOA-free, lead-free, cadmium-free
Product features | Die-cast ceramic grill plate, stainless steel steamer
Price | $199.95
Why we love it
- 13 cooking options
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space
- Durable
A stainless steel air fryer that can cook your food in 13 different ways. This PFAS- and PFOA-free appliance is quite versatile. The cooking dish is made of a Thermolon volt non-stick coating for maximum safety and durability. It can air fry, bake, broil, cook rice, slow cook, saute, steam, and more. But while it has a lot of cooking functions, the design is still quite compact.
It has an LED display that is easy to read with easy controls. The presets are laid out for convenience. The basket is also easy to pop in the dishwasher for cleaning.
Customer review | “Air fry, bake, roast, grill anything. It’s easy to clean it. Strong works great. It looks good. I’ve had dozens of hot air machines over the year, this, by far is the best one…” -Frank R.
SHOP GREENPAN BISTRO AIR FRYER
15. Aria – Air Fryer
Best PTFE-Free Air Fryer
Non-toxic materials | Teflon-free, PTFE-free, PFOA-free
Product features | AriaFlow technology, ETL-listed, three mesh trays
Power | 1700W
Price | $119.99-$199.99
Why we love it
- Multiple cooking functions
- Comes with rotisserie
- Heats up to 400°F
- Lifetime guarantee
Non-Teflon air fryers are in, and Aria is one of the best and most versatile available. It is PTFE- and PFOA-free as well. While it is not uncommon for air fryers to have other cooking functions, not many have a rotisserie. That’s what sets Aria apart. Other functions include dehydrating fruits and steadily mixing ingredients. It has three mesh trays, so you can cook different dishes simultaneously.
It has eight built-in presets for convenient cooking. It also has built-in safety features, such as shutting off when the product’s door is opened. It is also ETL-listed.
Customer review | “This air fryer makes the perfect wings, it reheats pizza with perfect crispness and cheesy gooeyness. It is perfect for things that just get mushy in the microwave.” -Olivia
FAQ
Which air fryer doesn’t have forever chemicals?
Here are 15 air fryer brands with no forever chemicals:
1. Big Boss Air Fryer
2. COSORI Pro II Smart Air Fryer
3. Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Digital Air Fryer
4. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
5. Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
6. Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fryer
7. KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven With Air Fry
8. Philips Airfryer Premium
9. Paris Rhone Air Fryer
10. Gotham Steel Air Fryer
11. Transonic Air Fryer
12. Oster Countertop Oven With Air Fryer
13. Ultrean Air Fryer
14. GreenPan Bistro Multi-Cooker Air Fryer
15. Aria Air Fryer
Which air fryers do not have PFOA?
These Air Fryers are made without PFOA:
1. BIG BOSS AIR FRYER
2. ARIA AIR FRYER
3. GREENPAN BISTRO AIR FRYER
4. ULTREAN AIR FRYER
5. INSTANT POT CRISP + AIR FRYER
6. BEAUTIFUL AIR FRYER
7. BIG BOSS AIR FRYER
Which air fryers do not have Teflon?
These Air Fryers are made without Teflon:
1. BEAUTIFUL AIR FRYER
2. BREVILLE AIR FRYER
3. PHILIPS AIRFRYER PREMIUM
4. GOTHAM STEEL AIR FRYER
5. OSTER AIR FRYER
6. ARIA AIR FRYER
All photos credits belong to respective brands
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