Viral TikTok videos and cases of 'Teflon flu' have sparked concern over whether air fryers are toxic. When we consulted experts, their responses were very reassuring. Pam Hartnett, Public Health Expert, says 'Air fryers that are used correctly won't be toxic, but you can take measures that will mitigate most of your concerns.'
You see, many air fryers contain non-stick coatings like Teflon, which make them wonderfully easy to clean. However, these materials can contain 'forever chemicals' like PTFE, PFOA, PFOS, and BPA. While non-stick materials are generally safe when used properly and gently cleaned, they pose a risk if the coating becomes scratched or damaged. In such cases, tiny particles from the coating could be ingested, which can be damaging to your health.
To eliminate any cause for concern, medical experts advise choosing toxin-free cookware with stainless steel racks or ceramic coatings instead.
Luckily, lots of our favorite models from Ninja, Instant, and KitchenAid are already non-toxic. Out of fifty competitors, the stainless steel air fryer by Instant Pot took the top spot. It makes the crispest fries, has many functions, and is easy to clean. That's not your only option though; there are small, ceramic-coated air fryers and larger toaster ovens, too.
If you're ready for a total kitchen refresh, I've also looked into the best non-toxic small appliances (like frying pans, kettles and bakeware) and non-toxic coffee makers.
Best non-toxic air fryer deals for Black Friday
If you're keen to refresh your appliances, Black Friday is a great time to do it. I've been scrolling the early sales and found discounts on some of the best non-toxic air fryers.
Best non-toxic air fryers 2024
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The Quick List
If you want to take a quick look at some of the best non-toxic air fryers, here are the headlines. We've got more detailed information further down the page.
A winner for healthy weeknight dinners. The stainless steel interiors can air fry, slow-cook, and pressure-cook quick curries and risotto. A fantastic choice for families and foodies.
This non-toxic air fryer could replace your oven. The ceramic-coated basket creates the crispiest French fries. Plus, it can toast, bake, roast, steam, and more.
Ninja has lined their smaller, more basic model with a durable ceramic coating as well. Ideal for speedy side dishes, snacks, or two portions of protein, it’s impressively fast and compact. It's even available in a mini size, too.
If you're new to air frying, the presets on the Paris Rhône take out all the guesswork. We love the viewing window, roast chicken function, and the ceramic coating, of course.
This large, countertop oven has capacity for tons of fries, chicken, reheated pizza, vegetables – you name it. The stainless steel rack is spacious and non-toxic.
Our Place's air fryer is compact and cute. Perfect for people in city kitchens who want to air fry, roast, and bake on high-quality steel. It comes in a range of chic neutral and bright colors.
Are Air Fryers Toxic?
When we covered 'are air fryers toxic?' we found that air fryers can be toxic in certain limited situations. Medical experts suggest that there are two main ways in which air fryers could be potentially harmful.
The first is that we might ingest some of the non-stick coating. Air fryers that use materials like Teflon have chemicals that can be associated with health risks. However, public health experts like Pam Hartnett say that you can only be exposed to these chemicals if your air fryer is damaged. This can happen over time and is often caused by cleaning or scratching with metal utensils. It's preferable to choose an air fryer made without non-stick chemicals, such as ceramic or stainless steel.
The other risk is how hot they get. This is not exclusive to air fryers, but heating starchy foods to high temperatures can cause potentially carcinogenic chemicals to form. That's why almost all air fryers have Prop 65 warnings in California. However, this doesn't mean they're toxic. These chemicals, acrylamides, are a risk whenever you fry or toast above 338°F. That's pretty much any time you fry or toast anything. Foods at risk on the Prop 65 list include everything from potato chips to coffee and even toast. While the industrial use of acrylamides has been shown to be carcinogenic, the tiny amount of naturally occurring acrylamides in air-fried food has not been conclusively linked to cancer.
In short, air fryers can be toxic in certain limited situations, but it's rare. To be on the safer side, I recommend choosing a stainless steel or ceramic-coated air fryer with a window, so you can keep an eye on your food and make sure it isn't getting burnt to a crisp.
Pam Hartnett MPH, RDN, owns The Vitality Dieticians. She is a Registered Dietician Nutritionist with a Masters in Public Health and a Certificate in Functional Nutrition. She has years of experience teaching nutrition, providing nutrition counseling, and implementing large-scale public health interventions to improve disease outcomes. She has contributed to US News Health Magazine, Forbes, Eating Well, and SHEFinds.
Best stainless steel non-toxic air fryer
This is our number one best Instant Pot, but its excellent air fryer mode propels it into first place as our best non-toxic air fryer. With safe stainless steel materials, EvenCrisp technology and versatile settings, it helped our expert, Helen McCue, to create one of the best mac 'n' cheeses she’s ever cooked.
With 13 different types of cooking, like roasting, pressure cooking, slow-cooking and rehydrating, it goes far beyond just air frying. It's ideal for weeknight meals – you can have a healthy dish on the table in as little as ten minutes As a one-pot option, the cleaning up is minimal too.
We love stainless steel as a quality alternative to non-stick coatings, but it does need some unique care. The best way to clean the stainless steel is to leave the pot to soak and soften for a little. It's easy, but if you're used to dishwasher-safe air fryers, this could be annoying.
If you want versatility for families meals, this is the one. If you just want to quickly bake some tater tots for a midnight snack, you probably need something less complicated, like the Ninja Max XL.
You can read more in our full review of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid.
Best ceramic non-toxic air fryer
Known for making the best air fryers on the market, this Ninja model stands out as one of the best non-toxic options – appealing to health-conscious cooks for a couple of important reasons.
The Ninja Combi’s baskets and trays are made from aluminum and coated in non-stick enamel and ceramic (considered safer, non-toxic alternatives to non-stick coatings like Teflon). For anyone looking to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in cookware, options like this are ideal.
The Combi is also impressively versatile, making it a smart choice for the cost. At $179, the Ninja Combi offers enormous capacity and twelve different cooking functions – from roasting to air frying. It heats up quickly and consistently produces perfectly crisped foods, from homemade fries to roasted vegetables. I love the glass window, which lets you keep an eye on your food as it cooks, reducing the risk of potentially toxic, burnt food. A stroke of genius, really.
That said, Ninja’s presets may require a little tweaking to avoid overcooking in the first place. But for anyone who wants an air fryer that prioritizes healthy food, versatility and convenience, the Ninja Combi is a worthwhile investment.
You can read more in our full review of the Ninja Combi Multicooker
Quickest non-toxic air fryer
Ceramic is one of the best alternatives to traditional non-stick coatings, so we were relieved to find that this basket is ceramic-coated. Beyond that, this air fryer impressed us with its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to store when not in use.
The 5.5-quart capacity is ideal for two portions, whether it’s protein, vegetables, or snacks. Thanks to the smaller size, it heats up quickly and air fries food at lightning speed, saving valuable time in the kitchen.
The Ninja Max XL is pretty versatile for the price and size; it can roast, bake, reheat and even dehydrate. One feature our expert tester, Millie, appreciated was the ability to pause cooking mid-cycle, adding extra convenience and control.
However, we didn't love the plastic exterior; the overall build doesn’t feel as high-quality as some pricier models on this list. It didn't make it into our best air fryer guide, as the circular basket design can feel limiting when trying to fit certain foods.
That said, for most quick meals and snacks, it delivers impressive results.
You can read more in our full review of the Ninja Max XL air fryer.
Best non-toxic air fryer for beginners
One of the best appliances we tested, the Paris Rhône surprised us with how much it could do, especially for the price and size. Our expert tester, Laura, said it was super easy to use and she recommends it for an entry-level air fryer.
The basket is ceramic coated, avoiding toxic material concerns, and it's super low maintenance too. Laura tested it on a range of foods, from asparagus to fish sticks, and were pleased with the results. It's also easy to clean and apparently dishwasher safe.
The 5.3 quart. capacity is ideal for couples, individuals or small families who are just looking to create quick snacks or desserts. If you're a big household, you'll prefer the KitchenAid or Ninja multicookers above.
The air fryer is pre-programmed with powerful settings, so you'll want to check on your food using the useful viewing window and interior light. This is something to be cautious about, because eating burnt food is one of the key concerns for air fryers’ toxicity. Laura says, 'just make sure to check on your food a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid over-cooking.;
You can read more in Laura's full review of the Paris Rhône air fryer.
Best large non-toxic air fryer
This one of the best toaster ovens on the market because it can perform so many different functions - dehydrate, proof, bagel, roast, bake, broil, warm, and, of course, air fry. It even comes with a pizza stone.
For families or anyone who enjoys cooking for a crowd, this oven is a standout. The generously sized air frying tray, made from non-toxic stainless steel, provides plenty of space for larger portions. It preheats in four minutes and it doesn’t require a mid-fry flip, so you can get on with other tasks. We loved how effectively it drains grease, ensuring crisp and evenly cooked results.
While the spacious design is ideal for large households, the KitchenAid Countertop Oven is also quite large, so best suited for those with ample counter space. However, its sleek design means it looks great on display and doesn’t need to be stored away.
One potential downside for family kitchens is that the exterior can get hot to the touch during use, so you need to be careful, especially with young children around. Also, while stainless steel is durable and non-toxic, it isn’t dishwasher-safe. Better get those rubber gloves on, and the non-abrasive sponges out!
You can read more in our full review of the KitchenAid Countertop Oven.
Best looking non-toxic air fryer
If you're looking for a non-toxic appliance that's cute and compact, the Our Place Wonder Oven will catch your eye. Recently, I’ve been testing it out in my kitchen, and it's been a refreshing change from bulky, gray and black appliances.
The interior is made from stainless steel; the air fryer basket is made from chromed steel and the baking tray is ceramic-coated and free from 'forever chemicals.' This means the accessories aren't dishwasher-safe, but ensures you can toast, bake and roast with peace of mind.
In our tests, we crisped up fries, toast, veggies and cheesy stuffed peppers. I really liked the steam-baking function for creating light and fluffy food. There are other toaster ovens out there with a bit more precision and more exciting features, but the Wonder Oven delivers solid, dependable results without the worry of toxic materials. It's ideal for small portions, too.
A couple of quirks worth mentioning: the oven racks are a little flimsy and don't lock in place when pulled out, so you’ll need to be careful with heavier items. Also, it has an old-school analog timer, which makes it tricky to set precise cooking times – an issue when preparing more delicate dishes like fish. However, you can keep an eye on the cooking through the window – which always scores extra points with us.
Overall, the Wonder Oven is a great non-toxic option that brings a chic touch to your countertop.
You can read more in our full review of the Our Place Wonder Oven.
Where to shop non-toxic appliances
When searching for non-toxic kitchen appliances, look for brands that avoid Teflon non-stick coatings and prioritize high-quality materials. Think: stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron, and glass. Below, you'll find some reliable options.
- Our Place: Known for their non-stick Always Pan and Wonder Oven, plus non-toxic tongs, wooden spoons, cutting boards and more
- Bella: A new, affordable line of non-toxic air fryers, toasters and blenders made with EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating
- GreenPan: Specializing in ceramic non-stick griddles, slow-cookers and pans using a patented non-toxic coating called Thermolon
- Caraway: A colorful range of ceramic-coated dishes, roasting trays and frying pans for easy, chemical-free cooking
- Le Creuset: Famous for enameled cast iron Dutch ovens and braisers, which are naturally non-toxic and non-stick when used correctly
- Staub: More enameled cast iron dishes that are safe, durable and beautiful
How we test
Sausages in the Ninja double stack
To test the best air fryers on the market, we focus on exceptional cooking performance. As a team of trained cooks, product testers and appliance experts, we rigorously test each model by air-frying frozen fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. During our taste tests, we seek food that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender within. Having tested the market leaders, we’re familiar with the industry benchmarks.
Ease of use is key, so our tests evaluate the intuitiveness of controls, basket design, instruction booklet, and the accuracy of recipe presets. We also explore special features, like grilling and dehydrating, to assess versatility. While cooking, we make notes on capacity – essential for those looking for family-sized air fryers.
Since cleaning can be a hassle, we check if the removable parts are easy to wash, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. We also examine materials for non-toxicity and durability. After testing, we scour the web for the best and worst customer reviews to assess the air fryer's reliability and overall customer satisfaction.
Finally, when you're making a kitchen investment, price really matters, so we weigh up the features and performance to see if it offers good value for money. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you choose an air fryer that looks stylish in your kitchen, as well as being reliable, efficient, and a joy to use.
FAQs
How do I stop my air fryer from being toxic?
Based on medical advice, try not to overcook or overheat starchy foods. They shouldn’t go above a golden yellow. If your non-stick is damaged, stop using the appliance. Even better, use an air fryer that doesn’t use non-stick chemicals at all.
If your air fryer is damaged or broken in any way, you should stop using it. If you are concerned about the non-stick chemicals in your air fryer, maintain them as well as possible to avoid the chemicals getting into your food. The best way to stop your air fryer from being toxic is to buy a ceramic or metal-based air fryer.
How much should my air fryer cost?
This depends on what you are looking for. On average, air fryers will cost between $80 and $200. If you’re paying more money, you should expect smarter features and a better capacity. We like large-capacity baskets that are easy to use.
Would a deep fryer be less toxic?
We have compared the deep fryer against an air fryer in our tests. Whilst deep fryers don’t use non-stick, which is one of the main concerns facing air fryers, they do engage with the other concern of overcooking food. They also require more oil to cook your food too.
Why is ceramic good for air fryers?
Ceramic-based air fryers are good because ceramic doesn't have the 'forever chemicals' associated with non-stick air fryers. Ceramic is also much harder to scratch or damage than non-stick materials like Teflon, so it's easier to maintain and will probably last longer.
Final Thoughts
In spite of medical reassurance, I’m a cautious and health-conscious person. If there’s a chance that I could be ingesting non-stick, I would rather not risk it. That’s why I was so pleased with the range of air fryers that use ceramic or stainless steel in place of ‘forever chemicals’ and plastics. If in doubt, ceramic and stainless steel are the way to go.
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