Air fryers are a fantastic way to enjoy quick, easy food with less oil – but not all models are created equally when it comes to your health. Non-stick air fryers are especially popular, with slick surfaces that resist grease, earning them a spot among the best air fryers. But if the brand doesn’t explicitly state that they use non-toxic materials for the cooking surface, there could be PFAS (known as 'forever chemicals') lurking in that non-stick coating.
The first thing to note is that, according to the FDA, these chemicals are 'joined together in large molecules and are tightly bound to the cookware, so very little is capable of getting into food.' However, they also acknowledge that exposure to PFAS has been linked to significant health issues, such as 'increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental effects, reduced immune response, and increased cancer risk.' The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA (a common PFAS chemical) as 'carcinogenic to humans', and a 2023 study by Mount Sinai's Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health found that elevated PFAS levels in the bloodstream could reduce fertility by up to 40%.
The idea of ingesting these chemicals is understandably concerning. When I consulted Dr. Bruce Jarnot, a board-certified toxicologist with over 30 years of experience managing product safety and global materials compliance, he said: 'I’d recommend selecting an air fryer marketed as “PFAS Free."'
That's why over the past year, our team has been testing air fryers with PFAS-free cooking surfaces (glass, ceramic, and stainless steel), as well as keeping track of the latest medical advice on air frying safely. So far, glass air fryers haven’t impressed us (although the new glass Ninja Crispi has just arrived to our test kitchen, so I'll keep you posted on that one). Right now, our top pick is the Ninja Pro Air Fryer, which is easy, quick, and affordable – and Ninja confirms it has a '100% PFAS-free' ceramic-coated surface.
The Quick List
We've tested and reviewed these air fryers, all with PFAS-free cooking surfaces. Here are our top picks at a glance. Below, I’ll dive into each model, our rigorous testing, and our research.
Simple, effective, and affordable. The Ninja Pro features a PFAS-free ceramic cooking surface that ensures effortlessly crispy, delicious air-fried food. No fuss, no mess.
Compact and cute, this one's great for small kitchens. We loved the steel racks for air frying and the nonstick ceramic sheets for baking or roasting. The trays can be a bit fiddly, but the window makes it easy to keep an eye on your food and avoid burning.
The Combi could replace every appliance in your kitchen. You can air fry, bake, roast, steam, proof, slow cook, sous vide, and more on enamel and ceramic surfaces. However, it is pretty big.
This spacious oven can fit a pizza stone, and bake, roast, reheat, or air fry for the whole family. We loved the stainless steel racks, but found them time-consuming to clean.
This beautiful oven is smart in every way, with built-in WiFi and voice control. It air-fried incredibly tender salmon in the test kitchen. Café Couture say the racks are 'PFOA and PTFE free.'
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 foodies.
The research: 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, as board-certified toxicologist Dr. Bruce Jarnot, explains: 'Some air fryers use non-stick food baskets or trays that have PFAS in coatings.' PFAS chemicals are associated with major health risks. When we consulted public health expert, Pam Hartnett, she explained that you can become exposed to these chemicals if the cooking surface is damaged. Pam explains that 'Damaged or overheated non-stick coatings can cause toxins to be released into the air and food.'
A chipped or damaged lining is often caused by metal utensils or harsh sponges. But, air fryer chef, Sam Milner, told us there's another lesser-known culprit. Sam says, 'Light commercial oil sprays often contain an emulsifier called lecithin, which slowly breaks down the coating on your air fryer.'
The other potential risk is overly crispy or burnt food. This risk is not exclusive to air fryers; heating starchy foods to high temperatures by any method can potentially cause toxic chemicals called Acrylamides to form. That's why almost all air fryers have Prop 65 warnings in California.
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 toast.
However, this doesn't mean the food is toxic. 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.
Our experts
Bruce is a board-certified PhD Toxicologist. He works as a materials compliance expert at Assent, where he helps global manufacturers to meet sustainability, product and chemical regulatory requirements. He has worked in toxicology for over 30 years, gaining a broad knowledge of global product compliance (including Proposition 65), FDA and USDA standards. He is also a materials scientist and a diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology, Inc.
Pam Hartnett is a Registered Dietician Nutritionist with a Masters in Public Health. She has years of experience teaching functional 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.
Sam is a kitchen gadget expert and best-selling author of The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook. She has been air frying for over twelve years and has tons of expert tips, from advice on how to clean your air fryer to the air fryer accessories that can add years to the life of your baskets.
Best non-toxic air fryers 2025
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.
Best non-toxic air fryer overall
What we liked: The Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 is the best air fryer I’ve ever tested. It’s one of the more basic models in Ninja’s lineup, but don’t let that fool you – it’s thoughtfully designed, incredibly easy to use, and delivers crispy, delicious results fast. Plus, it doesn't use PFAS in the cooking surface. The best part? It does all that without breaking the bank.
First, let's talk design. It’s cute and compact (not much taller than my kettle), so it won’t hog counter space. But inside, there's a surprisingly spacious 5-quart basket that can handle up to 4 lbs of food. That's perfect for couples or small families, but if you have more mouths to feed, Ninja also makes an XL 6-quart version (which comes with Bake and Max Crisp functions).
The smaller model has four everyday cooking modes (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate). I loved the large digital timer, which is clear enough to read from across the kitchen.
Now, the real test: the food. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro passed with flying colors, turning out perfectly golden, crispy fries, and juicy, well-cooked chicken in record time. And cleanup was a breeze, because the ceramic-coated plate has non-stick properties without the PFAS. The food residue rinses right off with hot, soapy water, and the plate is even dishwasher-safe (though I always recommend gentle hand-washing to keep the lining intact).
What we didn't like: Not much, to be honest. Sure, it doesn’t have any fancy features like grilling, steaming or baking modes. It's not super versatile like the other options on this list. But for everyday air frying, it’s an absolute steal.
Read more: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 review.
Best looking non-toxic air fryer
What we liked: The Wonder Oven is a refreshing departure from bulky, gray, and black kitchen appliances. I chose the chic, neutral 'Steam' colorway, and the moment I placed it in my kitchen, I fell in love with its adorable design.
The materials are just as pleasing. The interior is stainless steel, while the air fryer basket is made from chromed steel. The baking tray is coated in ceramic and free from 'forever chemicals' adding peace of mind when baking, and roasting. This means the accessories aren't dishwasher-safe, but they are fairly easy to clean. There's a crumb tray to catch fallaways, and I usually line the tray with parchment paper to help with washing up.
Our small appliances expert, Camryn, and I each tested this air fryer for about six months, using it to cook fries, toast, veggies, cheesy stuffed peppers, and even reheat pizza. Camryn said, 'I really liked the steam-baking function for creating light and fluffy food. Some toaster ovens offer more precision and extra features, but the Wonder Oven delivers solid, dependable results – without the worry of toxic materials.'
For me, it’s a fantastic option for small kitchens and single servings. However, when it comes to crispiness and speed, I still prefer the Ninja Pro, even though it's not as pretty. The Wonder Oven took ages to roast my favorite root veg, like parsnips and carrots. That said, I reach for it often when making toast, reheating pizza, baking eggs, or whipping up quick desserts.
What we didn't like: There are 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 ingredients. Also, it's small. You'll struggle to cook portions for more than two people. Finally, it has an old-school analog timer, which is easy to use but tricky to set precise cooking times. This is 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.
Read more: Our Place Wonder Oven review.
Best multifunctional non-toxic air fryer
What we liked: Firstly, Ninja say that the Combi's pan and crisper tray are made from durable aluminum, with a 'non-stick nano ceramic coating that is FDA-approved and food safe.' The bake tray has an enamel coating without non-stick – Ninja specify that the Combi's coatings are PTFE and PFOA-free.
The Combi is also impressively versatile, making it a smart choice for the cost. In our tests, we wowed by the enormous capacity and whopping twelve different cooking functions – from roasting and steaming to air frying.
Our kitchen expert, Laura Honey, used this air fryer in her house for two weeks and said it totally 'replaced her oven'. Laura said, 'The Ninja Combi heated up quickly and consistently produced perfectly crispy foods, from French fries to tacos and roasted vegetables. Another reason I was reaching for the Combi so frequently was because it's just so easy to clean. All of the trays and air frying baskets are dishwasher safe, so I stacked them in my dishwasher drawer and set it running. Most of the mess that I made was contained within these, but the inside of the Combi was easy to reach into and wipe down when I wanted to do a deeper clean.'
Finally, both Laura and I are fans of the glass window, which lets you keep an eye on your food as it cooks, reducing the risk of potentially toxic, burnt food.
What we didn't like: The Ninja Combi's presets require a little tweaking to avoid overcooking in the first place. We found that it was a little over-zealous at times. Another potential downside is the sheer size. The Combi is big on the countertop, which is fine if you use it as often as your normal oven, but if you won't use it much, it might be a little tricky to store.
Read more: Ninja Combi Multicooker review.
Best non-toxic air fryer for families
What we liked: We've actually classed this as the best toaster oven 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. We loved the generously sized air frying tray, made from non-toxic stainless steel, which provides plenty of space for larger portions. We found that it preheats in four minutes and it doesn’t require a mid-fry flip, so you can get on with other household tasks. We loved how effectively it drains grease, ensuring crisp and evenly cooked results.
What we didn't like: 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.
Another 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!
Read more: KitchenAid Countertop Oven review.
The best luxury non-toxic air fryer
What we liked: This is a truly gorgeous toaster oven with five-star cooking abilities. That's why I was pleased to see the following information listed on Williams Sonoma: 'The Café™ Couture™ Oven with Air Fry is PFOA and PTFE free. All of our products are tested by a third-party accredited lab to confirm our products are safe and include no harmful chemicals or PFAS which fail to meet State and Federal limits.'
So, let's have a closer look at the materials they speak of. The interior of this air fryer is stainless steel. The heavy-duty wire rack and air fry basket are made of steel with nickel plating, the crumb tray is aluminum-coated steel, and the pizza pan is porcelain enamel. The only thing that caused me concern was the nickel, but it is FDA-approved for food contact, and I struggled to find any robust reasoning for avoiding it. I suppose you could always purchase 100% stainless steel replacement racks if you wanted to.
In terms of cooking, the results were excellent. Our kitchen product tester, Terri, made delicious baked salmon, homemade pizza with perfectly melted mozzarella, broiled tender, juicy chicken and gooey chocolate chip cookies.
Terri even enjoyed the smart features, which we are always slightly wary of. She says, 'The oven has a built-in WiFi, and the SmartHQ App means you can monitor and control the oven from your cell phone. The app makes it easy to adjust the oven temperature, change the cooking time, and stop the cooking cycle. You can even do this with voice commands, but if you don't want to use an app you can also control it manually.'
What we didn't like: We can't fault the performance, so why isn't topping the test? If you just want a simple air fryer to make French fries and veggies, you might not want to spend $400. Not only that, while it held up well on tests, the capacity may be a little small for big families. If that's the case, you should look to the KitchenAid option above.
Read more: Café Couture Oven with Air Fry review.
Best non-toxic air fryer / slow cooker combo
What we liked: This is our number one best Instant Pot, but its unique air fryer mode has propelled it into this guide. Our expert, home economist and kitchen product tester, Helen McCue, used it at home for weeks, and she was impressed.
The first thing to note is that Helen was reviewing this in the UK, and her model came with a plastic air frying basket. But never fear, the US model comes with a stainless steel air frying rack and pot. So, Americans can enjoy the excellent air frying abilities of this pot with the peace of mind of a plastic-free cooking surface.
While there are some plastics around the outside, they don't come into contact with what you're cooking at all, and they never heat up too much. Toxicologist, Bruce Jarnot, reassured me: 'All electrical appliances, including air fryers, will contain PFAS in their electronics to meet safety standards. I would recommend ensuring that the food contact surfaces, such as the food baskets or trays, do not contain PFAS.'
Helen was full of praise for the cooking functions. 'There are 13 different modes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, roasting, rehydrating, and air frying. The latter uses EvenCrisp technology to get a crispy finish with very little oil.' Helen air-fried crispy bacon and used the crisp setting to finish what she says was ' the best mac 'n cheese I've ever made'
We concluded that it's a great option for weeknight meals – you can have a healthy air-fried vegetable or pressure-cooked curry on the table in ten minutes. However, if you just want to quickly bake some tater tots or Fries, you need something less complicated, like the Ninja Pro at the top of this list.
What we didn't like: We love stainless steel as a durable alternative to chemical-laden nonstick coatings, but it does need some unique care. The best way to clean the stainless steel is to leave the rack or pot to soak, allowing the food residue to soften and fall away. It's easy, but if you're used to 'rinse and go 'air fryers, this could be annoying.
Plus, I have to note that I've recently seen a few customer reviews popping up on Amazon about the machine malfunctioning after a year or so of use. I have asked Helen to re-test and reassure us about its longevity.
Read more: Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid review.
Ones that missed the list
We've tested tons of air fryers, looking for non-toxic materials alongside a fantastic cooking performance. The below models hit the brief in terms of materials, but fell short on tasty food and value for money.
The Fritaire stands out with its glass materials, unique design and the delightful ability to watch your food crisp in real time. However, the poor cooking performance and fiddly accessories left me disappointed. Given the relatively high price point, it feels like an impractical purchase.
Ninja lined one of their older, more basic model with a ceramic coating. We love it for speedy side dishes, snacks, or two portions of protein. It can be a little overzealous in cooking, so you need to be cautious about checking your food. Plus, the circular shape limits the capacity.
We used to rank the Paris Rhône air fryer on this list, but we have noticed it's often out of stock and we believe it has now been discontinued. We're planning to test their latest toaster oven soon to see if it meets the non-toxic standards.
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: I've tested and highly rate their Titanium Always Pans, Our Place Wonder Oven, non-toxic silicone tongs and wooden spoons. I like the cute designs and appreciate the transparency on their website.
- GreenPan: Specializing in ceramic non-stick griddles, slow-cookers and pans using a patented non-toxic coating called Thermolon. I'm a huge fan of their Stanley Tucci collection and I'm trying to get my hands on their new air fryer range soon.
- Le Creuset: Famous for enameled cast iron Dutch ovens and braisers, which are naturally non-toxic and non-stick when used correctly. My parents received a blue Dutch oven as a wedding gift 25 years ago, and it's still used in my family's kitchen. A testament to the quality and longevity.
- Staub: A lesser known brand that creates my personal enameled cast iron dishes that are safe, durable and beautiful. I often use their cocottes for baked eggs and single-serve desserts in my air fryer.
What's next
To keep you in the loop, these are the new product launches on our radar and the products we will be testing next. We are dedicated to bringing you the best non-toxic air fryers that are available on the market.
- I was thrilled to hear that Our Place is launching an XL version of the Wonder Oven. I am in conversation with the brand to test and compare it to the original model I already have in my kitchen.
- Bella is a new, affordable line of non-toxic air fryers made with EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating. Our small appliance expert, Camryn, will be testing the Bella 'Slim' air fryer for us soon.
- Camryn also has the Ninja Crispi in her test kitchen in Rhode Island right now. It's portable and made with glass, so we can't wait to report back and see if it makes this list of the best non-toxic air fryers.
How we test non-toxic air fryers
Sausages in the Ninja double stack
We began by consulting medical experts and toxicologists to determine which materials are safest for air fryers. Next, we conducted our market research, analyzing air fryers for their material composition, which often involved reviewing fine print and reaching out to the brands to ensure their food-contact components were free from harmful substances like BPA, PFOA, and PTFE. Once the machines arrived in our test kitchen, we read through their manuals to understand safety guidelines, temperature limits, and maintenance requirements, to make sure they fit in with real-world use.
Next, 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 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 durability, as this is a key criteria for long-lasting, non-toxic items. 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
Is it safe for PFAS to be on the exterior of an air fryer?
Toxicologist, Bruce Jarnot, says: 'All electrical appliances, including air fryers, will contain PFAS in their electronics to meet safety standards. I would recommend ensuring that the food contact surfaces, such as the food baskets or trays, do not contain PFAS.'
How do I stop my air fryer from being toxic?
Based on medical advice, never heat your air fryer to more than 500°F (luckily, most manufacturers have a max temperature between 400-450°F to prevent the risk).
Ty not to overcook or overheat starchy foods. They shouldn’t go above a golden yellow.
Never use oil sprays that contain Lecithin, wire sponges, or abrasive metal cooking utenisls – they will damage the lining. Opt for gentle cleaning products, soft sponges, wooden and silicone utensils instead.
If your non-stick is damaged, stop using the appliance. Even better, use an air fryer that doesn’t use potentially toxic non-stick chemicals at all (like the options on this list).
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, glass or metal-based air fryer.
How much should my air fryer cost?
On average, air fryers will cost between $80 and $200. Sometimes, non-toxic air fryers are at the upper end of that scale, simply because they use quality materials and less cheap plastics. If you are paying upwards of $200, you should expect super smart features, good looks and large capacity.
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. However, this doesn't mean you can neglect it. You should still use gentle sponges and silicone utensils on ceramic surfaces.
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