Best non toxic air fryers (Updated 08.2023)

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Are air fryers truly healthy and safe for the environment? Air frying is a quick and easy way to make tasty food, but many of the most popular models have dangerous chemicals like PFAS in their nonstick coatings. These perfluoroalkyl chemicals can be very bad for your health. Because misleading advertising is common, it can be hard to find choices that are really free of PFAS. This piece talks about the risks of PFAS and lists the safest air fryers you can buy. We look at five best non toxic air fryers that don’t use dangerous materials in favor of health-conscious designs.

Are Air Fryers Toxic?

Despite warnings seen on some social media, the majority of modern air fryers do not pose toxicity risks when used properly. In the past, Teflon was manufactured using PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which has been associated with health issues. However, all significant Teflon producers eliminated PFOA from products back in 2013.

Any air fryer manufactured after this point is PFOA-free. Newer models also utilize PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) sans PFOA as the non-stick coating. Provided the PTFE layer remains intact without damage, it does not represent a meaningful health threat during standard air fryer operation.

Even though damaged coatings could release small amounts of poisonous gases at very high temperatures, most units don’t get hot enough to be dangerous. As long as a covering is free of PFOA and PTFE and has no cracks or chips, users can feel safe using it as directed without worrying about dangerous chemicals leaking out. Following the manufacturer’s instructions also helps make sure there is enough airflow and keeps the oven from getting too hot while cooking. For people who care about their health, stainless steel or ceramic designs get rid of all worries about non-stick coatings.

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Bad?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, refer to a large group of over 5,000 man-made chemicals that have been widely used in consumer and industrial products since the 1940s. Known for their water, heat and stain resistant properties, PFAS have become ubiquitous in items like non-stick cookware, food packaging, carpets, outdoor gear and firefighting foam. However, they have also emerged as a major environmental and public health concern.

PFAS do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and the human body. Some varieties stick around in the blood for years or even decades. As a result, nearly everyone has some level of PFAS in their system. Long-term exposure to higher levels has been linked to illnesses like kidney and testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, low birth weight, immune system issues and more. They also contaminate drinking water sources around the world.

While their chemical structure makes PFAS useful for many applications, it also makes them nearly impossible to fully remove once released. More research is still needed to understand all of the health risks, but the chemicals’ ubiquity and persistence in both the environment and human bodies have raised significant concerns about their impacts. Many advocate for limits on non-essential PFAS use and emissions.

What Is a Non-Toxic Air Fryer?

A non-toxic air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, often without the need for oil. It is considered non-toxic because it does not produce harmful fumes or chemicals during the cooking process. Traditional frying methods involve submerging food in hot oil, which can release toxins and harmful compounds when the oil reaches a certain temperature. In contrast, air fryers use a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy texture similar to deep frying. By eliminating the need for excessive oil, non-toxic air fryers are a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Additionally, many non-toxic air fryers come with non-stick coatings that are free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE, further enhancing their safety. These fryers are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a convenient and healthier way to enjoy fried foods without the associated health risks.

Do all air fryers use Teflon?

No, not all air fryers use Teflon. Teflon is a non-stick coating that contains a chemical known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which can release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures. Due to health concerns, some manufacturers have started producing air fryers without Teflon. These air fryers often utilize alternative non-stick coatings or materials such as ceramic or stainless steel. While Teflon-coated air fryers are still widely available in the market, consumers have the option to choose a safer alternative. One popular option is an air fryer toaster oven, which combines the functions of an air fryer and a toaster oven. These toaster ovens typically use stainless steel interiors, eliminating the need for a non-stick coating like Teflon. So, if you’re in the market for an air fryer and want to avoid the potential risks associated with Teflon, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.

What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Air Fryer?

Avoid Teflon and PTFE Coatings

Most air fryers use Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), more commonly known as Teflon, for their non-stick coating. While safe at normal cooking temperatures, PTFE can release toxic fumes like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) when overheated above 500°F. This is common in air fryers. Look for options without Teflon/PTFE coatings.

Choose Ceramic or Aluminized Steel Coatings

Some manufacturers use ceramic or aluminized steel coatings instead of PTFE. Ceramic coatings made of silica are safer as they do not contain toxic materials. Aluminized steel also prevents direct exposure to aluminum. These coating alternatives are preferable.

Inspect for Stainless Steel Surfaces

Stainless steel cookware does not use any surface coatings or contain toxic materials that could potentially leach chemicals during use. Look for an air fryer with a stainless steel cooking basket and interior surfaces.

Beware of Aluminum Components

While occasional contact with aluminum is unlikely to cause harm, try to choose an air fryer without any aluminum components that could result in continuous dietary exposure. Fully stainless steel interiors are optimal.

Check for Plastic Smells

New air fryers may emit a slight “plastic” odor initially from packaging but it should dissipate after the first use. Any air fryer with a prolonged plastic smell could indicate concealed off-gassing of chemicals and should be avoided.

Paying close attention to these five red flags can help ensure the air fryer you bring into your home uses only non-toxic, food-safe materials that won’t compromise your family’s health. Choose a model with no PTFE, safer coatings, stainless construction and no lingering smells.

05 Best non toxic air fryers 2023

  1. ECOWELL TXS5T2 Air Fryer – Best Overall
  2. Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer – Most Versatile
  3. COSORI Air Fryer – Best Set
  4. Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fryer – Best Budget
  5. Beautiful by Drew Barrymore – Best Budget Air Fryer

These air fryers are made without non-stick chemicals, such as ceramic or stainless steel, and are considered safe for your health. They range from single-function and compact models to multi-functional air fryer ovens, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Below is the details reviews with its pros and cons:

ECOWELL TXS5T2 Air Fryer – Best Overall

 

The ECOWELL TXS5T2 Air Fryer is our top pick for best non-toxic air fryer. Measuring 13.4 x 15 x 12.9 inches, it has a large 6 quart capacity that fits a whole chicken. It uses ceramic-coated materials that are free of PFOA, PTFE and other toxic chemicals commonly found in non-stick coatings.

Featuring 8 presets, temperature control up to 400°F and 60 minute timer, it’s easy to perfectly cook a variety of homemade fried foods with 85% less fat than deep frying. The touchscreen and digital controls provide convenient operation. Its dishwasher safe basket cleans up in a snap. While some reported unpleasant odors or loud beeping, most users appreciate its healthy cooking performance.

Pros:

  • Large and Compact: The ECOWELL 6 quart air fryer has a large size that can fit a whole 5 lb chicken, perfect for 3-5 people family dinners, and compact design, saves space on your counter and in your cabinet; perfect for any small kitchen, dorm, office, RV trips, and more
  • Healthy Cooking: This air fryer is perfect for frying with little or even no oil and cook at your desired temperature, achieving a healthy, crispy, fried finish using at least 85% less fat than traditional fryers.
  • Easy to Use & Clean: The air fryer has a digital LED touch screen, 8 food presets, a temperature range of 180-400°F, and a timer that runs for 60 minutes. You can also change the settings to precisely cook your food. It comes with a dishwasher safe nonstick fry basket and pot.

Cons:

  • Unpleasant Odor: One customer review mentioned that the air fryer had an unpleasant odor of burnt plastic that was difficult to get rid of.
  • Loud Beeper: Another customer review mentioned that the beeper was loud and sounded like a smoke alarm. It goes off on every adjustment of time and temp and 5 times when your food is ready.

Overall, the ECOWELL TXS5T2 Air Fryer seems to be a great choice for its large size, compact design, healthy cooking options, and ease of use. However, some customers have reported issues with an unpleasant odor and loud beeper. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision! 😊

Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer – Most Versatile

Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer XL Cook

Having dimensions of 11 x 14 x 14.75 inches, the Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer is a versatile and Teflon-free option. It relies on Max Crisp ceramic-coated technology, verified safe for PFOA and PTFE, to rapidly cook foods to crispy perfection without oil.

In addition to air frying, this model bakes, roasts, reheats and dehydrates with adjustable temperature up to 400°F. Customizable presets save favorites for quick retrieval. The nonstick, dishwasher safe basket simplifies cleanup. Though manual turning is sometimes needed, most enjoy its various functions for healthy home-cooked meals and snacks.

Pros:

  • Versatile Cooking Functions: This air fryer is designed to handle multiple cooking modes, including air frying, air roasting, baking, reheating, and dehydrating meals before storage. These cooking modes can be adjusted to fit your recipe needs, and the air fryer will automatically save custom presets for future meals.
  • Healthy Cooking: The Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer XL relies on the latest max crisp technology to rapidly heat up food with hot air to cook any meal or snack thoroughly and with less than 75% fat compared to traditional methods.
  • Easy to Use & Clean: The cooking basket and crisper plate are ceramic coated, making it much easier to clean up after cooking. The ceramic coating is also nonstick, so you don’t have to worry about stubborn stains. The ceramic coated basket and crisper plate are also dishwasher safe.

Cons:

  • Manual Turning Required: One customer review mentioned that you have to manually turn the food to ensure that it’s cooked thoroughly.
  • Light Quality: Another customer review mentioned that the quality of the light inside the air fryer could be better.

Overall, the Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer seems to be a great choice for its versatile cooking functions, healthy cooking options, and ease of use. However, some customers have reported issues with manual turning required and light quality.

COSORI Air Fryer – Best Set

best non toxic air fryers

The large 5.5 liter COSORI Air Fryer measures 32 x 30 x 30cm. Using a ceramic coating free of PFOA and PTFE, it crisps foods to a light, crunchy texture similar to deep frying without oil or fat.

Able to fit a whole chicken, it excels at frying meats and veggies to irresistible results. Additional features like its cool exterior, wood handle and ability to WiFi control or use voice assistants offer conveniences. While some had issues with its bread toasting or sluggish controls, most tout it as an durable, easy-to-use alternative to oil-submerged frying.

Pros:

  • Excellent at air frying:
  • Good for roasting chicken
  • Exterior stays cool
  • Baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe
  • Wi-Fi for remote control and digital assistants

Cons:

  • Poor at toasting
  • Controls are a bit sluggish

Overall, the COSORI Air Fryer seems to be a great choice for its large size, compact design, healthy cooking options, and ease of use. However, some customers have reported issues with its toasting capabilities and sluggish controls.

Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fryer – Best Budget

Measuring 19.72 x 7.56 x 14.96 inches, the Ninja SP101 is a versatile countertop solution. Its PFOA and PTFE-free ceramic coating ensures safe, delicious crisping up to 450°F.

Collapsible for compact storage and with 8 functions including air fry, this model replaces multiple appliances. Large viewing window and multiple preset programs make cooking approachable. Though more expensive and space-demanding than simpler models, flexibility and high temperature range suit users looking beyond basic frying.

Pros:

  • Counter space-saving features: The Ninja SP101 Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven stands out because you can fold up the unit when it’s not in use, meaning it’ll take up less space on your countertop.
  • High temperature range: The unit has a maximum cooking temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a higher range than most models in our Best Air Fryers of 2023 list.
  • Numerous presets and functions: The unit has eight presets and functions, which is robust compared to the other air fryers we rated.
  • Easy to use: Reviews indicate that the digital controls are easy to use and understand, allowing users to adjust the cooking temperature and time depending on the food they are cooking.

Cons:

  • A bit pricier than some other air fryers: Retailing for $239.99, the Ninja SP101 Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven can be a good choice for those who are looking for something beyond a simple air fryer.
  • Smaller capacity: The food capacity of this air fryer is 3 quarts, which may be smaller than some other air fryers in our rating.
  • Not particularly energy efficient: Some customers have reported that this air fryer is not particularly energy efficient.

Overall, the Ninja SP101 Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven seems to be a great choice for its counter space-saving features, high temperature range, numerous presets and functions, and ease of use. However, some customers have reported issues with its price, smaller capacity, and energy efficiency.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore – budget

At just 6.1 x 10.4 x 7.4 inches, the Beautiful air fryer replaces deep fryers without comprising on quality or adding toxins. Ceramic-coated and free of PFOA/PTFE, it fries a variety of items.

Easy one-touch operation heats to the perfect crisp without preheat. Sleek matte control panel fits any kitchen aesthetic. While small at 2.6 quart capacity, it excels at affordable good-for-you homemade fried favorites for individuals. Hassle-free cleaning adds to its charm.

By selecting air fryers made without PFOA, PTFE and other toxic materials, home cooks can satiate cravings for fried foods while maintaining wellness in a delicious, toxin-free way. These top models deliver on taste without compromise on safety.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly: The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer is a well-performing air fryer at a budget-friendly price.
  • Easy to use: The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer is easy to use, produces consistently crispy air fried foods, doesn’t require preheat, and cleaning is a cinch.
  • Gorgeous matte finish: The matte finish is gorgeous and surprisingly not prone to fingerprints as many matte products tend to be.
  • Sleek touch-activated display: Its touch-activated display only lights up when you need it, and without any knobs or dials, the whole control panel is extra sleek.

Cons:

  • Relatively small capacity: The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer has a relatively small capacity for its size and may not be the best option for a large family.

Overall, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer seems to be a great choice for its budget-friendly price, healthy cooking options, and ease of use. However, some customers have reported issues with its relatively small capacity.

FAQs

Does Ninja air fryer have Teflon?

The Ninja Air Fryer does not contain Teflon. It uses a ceramic non-stick coating which is free from PTFE and PFOA, commonly used in Teflon. This is a significant factor for health-conscious consumers as these substances can produce harmful fumes if overheated. Thus, Ninja ensures its air fryers are safer and healthier alternatives to traditional fryers that often employ Teflon-based coatings. So, you can enjoy fried foods with less oil and without the risk of harmful substance emissions while cooking.

Is the instant vortex air fryer toxic?

The Instant Vortex Air Fryer is not toxic. It uses hot air that circulates around your food to cook it, thereby eliminating the need for excessive oils or fats. The method does not produce harmful compounds such as acrylamide that can occur with deep frying foods. Additionally, its non-stick basket is free of PFOA and PTFE, eliminating the risk of toxic materials being released when heated. Hence, an Instant Vortex Air Fryer is a healthy, safe, and non-toxic option for cooking a wide variety of meals.

What air fryers don t have forever chemicals?

Air fryers are celebrated for their ability to cook delicious food with minimal oil, promoting healthier eating habits. However, another under-recognized benefit is that air fryers don’t include forever chemicals, which refers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly used in non-stick cookware production. These chemicals have raised health concerns for potentially causing cancers, hormonal disruption, and other serious health issues. Therefore, air fryer’s absence of these dangerous chemicals offers a healthier, safer cooking alternative, making these appliances even more appealing to those who are health-conscious.

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