The 7 Best Non-Toxic Air Fryers for Cleaner Cooking 2024
Countertops may be getting cluttered with a constant slew of new gadgets and gizmos on offer for the home cook, but many cooking enthusiasts, as well as overworked professionals and parents, have found room for an air fryer – especially since it can replace other items on your counter and save you time.
With multiple functions and faster cooking times, air fryers have become a must-have in many kitchens.
Not only does an air fryer cut down on prep time, it heats food evenly, is easy to clean, and can be healthier. Requiring less oil, it can help you manage your health, depending on the oil you use.
However, not all airfryers are creating equally.
I recently had to switch to a new air fryer after learning mine was made with a teflon coating. So, these are some of the things I learned while researching less toxic air fryers.
This blog post will explore what an air fryer is, how the cooking process works, toxic chemicals to be wary of, and introduce you to some of the best non-toxic air fryers.
Plus, some tips to take into account when you're deciding which air fryer is right for you.
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What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a countertop appliance that works like a miniature convection oven. Despite the name, it does not fry food but heats it by blowing hot air.
The force of the air creates a convection effect that cooks food and gives it a golden-brown exterior that is crispy and crunchy.
Consisting of a heating element and a powerful fan, the concentrated heat, as well as the size and placement of the fan, help heat food evenly. Accessories include a basket or racks that are usually dishwasher safe.
Some have multiple cooking functions, enabling you to use it in a variety of ways including as a toaster oven and rotisserie. While an air fryer is versatile, cooking both fresh and frozen food.
What's the Difference Between an Air Fryer & a Pressure Cooker?
Airers and pressure cookers are two different kitchen appliances with distinct cooking methods:
Cooking Method: Air fryers use hot air to circulate and cook food evenly, creating a crispy texture similar to deep-frying but without the need for oil. On the other hand, pressure cookers use steam and high pressure to cook food quickly.
Cooking Time: Air fryers typically cook food faster than pressure cookers, but the cooking time still depends on the type of food being cooked.
Cooking Capacity: Air fryers have smaller cooking capacities compared to pressure cookers, which makes them more suitable for small families or individuals. Pressure cookers can cook larger portions of food, making them ideal for big families or gatherings.
Versatility: Air fryers are best for cooking crispy food items like french fries, chicken wings, and fish fillets. Pressure cookers are best for cooking stews, soups, beans, rice, and meats that require longer cooking times.
Health Factor: Air fryers are considered healthier than deep frying since no oil is required for cooking. Pressure cooking is also healthy since no oil is required, but it can result in overcooked meat, making it tough and dry.
In conclusion, the primary difference between an air fryer and a pressure cooker is their cooking method, cooking time, cooking capacity, versatility, and health factor.
Are Air Fryers Toxic?
Most air fryers are safe to use. However, they may produce a harmful compound known as acrylamide which is formed in starchy foods during high heat cooking methods. But this is true of other appliances and cooking methods too.
Of greater concern is that older model air fryers may have non-stick coatings such as Teflon that can contain PFAs like PFOA and PTFE.
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and everyday consumer products since the 1940s.
They are characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them resistant to heat, water, and oil.
PFAS can be found in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, and firefighting foams.
These substances do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and in living organisms, including humans, leading to health concerns.
PFAs are man-made chemicals that have been linked to toxic effects on the immune, liver, and endocrine systems of animals. These effects include cancer in animals, as well as humans.
While research and evidence on toxic effects – especially in humans – remains limited. Nevertheless, teflon is something you'll want to be mindful of when purchasing an air fryer. Also be cautious of bisphenol A (BPA) as well.
This is also a man-made chemical and has been linked to reproductive health issues.
Tips for Air Fryer Shopping: Toxic Materials to Avoid & Safer Materials to Look For
Consider these tips when shopping for an air fryer!
It goes without saying that air fryers with Teflon coatings should rather be avoided. When heated, chemicals in the coating are released into the air and may be breathed in. It may also get into food when an air fryer is scratched or damaged; thus, it’s important to be aware of when the model you purchased was made.
If there is a nonstick coating, ensure it is safely made and do not exceed 500°F when using it.
Regardless of your model, use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratches – and do not use abrasive cleaning materials when hand washing accessories.
When purchasing an air fryer look for those that are PFOA- PTFE- and BPA-free, and preferably made from stainless steel. Check guidelines, user manuals, and manufacturing details and be mindful of what you are cooking and how high the temperature needs to be.
While the air fryer itself can be made from non-toxic materials, be aware of the pans, baskets, and racks it comes with. These are the surfaces you cook your food on and they can sometimes have toxic coatings. If your air fryer comes with accessories that contain harmful materials consider purchasing alternative baskets, pans, and racks separately .
Avoid plastic and try to look for safer materials such as glass and stainless steel.
7 Best Non Toxic Air Fryers
If you're ready to shop for an air fryer and want to avoid harmful chemicals, these are some of the best air fryers to check out.
When researching, I found that you can easily find air fryers that are made from less toxic materials such as stainless steel and glass, however, the accessories (pans, baskets, etc.) it comes with often contain a non-toxic coating that can be questionable.
Finding information on the accessories that come with the air fryer can be tricky. I often found it in FAQs or by chatting customer service. It was very difficult to find air fryers that were non-toxic AND came with accessories that were also non-toxic.
I've noted my findings on the accompanying accessories, so you can consider purchasing pans, air fryer baskets, and other accessories separately.
Our Place's Wonder Oven & Air Fryer
Our Place recently gifted me their Wonder Oven & I LOVE it!
The Wonder Oven is a conveniently-sized, countertop-worthy appliance that can air fry, bake, roast, toast, reheat, and broil – all with their steam infusion technology for crispy exteriors and soft, moist interiors.
The Wonder Oven comes in some beautiful colors features a sleek design, and is not only a practical kitchen appliance, but also a piece of art. This multi-purpose air fryer is made from stainless steel.
To my knowledge the accessories are made from non-toxic materials as well. The crumb tray is made with stainless steel. The bake pan is made with aluminum with toxin-free nonstick ceramic coating. The air fryer basket and wire rack are chromed steel.
The Wonder Oven and the accessories can be purchased for $195.
When I was gifted the Wonder Oven I was impressed by the light weight. I love the color and how I can leave it out on my kitchen counter for display. So far I've enjoyed using the air fryer for crisping up some chicken nuggets and cookie veggies!
Breville's Non-toxic Stainless Steel Air Fryer
Made from brushed stainless steel, the Breville Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro has a two-speed convection fan that is perfect for air frying, dehydration, and roasting and allows for greater cooking control.
It has two settings, regular and super convection, with the latter providing a greater volume of air for faster and more even heat distribution.
It has 13 cooking functions that include toasting, broiling, baking, roasting, proofing, warming, reheating, dehydrating, and of course, air frying. And, come Thanksgiving time, it’s big enough to roast a 14-lb turkey.
This Breville air fryer also comes with accessories such as a pizza pan, oven rack, and mesh basket. To manage heat, the PID temperature control allows for precise and stable temperatures.
In the questions, it is stated that the air fryer is PFOA Free, but the non-stick coating on accessories has PTFE.
This air fryer can be purchased for around $500.
Emeril's Pressure Airfryer
Emeril Lagassé is a chef, restauranteur, and cookbook author. His food empire has expanded to a line of cookware including pots, pans, cutlery, and air fryers.
This PTFE- and PFOA-free, 8-quart, stainless steel Emeril pressure air fryer is a versatile appliance that comes with several accessories.
These include an electric pressure cooker base, lid, and pot, as well as an air fryer lid, basket, and rack along with air fryer and pressure cooker recipes.
Acting as a slow cooker, rice cooker, crisper, and much more, Emeril’s air fyrer comes with 44 functions that allow you to braise, simmer, sauté, steam, bake, roast, and can. It even allows you to try your hand at sous vide cooking and making yogurt.
The stainless steel air fryer basket designed for optimal air flow for extra crisping, multi-purpose air fryer rack/roasting rack holds different types of food so it’s easier than ever to cook an entire meal in one pot!
This pressure air fryer can be purchased for around $130.
Greecho's Air fryer Fryer Pan Combination
Greecho’s air fryer and frying pan combo makes your time in the kitchen more efficient than ever.
It’s safe to use, low-noise, more wear-resistant, and easy to clean with a 4.8-quart air fryer made of high borosilicate glass and a frying pan covered with a non-stick coating.
I tried to reach out to ask what the non-stick coating was made from, but was unable to get a response. However, the fact that this is made of glass and plastic free makes this a better option than a lot of air fryers you’d find at the store.
The air fryer’s one-button preheating system saves you time, while the all-around glass window allows you to watch your food cooking. Greecho's air fryer can be purchased for around $250.
Nutrichef's Stainless Steel & Glass Air Fryer
Nutrichef’s aim is to make home cooking healthier and more efficient. Their air fryer has made this easier by allowing you to simply put in your food, set the time and temperature, and then cook your meals.
The 13-quart, glass + stainless steel air fryer has an infrared convection toaster that was tested to prepare food that is healthier and prepared more efficiently.
Not only can it broil, roast, bake, steam, grill, and barbeque, it can also defrost food. The accessories are also stainless steel. The Nutrichef air fryer can be purchased for around $70.
Oster’s Rapid Crisp Digital Air Fryer Oven
Acting as an air fryer, convection oven, broiler, toaster oven, and dehydrator, the Oster digital air fryer oven is made from stainless steel and has a capacity of 22 liters.
The digital controls include settings for pizza, fries, wings, and vegetables, while its accessories include a dishwasher-safe air fry basket, baking pan, and wire rack. Using cyclonic air flow, the air fryer provides crispier results in up to half the usual time.
This air fryer oven can be purchased for around $200.
Cosori's Stainless Steel Multipurpose Air Fryer Oven
With 11 cooking functions and 13-quart capacity, the Cosori air fryer toaster oven is perfect for home kitchens.
Made from stainless steel, it can air fry, bake, roast, broil, toast, proof, reheat, keep warm, and dehydrate, while also able to make pizza and act as a rotisserie.
With a 1800W motor and dual heating elements work together to spread hot air from top to bottom for faster, crispier, and juicier results. This air fryer can be purchased for around $140.
Cosori reports that their air fryers are BPA and PFOA-free. Just be aware that the air fryer baskets are made of high-quality aluminum and have a PTFE non-stick coating that is PFOA and PFOS-FREE.
Other accessories that come with this air fryer include rotisserie handle, fork set, drip tray, air fryer tray, and food tray.
Cosori products are tested for consumer safety. As a result, some air fryer models were recalled. Ensure you purchase one of the safer models such as the stainless steel one or, if you have a recalled version, ask for it to be replaced.
What to Consider When Shopping for an Air Fryer
When shopping for an air fryer, there are several things to consider to make an informed decision, including:
Air fryer Size
Choose the size that is appropriate for your needs. If you have a small kitchen or cook for yourself only, a compact air fryer may be sufficient. However, if you have a lot of family members or often have guests, a larger capacity air fryer may be more suitable.
Wattage
Look for an air fryer with a wattage of at least 800 watts. Higher wattage translates to faster cooking times and better results.
Temperature Range
Consider an air fryer with a temperature range that is suitable for your cooking needs. Most air fryers can reach temperatures of up to 400°F, but some models can go higher.
Price
Air fryers come in a wide range of prices, so set a budget and choose a model that provides the features you require within your price range.
Brand Reputation
Consider purchasing from a reputable brand with good customer reviews and support.
Maintenance
Consider ease of cleaning and maintenance when choosing an air fryer. Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts or non-stick coatings for easy cleaning.
Materials
As we discussed in this post being wary of a non-stick surface and trying to avoid teflon is important. Try to avoid plastic and look for stainless steel and glass when possible.
Additional Features
Do you want your air fryer to have capabilities like slow cooking, pressure cooking, baking or other features?
Look for features that meet your cooking needs, such as a digital display, presets, multiple cooking functions, and accessories like a baking pan or grill racks.
What Kind of Foods are Good for Cooking in the Air Fryer?
Air fryers have gained a lot of popularity especially with people finding new recipes from Tiktok videos. It can be a great alternative to deep frying and great for health-conscious individuals. Here are some air-fried foods that are great to try!
Chicken wings
Crispy french fries
Crisp up potatoes
Any kind of vegetable such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower
Chicken tenders
Hot dogs
Hamburgers
Hopefully this guide has helped you learn what to look for when purchasing an air fryer, learn some of the potential health concerns, and discover some air fryers to start looking at. Good luck finding the air fryer that is the best choice for you and your family.
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