Air fryers are everywhere these days, and for good reason. They make weeknight dinners faster, crispier, and healthier. But as I considered adding one to my kitchen, I kept thinking that most air fryers are made with plastic parts or coated with Teflon, which has been linked to serious health and environmental concerns.
If I use an appliance daily, I want it to be non-toxic. That sent me down a rabbit hole of research to find the safest options and what to avoid. Here’s what I learned about choosing a non-toxic air fryer and the best models to consider in 2025.
Air fryers have come a long way since they first became popular, and it is exciting to see the improvements and focus on non-toxic materials.
How to choose the best non-toxic air fryer?
1. Inner Materials and Coatings
Teflon (PTFE) and PFOA: Traditional non-stick coatings like Teflon are classed non non-toxic, but can release toxic fumes when overheated (typically above 500°F/260°C) or scratched (1)(2). Older or cheap models of Air Fryers might still use coatings containing PFOA(Perfluorooctanoic acid), a chemical that is linked to health risks including increased cholesterol, liver and kidney disease, developmental effects, and possible cancer(3)(4)(5).
While most modern air fryers are now PFOA-free, PTFE (Teflon) is still common and can degrade with high heat or scratches. There are many concerns about toxic byproducts like PFOA and the environmental persistence of PFAS, and ideally, we should try to avoid them.
Quick note: Teflon is deadly to birds, so if you are a parrot owner, make sure you do not buy any products with Teflon.
Ceramic Coating: Considered safer and more heat-resistant than Teflon. It doesn’t emit fumes and is typically free from PTFE and PFOA. However, not all ceramic coatings are created equal:
- Look for high-quality, lead- and cadmium-free ceramic coatings.
- Look for certifications: NSF, FDA, California Prop 65, or third-party heavy metal testing.
- Choose well-known, reputable brands and avoid unknown air fryer makes, especially if they are cheaper than the average price
Stainless Steel Baskets: The safest option overall. They don’t have coatings that degrade and are highly durable. Downside: food can stick more easily without oil or parchment paper. Note that some manufacturers will spray stainless steel with a non-stick coating that can still be toxic.
2. Plastic Components
Interior plastic parts can release fumes or microplastics when exposed to heat. Even if the food doesn’t directly touch the plastic, heated plastic can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Look for:
- Air fryers with all-metal interiors or minimal plastic exposure to the heating element.
- BPA-free and food-grade certified plastic, if plastic is present.
- External plastic housings are generally not an issue, but avoid plastic near the cooking chamber.
- Air fryers with all-metal interiors or minimal plastic exposure to the heating element.
Summary of What to Look for when choosing a Non-Toxic Air Fryer?
- No PTFE / PFOA coating (check product description).
- Ceramic-coated or stainless steel baskets.
- No plastic parts inside the cooking chamber.
- Brands reputation
- Air Fryers are a category where you get what you pay for, as there is a lot of designing and testing involved to create a functional but also non-toxic air fryer. So if you want to invest in your health, I would recommend spending a bit more on it to make sure the materials and coatings used are non-toxic.
There are many air fryer models on the market, so to make it easier to find what you are looking for, I have divided them into three main categories: non-toxic Basket Air Fryers, Air Fryers/ Ovens, and Glass bowl/portable Air Fryers.
Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you buy through them at no extra cost to you. For more details, please check out my Affiliate Disclosure.
Best non-toxic Basket Air Fryers
Tastee Ceramic Air Fryer
This non-toxic air fryer comes with 8-in-1 versatility and 24 cooking presets. This multi-function air fryer can air fry, slow cook, and dehydrate. It also comes with a useful probe so you can test if the food is cooked. The Glass window allows you to check if the food is done without needing to open the basket.
Ceramic Coated Basket: PFOA/PFOS/BPA/PTFE-free
Pros
+ Comes with a heat probe
+ Heats up to 450
+ Glass window to check the food
Cons
– The app could be improved
– Touchpad can be confusing in the beginning
Green Pan Cyclone 7-Quart Top-View Air Fryer
Cyclone 7-Quart Air Fryer is Teflon-free. It uses Thermolon™, a ceramic nonstick coating that is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, ensuring a safe cooking experience.
Pros
+ Unique top screen feature that lets you watch food cook from above
+ heats up to 400 in 4 seconds
Cons
– The touch screen could be improved ( not all buttons are touchable screen)
– Although it is big, the inside capacity is quite limited.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer
Ninja air fryers are probably the most well-known and popular Air fryers, and for a good reason- they are good quality and affordable air fryers. Please note, some of Ninja Airfriers use Teflon. Foodi and Crispi models use ceramic coating.
This airfryer is great as you can cook your proteins and sides in different containers and for different times.
Pros
+ Two separate baskets
+ Deep baskets that are easy to clean
Cons
– Can’t see food cooking inside
Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer
Inspired by professional pizza ovens, Typhur reinvented the airflow and circulation of the air fryer, reducing cooking time by up to 30%. Dual heating elements (top and bottom) ensure your food is cooked evenly without the need to flip it.
PFAS-free ceramic cooking surface. NO testing for heavy metals provided.
Pros
+ self-cleaning
+ Very quiet
+ Large Capacity
Cons
– Very shallow and can be limiting for cooking larger items like baked potatoes or muffins
– Can’t see food cooking
– Pricey
Best non-toxic Air fryers/ Ovens
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, TOA-70NAS
Stainless steel interior. Includes: Oven Rack, Baking Pan, Air Fryer Rack/Basket and Dual-Sided ceramic nonstick Grill/Griddle Plate
Pros
+ Simple to use
+Spasious and versatile
Cons
– Cooks hotter than suggested and can burn food easily
– It might be tricky to clean the bottom tray
– No presets / digital displays
Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer
Breville doesn’t use Teflon but favours a stainless-steel interior, ensuring a safer, toxin-free cooking experience.This Air fryer/ oven comes with 13 smart cooking functions, including air fry and dehydrate.
Pros
+ Stainless Steel interior
Cons
-Pricey
Best non-toxic Glass Bowls, Portable Air Fryers
Fritaire Air Fryer
This self-cleaning, non-toxic air fryer comes in seven different colours. It has self self-cleaning mode. BPA-free and Teflon-free glass bowl ensures safe, healthier cooking with no harmful coatings
Pros
+ Beautiful design
+ 360 ° view of food
Cons
-The rotisserie is battery-powered and too small
Ninja Crispi™ 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System
A space-saving system where you can cook and store your food. The crispi plate is Aluminum with nano-ceramic coating. It is not ideal, but better than Teflon.
Pros
+Two sizes of containers to cook in
Cons
-The holder on the container doesn’t come off and can be difficult to clean
Should I Replace My Teflon Air Fryer?
If your current air fryer has a Teflon coating and you’re not ready to get rid of it, there are a few practical ways to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals:
Avoid high heat: Keep temperatures below 500°F (260°C) to prevent fumes or degradation.
Use unbleached parchment paper: It will act as a barrier and make cleanup easier.
Choose wooden or silicone utensils: These prevent scratches that can accelerate wear.
Clean gently: Use non-abrasive sponges and mild soap to preserve the coating.
FAQ:
Can You Use Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?
Yes, and No. Theoretically, you can, as long as it doesn’t block air circulation. Refer to your user manual to ensure you’re not covering critical airflow areas or heating elements. However, I would recommend getting an air fryer paper liner or simple parchment paper. Several studies show that cooking with aluminum foil, especially at high temperatures and with acidic or salty food, causes aluminum to leach into the food.(6)
Can you use parchment paper in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. You can get parchment paper designed specifically for your air fryer’s shape, and also with holes for better airflow. Or you can line it with regular parchment paper. It will help keep your Air fryer clean and save time cleaning it. Just make sure to read your air fryer instructions, and do not cover airfloewa and heating elements as per above.
Make sure you get unbleached, Silicone-coated, labeled “PFAS-free” or “compostable” parchment paper.
Final Thoughts
There are now excellent options for non-toxic air fryers that make healthy cooking easier and safer. But let’s not forget: how and what we cook also matters. A non-toxic air fryer is a great tool, but combining it with real, whole foods is the best investment you can make in your health.
I only recommend buying an air Fryer if you will use it to help you cook healthier food, not to warm up your take-away leftovers or frozen chicken nuggets.
You might also like: The Best Air Purifiers 2025
References
- Pati, S., Das, D., Sinha, A., Mahapatra, P., & Turuk, J. (2024). Teflon flu: Is it a rising concern of only developed country?. Journal of Integrative Medicine and Research. https://doi.org/10.4103/jimr.jimr_49_24.
- Temel, F., Vaizoğlu, S., & Güler, Ç. (2009). Teflon and the Health Consequences. TAF Preventive Medicine Bulletin, 8, 273-280.
- Li, K., Gao, P., Xiang, P., Zhang, X., Cui, X., & , L. (2017). Molecular mechanisms of PFOA-induced toxicity in animals and humans: Implications for health risks.. Environment international, 99, 43-54 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2016.11.014.
- Park, R. (2024). Risk assessment for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in air, blood serum and water: mortality from liver and kidney disease.. Occupational and environmental medicine. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2023-109228.
- Ojo, A., Peng, C., & Ng, J. (2020). Assessing the human health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A need for greater focus on their interactions as mixtures.. Journal of hazardous materials, 407, 124863 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124863.
- Fermo P, Soddu G, Miani A, Comite V. Quantification of the Aluminum Content Leached into Foods Baked Using Aluminum Foil. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov 12;17(22):8357. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228357. PMID: 33198078; PMCID: PMC7696975.
Silvija Meilunaite PN1-NC, is a certified nutrition coach and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field with a passion for exploring science-based knowledge focusing on holistic health and plant-based nutrition.
Featured in the Wellness on Time magazine.
