Which can increase the number of your other devices running on your tabletop.It raised us to hear that air fryers can be toxic, so, with that in mind, we did some digging and talked to an expert to put any concerns to bed.
Are air fryers toxic?
Over the past two weeks, there has been a spike in TikTok videos related to air fryer safety concerns.
The biggest concern was whether air fryers released toxic chemicals like BPA, PFOA, and PFA (also known as Teflon or Xylan) when heated.
For more than a decade now, DuPont, the maker of Teflon, has been in a legal battle. Until 2013, Teflon was produced using perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA or C-8. Studies have found that PFOA, in particular, is linked to several diseases — which DuPont has allegedly known about since 1961.
Recently, some air fryer users have reported feeling unwell, which is later linked to the use of this dangerous substance. My Cleanse Plan CEO Jim Finley took a look at air fryers and assessed whether or not they were actually toxic.
There has been some concern about whether air fryers can release toxic chemicals when heated. While it is true that some air fryers may produce harmful compounds when heated to high temperatures, it is important to note that not all air fryers are the same.
Some air fryers are made of materials that are more likely to release harmful chemicals when heated, while others are made of safer materials such as stainless steel or ceramic. In addition, the type of food being cooked and the temperature at which It is cooked by affecting the formation of harmful compounds.” Jim says.
“Research on the safety of air fryers is ongoing, and while there have been some studies that have raised concerns about potential health risks associated with the use of air fryers, the general consensus is that air fryers are generally safe to use.”
To investigate further, we did some internal research on the nonstick coatings used by two of our readers’ favorite brands: Cosori and Ninja.
The Cosori air fryer basket and tray and other accessories are made of stainless steel or aluminum, with a coated surface to make them non-stick. This coating is usually Teflon or BPA/PFOA-free stainless steel. So yes, the Cosori air fryer does use Teflon, but it’s a type that manufacturers and health experts, including the American Cancer Society, consider safe because there are no confirmed post-consumer threats.
Apart from the materials used to make the accessories, the Cosori Air Fryer has a hard plastic body and a smooth matte finish. The non-toxic, non-stick surface used on all of the brand’s air fryers is free of slags, while making cleaning either by hand or dishwasher a breeze.
Buy Now: Cosori Air Fryer
The Ninja range of air fryers is even more unique, commanding a price often more than double that of the Cosori air fryer.
The Ninja Air Fryer accessories are ceramic coated to ensure non-stick. This coating can withstand very high temperatures of up to 850°F / 450°C, although most air fryers offer a maximum temperature setting of 450°F / 230°C and give the air fryer its dishwasher-safe status.
Note that the ceramic coating can make the accessories slightly heavier than those made with BPA/PFOA-free Teflon or stainless steel.
Buy Now: Ninja Air Fryer
The Verdict: Are Air Fryers Toxic?
If you’ve been worried since the news hit your feed that air fryers are toxic, it’s time to stop, because the general consensus from the experts, and us, is that they’re safe to use.
While some air fryers can release fumes when used for the first time, as far as we know, this isn’t something to worry about.
Remember: Since 2013, any air fryers made will be made with Teflon no They contain harmful perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA or C-8. To err on the side of caution, check that your air fryer has either a BPA/PFOA-free Teflon, stainless steel, or ceramic coating. We also recommend that you use silicone utensils with your air fryer, and wash them by hand to protect the non-stick coating.
You may also find that some parts of your air fryer—the basket, for example—will need to be replaced after a few years of use, as a result of wear on the nonstick coating.
Now that your minds are at ease, its time to try out some amazing foods to cook in air fryer with your new confidence. Alternatively, if you’re still on the fence about whether or not to buy an air fryer, check out our guide to whether air fryers are worth it?
