wide-angle view of a professional commercial kitchen with chefs inspecting air fryer materials, emphasizing safe and non-toxic construction choices for commercial air fryers

February 9, 2025 Lisa Santorelli

Is Your Air Fryer Safe? Find Out Now

Ever wonder if your air fryer is secretly plotting against you? The short answer: Most are safe, but some contain questionable materials like non-stick coatings that release toxins at high heat. Choosing a high-quality commercial air fryer and using it properly can help. Keep reading to learn how to fry safely!

Addressing Specific Concerns

Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying. But with their rising popularity, concerns about their safety and potential health risks have surfaced. Are some air fryers releasing harmful chemicals? Could cooking with them pose long-term health concerns? Let’s break it down.

Acrylamide Formation: A Closer Look

Acrylamide is a chemical compound that forms when starchy foods like potatoes and bread are exposed to high heat. It has been linked to potential health risks, including cancer, though studies are still ongoing.

What is Acrylamide?

Acrylamide develops in fried, baked, and roasted foods, not just in air fryers but also in ovens, deep fryers, and toasters. While it's a natural byproduct of cooking, it’s something to be aware of if you frequently consume fried foods.

Acrylamide and Air Fryer Cooking

Since air fryers operate at high temperatures, there’s still a risk of acrylamide formation—especially if you’re overcooking your food. However, air fryers typically use less heat and shorter cooking times than deep fryers, which may reduce acrylamide levels compared to traditional frying.

How to Minimize Acrylamide Risk

If you're concerned about acrylamide, here are some ways to reduce it:

Lower the temperature (don’t go over 200°C/400°F)
Avoid excessive browning—golden is better than dark brown
Soak potatoes in water before cooking to remove excess starch
Use fresh ingredients instead of processed foods

Read more about minimizing acrylamide in "How to Avoid Acrylamide in an Air Fryer - Essential Tips".

professional chef in a commercial kitchen carefully inspecting an air fryer’s non-stick basket, evaluating its material safety and durability.

Material Safety: What You Need to Know

Beyond acrylamide, the materials inside your air fryer can also play a role in its safety. The biggest concerns are non-stick coatings, plastics, and metals that could leach harmful chemicals into your food.

Non-Stick Coatings (PTFE, PFOA)

Most air fryer baskets are coated with non-stick materials like PTFE (Teflon) to prevent food from sticking. Older or low-quality models may contain PFOA, a chemical that has been linked to health risks when overheated. While most manufacturers have eliminated PFOA, always check that your air fryer is labeled PFOA-free.

To stay safe, never heat an empty air fryer, and don’t cook above the recommended temperature to avoid breaking down the coating.

Metals and Plastics (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, BPA)

Some air fryers contain aluminum or plastic components, which can raise concerns. Aluminum baskets may leach into food, especially when cooking acidic ingredients. Plastic parts, particularly those containing BPA, can pose health risks when exposed to heat.

If you’re worried about chemical exposure, look for a stainless steel or ceramic-coated commercial air fryer. These materials are generally safer and more durable.

side-by-side comparison of a stainless steel commercial air fryer and a plastic home air fryer, highlighting the differences in materials and potential safety concerns

Air Fryer Safety Guidelines

Even if your air fryer is made from safe materials, improper use can still lead to potential risks. Here’s how to use your air fryer safely and extend its lifespan.

Smoke Point of Oils: Importance for Air Fryers

Using the wrong cooking oil can create harmful fumes. Oils with a low smoke point burn quickly, releasing free radicals that could be harmful. Stick to oils with a high smoke point, like:

Avocado oil (271°C / 520°F)
Canola oil (204°C / 400°F)
Grapeseed oil (216°C / 420°F)

Avoid oils like extra virgin olive oil, which break down at lower temperatures.

Proper Usage and Maintenance

To keep your air fryer safe and performing at its best:

Clean it regularly to prevent grease buildup
Avoid using metal utensils that can scratch non-stick coatings
Never cook at max temperature for long periods
Ensure good ventilation to prevent excess smoke and fumes

Choosing a Quality Air Fryer

Not all air fryers are built the same. When shopping for a new model, look for:

PFOA- and BPA-free materials
Durable stainless steel construction
Automatic shut-off and cool-touch handles
Trusted brands with solid safety certifications

Air Fryers and Overall Health

Air fryers reduce oil consumption, which helps cut down on calories and unhealthy fats. But using an air fryer doesn’t automatically make food healthy—the ingredients and cooking methods still matter. Learn more in this article, "Does Using a Commercial Air Frying Add Calories to Your Food?", about how air frying impacts calories.

Nutritional Considerations

Sure, air fryers reduce the need for deep frying, but that doesn’t mean all air-fried foods are healthy. Frozen snacks, processed meats, and high-fat items can still be loaded with sodium and preservatives.

Balancing Air Fryer Use with a Healthy Diet

The best way to maximize your air fryer’s benefits is to use it wisely:

Choose fresh, whole ingredients instead of processed foods
Incorporate veggies and lean proteins into your meals
Limit added oils, even when air frying

Conclusion: Air Fryers and Your Health – A Balanced Perspective

So, are air fryers toxic? Not necessarily—but the quality of materials, cooking practices, and maintenance all play a role. To be on the safe side, choose a high-quality commercial air fryer with PFOA-free coatings, BPA-free plastics, and stainless steel components. Use it properly, clean it regularly, and be mindful of your cooking temperatures. When used correctly, an air fryer is a safe, convenient, and healthier way to enjoy crispy, delicious meals without the guilt.