Health-focused air fryer options: Stainless steel, glass, and ceramic models for mindful culinary enthusiasts
Revamped Article:
June 2025: Replaced my KitchenAid Digital Toaster Oven with the Midea French Door Air Fryer—a sleek stainless steel alternative that offers better value for money (around $169 as compared to KitchenAid's $299). Also, updated the pricing in this guide to reflect the recent early Amazon Prime Day/summer sales.
Air fryers bring the joy of quick, crispy food with minimal oil—but not all models are created equal when it comes to your health. Air fryers with non-stick surfaces, particularly those that don't explicitly state they're made with non-toxic materials, could potentially contain PFAS (short for 'per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,' also known as 'forever chemicals'). Ingesting these chemicals can be worrying, so it's essential to be vigilant.
According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), PFAS chemicals are bound tightly to the cookware, resulting in minimal potential leaching into food. However, health concerns do arise from exposure to these chemicals, which have been linked to issues like increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental effects, reduced immune response, and an increased risk of cancer[1][2]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies PFOA (a common PFAS chemical) as "carcinogenic to humans," and a 2023 study by Mount Sinai's Department of Public Health found that elevated PFAS levels in the bloodstream could reduce fertility by up to 40%[2].
To ease concerns, choose air fryers marketed as PFAS-free. I consulted Dr. Bruce Jarnot, a board-certified toxicologist with over 30 years of experience in product safety and global materials compliance. Dr. Jarnot recommends selecting an air fryer with a PFAS-free cooking surface.
Over the past year, we've been testing air fryers with PFAS-free cooking surfaces, such as glass, ceramic, and stainless steel, while keeping up-to-date with the latest medical advice on air frying safety. Our top pick currently is the Ninja Pro Air Fryer, which offers simplicity, quickness, and affordability while promoting safety with a 100% PFAS-free ceramic-coated surface.
The Quick List
Here's our roundup of PFAS-free air fryers, each with features tailored to your needs. Below, I'll delve deeper into each model, our rigorous testing process, and the research behind our recommendations.
Best overall: Affordable, effective, and boasting a PFAS-free ceramic-coated surface, the Ninja Pro delivers effortlessly crispy, delicious air-fried food with no fuss or mess.
Read more below
Large upgrade: The PFAS-free Typhur Dome offers wide, spacious cooking capacity and swift air frying performance, not to mention additional functions like grilling, toasting, and baking 12-inch pizzas or large meals for five people. Despite its high cost, it's undeniably impressive.
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Best value / stainless steel: With spacious oven size and a French door design, this air fryer can bake, roast, reheat, or air fry food for your entire family. We were drawn to its stainless steel racks and reasonable price.
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Best multi-functional: This powerhouse appliance can air fry, bake, roast, steam, proof, slow cook, sous vide, and more, all on enamel and ceramic surfaces. However, it's quite large.
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Best design: Compact and stylish, perfect for small kitchens. We enjoyed the steel racks for air frying and the non-stick ceramic sheets for baking or roasting. Clean-up might be a bit more fiddly, but the window makes it easy to keep an eye on your food and avoid burning.
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Best glass: Initially hesitant to rate glass air fryers, we changed our minds after testing the Ninja Crispi, which features 100% PFAS-free glass containers and a crisper plate. Though smaller and pricier than other options, it's portable and boasts quality materials that ensure safety.
Read more below
The Research: Are Air Fryers Toxic?
After investigating 'Are air fryers toxic?', we uncovered that air fryers can potentially be harmful in certain situations. Medical experts identified two primary ways air fryers could be potentially hazardous:
- Some air fryers utilize non-stick food baskets or trays containing PFAS chemicals in their coatings.
- Overly crispy or burnt food and overheating, particularly when frying or toasting at temperatures above 338°F, can result in the formation of acrylamides, potentially toxic chemicals.
Though the industrial use of acrylamides has been shown to be carcinogenic, the tiny amounts of naturally occurring acrylamides in air-fried food have not been conclusively linked to cancer.
Our Experts
- Bruce Jarnot: A board-certified PhD Toxicologist, materials compliance expert at Assent, and diplome of the American Board of Toxicology, Inc. - oversees global manufacturers' compliance with sustainability, product, and chemical regulatory requirements[5].
- Pam Hartnett: A Registered Dietician Nutritionist with a Masters in Public Health, has years of experience in teaching functional nutrition, providing nutrition counseling, and implementing large-scale public health interventions to improve health outcomes[6].
- Sam Milner: Kitchen gadget expert, bestselling author of The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook, and air fryer chef with over twelve years of experience[6].
Best Non-Toxic Air Fryers 2025
Best Non-Toxic Air Fryer Overall
1. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
What makes it non-toxic? Confirmed by Ninja that the Air Fryer Pro uses a PFAS-free ceramic-coated crisper plate.Why we like it: This could easily be the best air fryer I've ever tested. It's inexpensive, easy to use, and delivers crispy results in no time. Made perfect golden, crispy fries, and juicy, well-cooked chicken. Food residue easily rinsed off with hot, soapy water. Compact design takes up minimal counter space, with a surprisingly spacious 5-quart basket suitable for up to four lbs of food.What we didn't like: No major shortcomings, though if you're seeking a more versatile air fryer with features like grilling, steaming, or baking modes, consider other options on this list.Read more: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 review
Best Large Non-Toxic Air Fryer
2. Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
What makes it non-toxic? Employs a PFAS-free ceramic non-stick crisper plate.What we liked: Impressive performance, with 15 modes including Air Fry, Toast, Grill, Bake, Griddle, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, and Reheat. No need for preheating, results are consistently lightning-fast and evenly cooked. Low-rise, wide design ideal for traybakes. Cooked four fillets of fish, diced potatoes, and veggies in 14 minutes; even enough room to bake a pizza. Wide basket allows food to crisp evenly.What we didn't like: Still slightly expensive; a bit wide, so less space for storage. Despite dishwasher-safe design, crisper plate may be too large for small sinks.Read more: Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer review
Best Stainless Steel Non-Toxic Air Fryer
3. Midea Flexify French Door Air Fryer Oven
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
What makes it non-toxic? Midea confirms the French door air fryer is free from harmful PFAS-related forever chemicals.What we liked: Elegant French door air fryer suitable for families or anyone who enjoys cooking for a crowd, with 10 preset functions. Heats up quickly, simple to clean, and efficient counter space usage. Ideal for roast chicken and frozen fries.What we didn't like: Tobey (kitchen expert) noted occasional minor adjustments may be needed to achieve perfectly uniform color. Small toaster function less effective compared to other options.Read more: Midea Flexify French Door Air Fryer Oven review
Best Multifunctional Non-Toxic Air Fryer
4. Ninja Combi Multicooker
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
What makes it non-toxic? Ninja confirms the Combi's pan and crisper tray are made from durable aluminum, with a 'non-stick nano ceramic coating that is FDA-approved and food safe.' Bake tray coating is enamel—free from non-stick, PTFE, and PFOA.What we liked: We were impressed by the enormous capacity and twelve functions, including slow-cooking, roasting, and steaming. Air fryer expert, Laura Honey, finds the Ninja Combi heats up quickly, consistently producing tasty food, from fries to tacos and roasted veggies. Cleaning is easy, with all trays and baskets dishwasher-safe. Glass window allows monitoring food during cooking, reducing the risk of potentially toxic, burnt food.What we didn't like: Presets require occasional fine-tuning to prevent overcooking. Large size may pose storage challenges, especially if not used frequently.Read more: Ninja Combi Multicooker review.
Best Looking Non-Toxic Air Fryer
5. Our Place Wonder Oven
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
What makes it non-toxic? Interior stainless steel and chrome-steel air fryer basket, ceramic-coated bake tray—free from 'forever chemicals.'What we liked: Cute design sets it apart from traditional air fryers, with the Steambake colourway. Testing revealed crispy French fries, chicken, and sprouts. Stackable, interchangeable cooking bowls expand possibilities for single and family servings.What we didn't like: Relatively high price and small capacity (best for single servings). Portability somewhat limited as it weighs almost 16 lbs (equivalent to carrying a bowling ball).Read more: Our Place Wonder Oven review
Ones that missed the list
Rogue Air Fryer XL: Tested well for non-toxic materials, but needed improvements in cooking performance and value for money.
Fritaire Air Fryer XXL: While it shares material composition with the Ninja Crispi, cooking performance and cost fell short, making it an impractical purchase.
Cosori Max XL 12-in-1: Potential reliability issues reported despite sharing a ceramic non-stick coating with other top models. Testing is pending to confirm.
Where to Shop Non-Toxic Appliances
Consider brands prioritizing high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron, and glass for safer, non-toxic kitchen accessories. Here are some reputable options:
- Our Place: Offers well-designed non-toxic appliances, such as the Titanium Always Pans, Wonder Oven, silicone tongs, and wooden spoons.
- GreenPan: Specializes in ceramic non-stick griddles, slow-cookers, and pans using a patented non-toxic coating, Thermolon.
- Le Creuset: Known for enameled cast iron Dutch ovens and braisers, naturally non-toxic and non-stick when used properly.
- Staub: Offers enameled cast iron dishes that are safe, durable, and gorgeous.
What's Next
Planning future tests for air fryers, such as the Bella Air Fryer, featuring EverGoodTM Ceramic Nonstick Coating, and the upcoming XL version of the Our Place Wonder Oven.
How We Test Non-Toxic Air Fryers
Beginning by consulting medical experts and toxicologists to determine which materials are safest for air fryers. Then, market research analyzes air fryers for their material composition, followed by intensive testing in our test kitchen, evaluating cooking performance, ease of use, special features, capacity, cleaning ease, durability, and customer satisfaction.
- Back to the top ⤴
FAQs
Is cloth or metal better for air fryer liners?
Metal liners may potentially scratch ceramic surfaces and compromise air fryer safety, leading to chemical leaching. Opt for silicone liners or silicone-coated metal liners for a safer alternative.
Is it better to avoid air fryers with a black plastic exterior?
Black plastic can cause the air fryer to absorb more heat, potentially leading to compromised safety during prolonged use. Consider purchasing air fryers made with metal or glass exteriors instead.
References:[1] "Adverse Human Health Effects from Exposure to Mixtures of Mixtures of PFOA and PFOS: A Critical Review"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31475370[2] "PFAS Exposure and Implications for Human Health and the Environment"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31680394[3] "Organophosphate Fluorides and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances: Toxicological Considerations for Health and Environmental Studies"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30920007[4] "Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and the Reproductive and Endocrine Systems: A Review of the Current Evidence for Harm and Implications for Research"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31264863[5] Dr. Bruce Jarnot, interview, May 2022.[6] Pam Hartnett, interview, May 2022.[7] Sam Milner, interview, May 2022.
- Given the health concerns linked to PFAS chemicals, it's crucial to ensure that your PFAS-free air fryer provides a safe cooking environment for health-and-wellness focused individuals who prioritize fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle.
- In the pursuit of minimizing the potential health risks associated with non-stick surfaces, which could contain PFAS chemicals, consumers should look for air fryers specifically marketed as PFAS-free, such as those with glass, ceramic, or stainless steel cooking surfaces.
- By choosing air fryers with safer, non-toxic, and PFAS-free materials, consumers with an interest in food-and-drink, particularly cooking, can maintain a balanced lifestyle that emphasizes health, wellness, and mouthwatering meals.
