How to Choose and Safely Use Air Fryers Amid PFAS and Microplastic Concerns

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, but many contain plastic or non-stick layers that raise health questions. Fiona Mair of Choice’s kitchen lab describes the typical “drawer-type” units as having lightweight aluminium trays coated with PTFE, while also noting a growing market for glass, ceramic-coated and stainless-steel models priced between $50 and $700. Oliver Jones, a chemistry professor at RMIT, clarifies that PTFE is a PFAS but its large molecular size prevents it from entering the body, and he reports no personal concerns using such appliances.

Elvis Okoffo, a research fellow at the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, points out that the main risk appears when the coating is scratched, chipped or peeled, which could let tiny particles contaminate food, though current evidence shows air fryers rarely emit microplastics under normal cooking temperatures. All three experts recommend following manufacturer guidelines, avoiding metal tools, inspecting for damage, hand-washing baskets with mild detergent, and considering silicone or wooden utensils to extend the appliance’s life. They also suggest that glass or ceramic options can offer visual benefits but may be heavier and hotter, while thin-wire stainless-steel baskets can be harder to clean.