The Best Non-Toxic Air Fryers (Plastic-Free & PFAS-Free): My Honest Comparison After Testing Them

Wanting to clean up the small kitchen appliances you use?

As much as I loved our air fryer, i was bummed to learn about the chemicals used in the non-toxic coating. So I went on the hunt for a better option. Here’s what I found…

If you’re new to the blog— welcome. You’ll find that I am a big fan of simple, sustainable wellness, and I love sharing easy, nourishing options for families. Over the last few years, I have loved using an air fryer as part of our meal prep routine.

But there was a season when I broke up with air fryers for good because I didn’t find any that I felt confident using for my family. Thankfully, over the years, manufacturers have heard our requests for healthier cooking options. Specifically, cookware that isn’t covered in plastics and forever chemicals!

Since starting this blog, I have had the opportunity to try some of the most popular air fryers on the market and I’m sharing all the tea— which ones I loved, which ones I enjoyed, and which ones have gotten the boot. If you are looking for a healthier air fryer to bring healthier meals into your home, my goal is to make this the ultimate guide for finding what you need.

Post updated: Aug 28, 2026

TLDR: My Quick Review

My Overall Favorite Non-Toxic Air-Fryer: Fritaire Glass Air Fryer

My Favorite for Easy All-in-One Cooking and Storage: Ninja Crispi

My Favorite Air Fryer Oven: Our Place Wonder Oven

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Fritaire Self-Cleaning and Non-Toxic Air Fryer (9-in-one)

This air fryer literally does it all. It features 9 different functions including:

• rotisserie

• tumbling basket

• self-cleaning

• dehydrator

• air fry

• bake

• roast

• broil

• reheat

I have cooked veggies, salmon, homemade chicken nuggets, and fries in this air fryer and loved how they turned out. I also dehydrated rosemary from my garden, which was fun and useful!

This chicken was entirely too big according to the manual, but I just turned off the rotating mechanism and manually rotated it every 20ish minutes 😅.. it still turned out great!

Pros:

• Self-cleaning— such a unique feature that I have yet to see on other kitchen appliances (plus my kiddos love watching the soapy water swirl around)

• All the parts are stored inside for easy storage

• Intuitive, easy-to-use touch screen display

• Versatility— I love having one kitchen appliance that takes the place of multiple!

• Rotating basket feature for increased airflow

Cons:

• The round shape is great for veggies, but for things like salmon fillets, it can be a little hard to fit

• The rotisserie feature is great, but it works better for smaller cuts of meat (or a really small chicken)

2. Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer

My runner-up fave— this Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer has 6 different functions, including:

• max crisp

• bake

• air fry

• proof

• recrisp

• dehydrate

  The best part is that you can cook and store all in the 4- or 6-quart glass base!

Pros:

• Convenient cook-to-storage system (fewer dishes wooohooo 👏)

• The parts nest together for storage, reducing its space requirement

• Large capacity for cooking (6 quart version)

Cons:

• I wish this had a rotisserie setting, but you can get similar results if you stay on top of stirring or rotating the food yourself

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3. Cosori Stainless Steel Air Fryer

This is an air fryer that I really liked getting to try! Not only does it work well, but it is beautiful. It looks very sleek and elevated, and I never minded having it on the counter aesthetically.

That said, it is a traditional basket-style air fryer. It’s fine, but I do feel like I prefer the glass air fryers a bit more.

But if you enjoy a really aesthetic kitchen appliance and like the basket-style, this is a really great non-toxic option!

Pros:

• PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating

• traditional basket-style air-fryer

• Sleek, modern-looking appliance

• Cook and control settings with a corresponding phone app

Cons:

• More expensive option compared to others on the list

• Smart features are helpful but not essential for everyone

• Ceramic coatings still require proper care to maximize longevity and health

• Some home cooks may never use all of the app's advanced capabilities

If you are interested in reading my in-depth review and experience with the unit, you can read it here!

4. Our Place Wonder Oven 6-in-1 

Another air fryer that we really enjoyed using. If you are looking to ditch your microwave, this really can do it all! Bake, reheat, air fry, roast, toast, and broil. It is literally a mini version of your traditional oven with so many different functions-- but not too many that it is difficult to use. 

This prevents needing a bunch of small kitchen appliances-- we have this one and our pressure cooker and that's it. 

After nearly a year of using this appliance, here are some additional features I use most often. 

• I love using the included baking pan for a small batch of cookies! It is perfect for cooking 2-3 cookies, rather than a whole dozen (because am I the only one who has minimal self-control with freshly baked cookies 😅)

• reheating stale breads.. I love sourdough. But sometimes I will have bread or baked goods that go a little dry after a couple of days. I love using the steam feature and lower temperatures for a few minutes to get the softest and squishiest bread-- even after its been a few days since it was "fresh". 

PROS:

• included baking sheet has a non-toxic nonstick coating- that means no toxic chemicals  

• shorter cooking time than competing brands

• includes a wire basket, bake pan, air fryer basket, and crumb tray 

• ​personally, I just love the aesthetic and available colors!

CONS:

• this is a more compact model compared to other air fryers. Currently, we do not have a ton of kitchen (or storage!) space, so I appreciate the smaller size. We also have 2 young kids that don’t eat a ton, so I feel like the size is appropriate for the time being. If you have a big family, or like cooking in bulk, I would look into the next option I have listed.

5. Countertop Convection Oven

This is another beauuutiful option (because I appreciate when appliances are also aesthetic) for a small convection oven! It is free of all the harmful substances plus has over 10 different functions. You can do everything from roast a chicken, toast bread, and whip up air-fried foods quickly. It is the best choice if you need something a little bit bigger and have the space to store it-- as my family is only 4 (including 2 small kids), we don't quite need the space in this digital air fryer oven. But it could be the better choice for some large families!

PROS:

• The included baking sheet has ceramic non-stick coatings

• The cooking capacity is slightly larger than the Wonder Oven, making it a good choice for a large family

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Why I Started Looking for a Non-Toxic Air Fryer

Historically, I have absolutely loved cooking with an air fryer.

Whether I'm making crispy salmon, roasted vegetables, homemade potato wedges, or reheating leftovers, it has become one of my most-used small kitchen appliances. I love that the cooking process is largely hands-off, uses less oil, and is much faster than preheating a conventional oven.

But after a while I started noticing something strange.

Every time I used my old ninja air fryer, there was a faint plastic smell—especially during the first few minutes of cooking. Even after cleaning it thoroughly, the smell never completely disappeared.

That sent me down the rabbit hole. This was around the same time I started becoming more aware of just how much plastic is in… everything… so I already had my suspicions.

I started researching the materials used on food-contact surfaces, including nonstick coatings, PFAS coatings, plastics, and other components that come into contact with our food. The more I learned, the more I realized there are now much better—and potentially safer choices—available than when I purchased my first air fryer.

The good news is that manufacturers have started responding to consumer demand by creating more products made with glass, stainless steel, and other non-toxic materials.

Health Advantages of Air Fryers

Air fryers cook food by using a combination of a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air around the food at high speed. This rapid air movement creates a crispy outer layer similar to frying, but with significantly less oil. 

The food is placed in a perforated air fry basket or tray within the cooking chamber, allowing the hot air to reach all sides. You can adjust the temperature and time settings to suit different recipes or personal preferences. (for instance, my husband does not like things super crispy, whereas I am just the opposite 🤪 gimmee all the crispiness).

This method results in faster cooking times and healthier meals with a fraction of the fat compared to traditional frying methods.

I love making crispy french fries, brussel sprouts, homemade chicken nuggets, and salmon fillets in our air fryer! They come out so much more crispy than from a conventional oven, and without the hassle of hot oils and fats on the stove. It's a great way to support cooking a healthy diet for your whole family. 

Benefits of Air Frying 

• Healthier Cooking: Requires less oil, reducing fat content. You can make crispy food that is lower in fat content than when cooked in a deep fryer.

• Faster Cooking: Cooks food quickly due to rapid air circulation-- Seriously, I find the air fryer sometimes taking half the time as using the oven 👏

• Versatility: Can be used for frying, baking, grilling, and roasting- because I am over having 1394587 different appliances. I want just a few appliances that do it all. 

• Ease of Use: Simple operation with adjustable controls make the whole process fool-proof

Are Traditional Air Fryers Toxic?

This is probably the most common question I receive about air fryers.

Here’s part of where that fear comes from: historically, traditional air fryers often use non-stick coatings made with PTFE (a highly synthetic polymer best known by the brand name Teflon). Historically, some of these coatings were manufactured using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

A 1999 study found that 98% of people in the United States had PFOA in their blood. This was due to environmental exposure to the chemical (like in cookware). As a result, the US EPA put up a program to eliminate the use of PFOA by 2015.

Many newer products now advertise PFAS-free claims, but it's still worth paying attention to exactly what materials are touching your food.

At normal cooking temperatures, PTFE coatings are generally considered stable. However, scratched or damaged nonstick surfaces, overheating, and years of wear may increase concerns for some consumers who are trying to reduce their overall exposure to harmful chemicals.

While research is still evolving, studies have linked certain PFAS chemicals with potential health concerns, including changes to the immune response, elevated cholesterol, thyroid disease, reduced vaccine response, pregnancy complications including low birth weight, and some cancers. Organizations including the International Agency for Research on Cancer have also evaluated certain PFAS compounds for potential cancer risk.

That doesn't necessarily mean your current appliance is dangerous.

It simply means that if you're already shopping for a new air fryer, choosing one made with stainless steel, glass, or other thoughtfully selected materials can be a worthwhile safer alternative.

Harmful Chemicals In Air Fryers

Quick Side Note: Whenever I talk about chemicals on this blog, I always want to mention a disclaimer. My heart in tackling this topic is never to fear-monger or create anxiety around “chemicals”. The reality is that everything is a “chemical”. 

Certain ones don’t work well with our bodies. And many can accumulate in our tissues, causing issues. These are often referred to as “forever chemicals” and are being linked to health concerns, including cancer, infertility, and mental health problems (plus so many more).

The other factor to consider is the amount of toxins we are exposed to.

We have pesticides and herbicides in our produce, preservatives in our foods, chlorine and fluoride in our water, fragrances and sulfates in our beauty products– to name a few. 

And if our natural detox pathways are sluggish, this leads to accumulation. 

All that to say, this information is presented so that you can make the best-informed decision for you and your family. 

With that, here are some of the potential concerns about chemicals in traditional air fryers:

1. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)

• Use: PTFE, commonly known as Teflon, is used to coat the non-stick cookware and the surfaces of air fryer baskets and trays.

• Harm: When overheated (above 500 degrees fahrenheit or 260°C), PTFE can release toxic fumes

2. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)

• Use: PFOA was historically used in the production of non-stick coatings, including PTFE.

• Harm: PFOA is linked to several health issues, including cancer, liver damage, developmental issues, and immune system disorders. Although it has been phased out in many countries, it may still be present in older products (think of that steal of a deal you got on an air fryer from the thrift store-- it may be due for an upgrade)

3. BPA (Bisphenol A)

• Use: BPA is used in some plastic components of air fryers.

• Harm: BPA is an endocrine disruptor and has been associated with various human health problems, including reproductive disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Many manufacturers now offer BPA-free alternatives, but they still can be present in older models. 

4. Phthalates

• Use: Phthalates are used as plasticizers in some parts of the air fryer.

• Harm: Phthalates are known to disrupt endocrine function and have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues, as well as increased risk of asthma and allergies.

5. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

• Use: PFAS chemicals are used for their non-stick and water-resistant properties.

• Harm: PFAS are persistent in the environment and human body, leading to potential health risks such as cancer, hormone disruption, immune system effects, and developmental issues in children.

6. Acrylamide

• Formation: Acrylamide can form in starchy foods (like potatoes) when cooked at high temperatures, such as in air fryers. (This is another reason to avoid extreme heat when cooking and reheating)

• Harm: Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen, meaning it could increase the risk of cancer. It is also neurotoxic.

Thankfully, we live in a time when people are becoming more aware of their environmental exposures. This is creating a market demand for air fryer manufacturers to continue creating better, healthier products. I am excited and hopeful for the continued advancements in healthier products as a result of the increased demand from consumers. Until then, I will enjoy my peace of mind knowing there are options to lessen our toxin burden.

Minimizing Risks With Your Current Air Fryer

Now if you have an air fryer and are not in a place to replace it currently, there are some ways you can mitigate the potential risk. First, make sure that you are using the appliance as directed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent overheating or damage to the ceramic coatings. (Honestly, it's a good idea to avoid extreme heat with most of your appliances!) That guide will also instruct you on proper cleaning and storing practices to make sure that your appliance is in the best condition possible.

Another way to mitigate any risk is using the appliance in a well-ventilated room. 

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My Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

While I have you here.. Here are a few of my favorite recipes for the air fryer:

• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon

•  10 Minute Chicken Sausage and Veggies — This is such a great quick and easy dinner! I stock up on Aidells sausages from Costco to have on hand for dinners when I do not feel like cooking (or if we are having a busy evening). 

• Air Fryer Orange Chicken

• Homemade potato chips- I have never really followed a recipe for this, and more just went with a trial-and-error approach. I will use a mandolin on the thinnest setting, pat the chips dry, and then sprinkle with seasoning before tossing them in the air fryer until crispy. Adjust your temperature based on how thin you slice the potatoes! 

• Chicken Wings- this is another recipe where I just wing it (🤪). I pat the chicken wings dry, rub them down with some seasonings and then place in the stainless steel baskets. I can then take the basket out halfway through cooking, shake the wings up to flip them, and finish cooking. 

We are a big fan of tasty, easy meals that are nourishing and convenient. Our air fryer has become a must-have kitchen appliance because of the way it supports both of these priorities! Do you have a favorite air fryer recipe? Leave it in the comments— i am always looking for new recipes to have in our meal rotation!

Related Reads:

• The Problem With Plastic: Easy Swaps for a Healthier Home

• Plastic Free Electric Tea Kettles

• My Fave Non-Toxic and USA Made Cookware 2025

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