You may have heard the buzz about how Teflon and your air fryer are in cahoots to poison you. The truth is that not all these appliances contain this non-stick coating. So, before you abandon hope for the supposed traitor in your kitchen, you’ll want to know if yours is a threat. Here’s how to find out:
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How To Know If Your Air Fryer Has A Teflon Coating
Teflon is also known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is a non-stick material commonly used on cookware, including some air fryer baskets and trays. While this non-stick material offers the convenience of easy food release, there are concerns about its safety, especially at high temperatures.
Here are seven ways to discover if your appliance has this coating:
1. Check the User Manual
The first step in identifying whether your air fryer has a PTFE coating is to consult the user manual that came with the appliance. Manufacturers usually provide details about the materials used in the construction of their products, including the coating on the cooking surfaces.
So, to determine if yours has these coatings, look for keywords like “Teflon,” “PTFE,” or “non-stick” in the documentation. Alternatively, try searching for the model number online, as many manufacturers make their manuals available for download on their websites.
2. Review the Product Packaging
If you still have your air fryer’s original packaging, check the box and labels for any information regarding non-stick coatings. Manufacturers often mention the presence of PTFE or non-stick materials as a selling point, so it might be listed clearly on the packaging.
3. Inspect the Fryer Basket and Tray
Many, if not most, air fryers have a removable fryer basket and tray, and these are the parts that typically feature non-stick coatings. If you’ve got one like that, carefully examine the surfaces of the basket and tray to see if there is any evidence of a non-stick coating. Teflon coatings are usually black or dark gray, smooth, and glossy – unlike bare metal or other coatings.
However, keep in mind that some appliances may contain alternative non-stick coatings, such as ceramic. Ceramic coatings can also appear dark, smooth, and glossy. So, discovering such a surface does not necessarily confirm it is PTFE.
4. Read Online Reviews and Specifications
As mentioned, you can look online for the manufacturer specs of your appliances. While searching for this information, read what customers say about the product. Customer reviews might mention the appliance has a Teflon coating, but it’s not guaranteed. Also, remember that the absence of information about it doesn’t guarantee the absence of non-stick coatings.
5. Contact the Manufacturer
If you cannot determine the type of coating in your air fryer through the user manual or visual inspection, consider contacting the manufacturer directly. When you do, ensure you have the model number and other relevant information. With this information, they should be able to confirm whether it has a PTFE coating.
6. Look for Certification Labels
Some air fryers, especially those marketed as eco-friendly or free of harmful chemicals, might carry certification labels indicating that they are Teflon-free. These labels could include phrases like “PFOA-free” or “PTFE-free,” which are associated with non-stick coatings like Teflon.
However, remember that not all non-stick coatings are PTFE, and certification labels might not always be present.
7. Consider the Age of the Air Fryer
Older air fryer models (especially pre-2013 models) are more likely to have PTFE coatings, as non-stick coatings have been commonly used in kitchen appliances for decades. Therefore, if your appliance is relatively new, there’s a higher chance it utilizes alternative non-stick materials or safer Teflon.
Safety Concerns with Teflon
Earlier, I mentioned something about a buzz around the T-word. If you’re still in the dark about the hype, check out this TikTok video that ruffled some feathers. I did some research of my own because, honestly, I was blissfully ignorant before I heard about it. This is what I discovered:
Teflon is a synthetic polymer that possesses exceptional non-stick properties. It is resistant to high temperatures and is often used in cooking appliances to prevent food from sticking to surfaces, making cleaning easier.
PTFE-coated cookware can release toxic fumes, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) when exposed to temperatures above 500°F. PFOA falls into a large chemical category called Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), which exist in many products in your home – not just your air fryer.
PFOA or PFAS, when inhaled or ingested, stays in your body for a long time (hence the nickname Forever Chemicals) and can negatively affect your health.
Since this ghastly discovery was made, most modern appliances are designed with safety in mind and use Teflon coatings free of PFOA (which has been largely phased out due to its potential health risks). The newer, safer versions use ceramic or other non-toxic materials. Nevertheless, it’s still important to know if your air fryer has a Teflon coating and how to use and maintain it properly.
While modern Teflon coatings are generally considered safe for average cooking temperatures, there are some safety concerns to consider:
High Heat
PTFE-coated cookware can release toxic fumes when exposed to temperatures above 500°F. These fumes can be harmful and cause flu-like symptoms, known as “Teflon flu” or polymer fume fever.
To avoid this, never use your PTFE-coated air fryer at temperatures above the recommended limit. Instead, use pans ideal for high-heat cooking. Also, avoid using aerosol cooking sprays, as they can cause the coating to break down at lower temperatures.
Scratches and Wear
Teflon coatings are not as durable as most metal surfaces, and they can be easily scratched by metal utensils or abrasive cleaning agents. This can lead to the release of small PTFE particles into your food. To prevent this, use only non-metallic utensils, such as silicone, wood, or nylon, when cooking with your air fryer.
Reactive Ingredients
Some ingredients, such as very acidic or alkaline foods, can react with Teflon at high temperatures and potentially cause the coating to deteriorate. So, it’s better to avoid using ingredients that may interact negatively with PTFE or consider using alternative cookware for such dishes.
Alternatives to Teflon-coated Air Fryers
Ok, now you’ve discovered your trusty non-stick sidekick is possibly your nemesis (plus just about everything else in your home with forever chemicals trying to kill you). What do you do? Go feral or look for less threatening cooking alternatives?
Thankfully, you have options. Many modern and affordable air fryers do not contain that non-stick coating that starts with a capital T. Here are some other non-stick alternatives to cooking:
Ceramic-Coated Air Fryers
Some appliances (like my microwave) feature ceramic non-stick coatings, considered safer than Teflon. Ceramic coatings are made from inorganic materials and are generally free of PTFE and PFOA.
Stainless Steel Air Fryers
Appliances made entirely of stainless steel don’t have any non-stick coatings. As such, they are an excellent option for those who prefer a chemical-free cooking surface. While stainless steel may require a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking, it is generally a safe and durable choice. Carbon steel cookware is also safe to use due to its non toxic material.
Cast Iron Air Fryers
Cast iron appliances are a traditional and time-tested option for cooking. While they don’t have non-stick coatings, a well-seasoned cast iron surface can develop natural non-stick properties over time. However, they may require more maintenance compared to other options.
Air Fryer Parchment Liners
Regardless of the type of appliance you have, consider using parchment paper or silicone liners designed specifically for air fryers to create a non-stick surface for your food. These disposable liners help prevent food from sticking to the fryer basket or tray.
Oil Sprayer or Brush
Another way to prevent sticking is by using an oil sprayer or brush to apply a thin layer of oil to the fryer basket or food. This method is helpful for air fryers without non-stick coatings and can also enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes.
Conclusion
If you want to confirm if your air fryer has Teflon, you can look at the user manual or product packaging, do an online search, or inspect the appliance yourself. Alternatively, consider contacting the manufacturer directly. If you discover your air fryer contains Teflon, be sure to use and maintain it properly to ensure safe and enjoyable cooking experiences.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
