What to know about air fryers if you're concerned about PFAS or microplastics

Expert advice on air fryers if you're concerned about PFAS or microplastics Fri 7 Aug 2026 at 3:06pm Air fryers have pretty quickly risen to the status of household staple. But these convenient little machines often contain plastic and non-stick coatings that you might be wondering about the safety of. If you are concerned about per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or want to reduce any potential exposure to microplastics as a precautionary measure, here's what three experts have to say about choosing and using an air fryer. Air fryers come in many shapes, sizes and materials The most common air-fryer models are the "drawer type", Fiona Mair, the test coordinator of the kitchen lab at consumer group Choice says. They tend to include lightweight aluminium removable drawers and baskets covered in a non-stick coating, she says. But, Ms Mair says there is a wide selection of appliances being sold as "air fryers," including glass, stainless steel and ceramic or ceramic-coated options. She says these come at a range of price points, from $50 to $700. "We're seeing a lot of members asking for more testing of glass and ceramic rather than the non-stick," she says. Oliver Jones, a professor of chemistry at RMIT, says non-stick coating is usually polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), known by the brand name Teflon. "Teflon, although it technically is a PFAS, it's a very large molecule," Professor Jones says. "It doesn't have any way to interact with systems in the body," he says. Should you be concerned about using your air fryer? Professor Jones says he uses an air fryer often and doesn't have any concerns. When it comes to the PTFE coating in many products, he says people tend to "conflate all PFAS with the worst possible PFAS" and treat the risk equivalently. Elvis Okoffo is a research fellow at the Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Queensland in Brisbane/Meanjin. "The greatest risk arises when the non-stick coating becomes damaged," he says. PTFE coating, he explains, can wear with repeated use and if it is scratched, chipped or beginning to peel small particles could detach and potentially contaminate food. "Although there is currently limited evidence quantifying this exposure from air fryers, visible damage to the coating is a clear sign that the basket or tray should be replaced." Sign up to the ABC Lifestyle newsletter And while research has found appliances such as dishwashers, kettles and washing machines release microplastics and nanoplastics, Dr Okoffo says "current evidence suggests that air fryers do not typically release microplastics under normal cooking conditions". He says air fryers generally operate well below the temperatures at which non-stick coatings such as PTFE begin to degrade. It's worth noting that researchers say studying microplastics and nanoplastics is an emerging area of science and they are still working to understand how they behave in our bodies and links to potential health outcomes. Tips on using and cleaning your air fryer Professor Jones advises simply using your air fryer as intended and following the manufacturer's instructions, which will likely include avoiding metal utensils. "If you're [using] a metal knife or something [sharp] you are going to scratch the lining off." Dr Okoffo suggests inspecting your air fryer for scratching, peeling and chipping and replacing that part (or the appliance) when there is. In order to prolong the life of the appliance, he suggests using wooden or silicone utensils. He also recommends handwashing your air fryer "basket" or "drawer" with a gentle sponge and mild detergent. "Regular inspection, appropriate cleaning, and timely replacement of damaged components are simple and effective ways to minimise any potential exposure." Ms Mair echoes Dr Okoffo's advice, explaining that using a dishwasher will speed up deterioration of the coating and impact the "non-stick performance" of the air fryer. She says using silicone or baking paper liners might help preserve that coating, but it really depends on what you're cooking, as they're not suitable for everything and they can impact the effectiveness of the cooking. "The whole idea of an air fryer is to have the flow of air." What about ceramic-coated and glass options? Air fryers with food-contact surfaces made with glass, ceramic and stainless-steel are increasingly available, Ms Mair says. She has tested a few air fryers that included the ceramic coating (rather than the non-stick) and says they perform well. She says glass models also have other advantages, such as allowing you to inspect your cooking without opening the air fryer and losing heat. Some also have removable glass containers that can move between the air fryer, the fridge and the dishwasher. However, she says they can also get very hot and heavy. She says those made with stainless-steel trays or baskets are another option but warns that baskets made of thin wire or mesh can be difficult to clean.