[it’s 2022 and this review article is still my favorite, just a new update]
Air fryer is one of my best kitchen appliances. A good Teflon free air fryer is something worth having because it “fries” delicious food without oil or toxins. Air Fryer can also roast, bake, reheat and much more.
There was a time when there were only deep fryers. Then, air fryers happened and took over, thanks to the awareness of what constant consumption of deep-fried food can do to the body over time.
Maybe the first question to investigate here is: Does Air fryer have sticky surface? the answer is manufacturer use non-stick surface. So Does air fryer have teflon? Teflon coatings are found on the air fryer basket or air fryer accessories luckily some Air fryers are Teflon free, that’s why we have this Best Teflon Free Air Fryers review article.
Again, concern grew over the effect Teflon-coatings can have in the long run. Thankfully, major air fryer brands heard us and offered alternatives. So, without further ado, let’s review the best air fryers without Teflon.
Our Top Teflon free air fryer Picks:
check this PFOA and PTFE free air fryer list we crafted for you, detailed review for each air fryer is provided below. Keep reading!
1. NUWAVE BRIO Air Fryer Oven – Best Overall
2. Oster Air Fryer With Copper-Infused Ceramic-Coated – Runner-Up
3.Ninja Air Fryer – Best Medium-To-Large Capacity
4. Maxi-Matic EAF-05SS Air Fryer With Stainless Steel Basket – Best Budget
5. Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer With Glass Bowl – Best Capacity
The 5 Best Air Fryers Without Teflon in 2020
1. NUWAVE BRIO Air Fryer Oven – Best Overall
Where do we begin?
This multi-use beast comes with mesh stainless steel racks, and a drip tray that helps preserve the taste of the food without flaking or leaching. The mesh racks ensure proper airflow all around your food.
At a capacity of 14 quarts, you can fit a 7-pound chicken or 2 pounds of french fries a batch. The multiple racks help you maximize the unit’s capacity by cooking multiple layers of food.
The NUWAVE BRIO air fryer oven comes with adjustable wattage control for 1800,1500, or 900 watts. Adjustable wattage is the kind of customization we need because you can finally adjust the power usage to the power outlets at any given moment.
It comes as no surprise that this combo has the widest temperature range on the list as it ranges from 60 to 400°F and is adjustable in 5°F increments.
Nuwave air fryer cleanup is a breeze because the front door, mesh racks, mesh tray, and rotisserie parts are all removable and dishwasher-safe.
You probably think that this smart oven can’t get any smarter, right? Wrong.
Our smart combo will stun you with 100 presets. Yes, that is correct. With just a press of a button, this beast will do all the mental and physical work for you. Not only that, but it also allows you to customize and save your own recipes.
You will also be outsmarted with its following smart functions: Delay, Preheat, Warm, Sear & Stage Cooking.
For safety, the air fryer oven has an automatic shutoff for whenever the door is removed.
Finally, it comes with accessories for rotisserie cooking, and it also has a rotisserie button. This summarizes nuwave air fryer review, check the next item in the list.
Pros
- Stainless steel racks and drip tray
- 14 quarts capacity
- Multiple racks for multi-layering
- Adjustable wattage
- Widest temperature range: 60 to 400°F
- Easy to clean
- 100 presets
- Rotisserie kit
- 1-year warranty
- Advanced functions
- Easy-to-use UI
Cons
- Massive footprint
Final Verdict
If you have this bad boy in your kitchen, there is not much else that you’ll need. This is why, despite its massive size, it is our top pick.
2. Oster Air Fryer With Copper-Infused Ceramic-Coated – Runner-Up
The first notable aspect of this fryer is its unique copper-infused DuraCeramicTM nonstick ceramic coating that actually doesn’t flake or peel. The copper makes the heat conduction much better than average air fryers.
Oster’s durable coating, along with the cool-touch handle and removable basket, makes the cleanup easier than it ever was.
Of course, this fryer is PFOA and PTFE free.
If you have a family of 3 or 5 members, the 3.3-quart capacity is spacious enough to suit your lovely family.
Its 1400 watts, 30-minute timer, and wide temperature range of up to 400°F enable the fryer to air fry, grill, bake, sauté, and roast easily. Not impressed yet? It has an audible ready-to-eat alert; we’re already ready to eat thinking about it.
Air fryers’ storage can be a bit of a nuisance sometimes, but this fryer makes it better by giving you cord storage.
Pros
- Copper-infused ceramic coating
- Large capacity
- Cord storage
- Temperature up to 400°F
- Cool-touch handle
- Ready-to-eat alert
- PFOA- and PTFE-free
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- ‘Fries’, grills, bakes, sautés, and roasts
Cons
- Noisy
Final Verdict
For an air fryer to have a safe nonstick coating, large capacity, wide temperature range, ease of use and cleanup, and virtually no cons is what has earned it the runner-up place.
3. Ninja Air Fryer – Best Medium-To-Large Capacity
The answer for “Does ninja air fryer have teflon?” is here, Like its Oster counterpart, this Ninja air fryer prides itself on its nonstick ceramic coating.
At a capacity of 4 quarts, this medium-to-large air fryer can fit up to 2 pounds of fries, making it s suitable for families from 3 to 5 people.
Its 1550 watts promise an air fryer on the powerful side of the spectrum, and its wide temperature that ranges from 105 to 400°F ensures versatility in function.
Although the basket, crisper plate, and multi-layer rack are marketed as dishwashing-safe, it is best to keep coatings away from dishwashers. They are easy to hand wash.
The versatility in this fryer is impressive since it has 4 different cooking functions made possible by the temperature range: air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. For safety, it has PFOA-free and BPA-free.
Pros
- PFOA-free and BPA-free
- Large capacity
- Wide temperature range
- 4 cooking functions
- Easy to clean
- Easy-to-use UI
Cons
- No automatic shutoff
- No cookbook
Final Verdict
Families that want a safe alternative to Teflon will enjoy this ceramic-coated baby. Yet, you must remember to pause the fryer manually to shake or flip the food.
4. Maxi-Matic EAF-05SS Air Fryer With Stainless Steel Basket – Best Budget
Maxi-Matic EAF-05SS prides itself on being free of PFOA, PTFE, and BPA. This fryer’s basket and pan are made of 304-grade stainless steel, which is known for corrosion resistance.
Regarding its 3.2-quart capacity, although it is the smallest on the list, it is sufficient enough for 2.2 pounds of food a batch. The drawer pan, however, has a capacity of 4.25 quarts if used without the basket.
Like its Oster counterpart, its power is 1400 watts. This power, along with its 140-to-400°F temperature range, makes it cook efficiently and quickly.
The cleanup is easy, thanks to its removable and dishwasher-safe basket and pan and easy-to-wipe exterior. To make cleanup and storage even easier, it comes with a cool-touch handle. Its 60-minute timer comes with automatic shutoff as well.
Pros
- Affordable
- 304-grade stainless steel basket and pan
- Free of PFOA, PTFE, and BPA
- Easy to clean
- Easy-to-use panel
- 4.25-quart pan
- 26-recipe colored cookbook
- Cool-touch handle
- Automatic shutoff
- Temperature range from 140 to 400°F
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- The bottom gets too hot while cooking
Final Verdict
A stainless steel air fryer that is affordable, easy to clean, and easy to use? Order it now
5. Big Boss Oil-less Air Fryer With Glass Bowl – Best Capacity
This is one unique-looking air fryer. From the different colors to the round glass bowl, and the giant capacity, the Big Boss really wants to show who’s boss. It can match your furniture, let you see the food cooking, and fit all your food.
At a capacity of 16 quarts, the question to be asked is, what can’t you fit in it? Since it comes with two trays and an extender ring, it really gives you a chance to maximize its capacity.
Its energy-efficient 1300 watts and temperature range up from 200 to 450°F are more than impressive. This fryer uses three heating powers in the form of halogen, convection, and gentle infrared to achieve these high temperatures. You won’t need to preheat or thaw your food before cooking.
The cleanup is easy because the parts are removable and dishwasher-safe. However, it would have been easier if the unit were smaller.
The Big Boss can fry, bake, grill, roast, and dehydrate. It has automatic shutoff, a safety handle and non-slip feet for safety. If you are looking for large capacity Air Fryer we have a dedicated post reviewing the Best Large Capacity Air Fryer .
Pros
- Massive capacity
- Two trays and extender ring
- See the food cooking
- Safety handle
- Non-slip feet
- Automatic shutoff
- Three heating powers
- Dehydrates
- Easy to clean
- Temperature from 200 to 450°F
- 50-recipe cookbook
- Unique design
Cons
- Massive footprint
- Glass may burn you
- Writing fades away after washes
Final Verdict
If your biggest priority is a massive-capacity Teflon-free air fryer, this one’s for you. Again if you want more reviews and info for large capacity air fryers read this post where I listed 5 awesome large capacity Airfryer for you!
How to Clean a Deep Fryer [Simple Guide]
Clean your deep fryer in these 7 steps with the help of household items available everywhere. A few tips on how to maintain the fryer won’t hurt either
Shopping for an Air Fryer Without Teflon:
so here are the thing you should consider when buying a new Teflon free air fryer :
Coating or Material
A fryer’s basket’s coating or material can make or break a deal for many people.
Teflon is an obvious no-no if you’re worried about the release of toxic fumes in high temperatures.
Ceramic coating is nonstick and easy to clean, yet non-toxic. Stainless steel is more durable, as it is not a coating, but might need seasoning. Glass helps you see the food cooking, but can break.
Both are better for you and the environment than Teflon.
Capacity
Capacity is a major factor in choosing an air fryer.
Singles and couples don’t need a capacity that exceeds 3 quarts. Families of three to five will enjoy capacities from 3 to 5 quarts. Larger families and parties will definitely benefit from capacities ranging from 6 to 10 quarts, even up to 16 quarts.
Dimensions
With air fryers, the larger the capacity is, the better. However, don’t get too ambitious that you forget about the counter space and storage space you have for the air fryer.
Always check out the air fryer’s dimensions before the purchase.
Temperature Range
A wide temperature range leads to two good things: fast cooking and more versatility. High temperature means you won’t have to cook for longer. Low temperature allows for more cooking functions that need their time.
The majority of air fryers have a temperature range that lies between 100 and 400°F.
Power
The power of most air fryers ranges from 1200 to 1700 watts, but what does wattage actually do?
The more powerful an air fryer is, the faster it cooks. It also cooks more evenly than low-wattage air fryers. Powerful air fryers are simply energy-efficient.
Ease of Use
There are air fryers with straightforward analog controls and others with intuitive digital controls. Digital controls are preferred by most nowadays, thanks to their precision. Yet, there are still many people that swear by analog air fryers and their simplicity.
The choice here depends on your preference.
Types of Air Fryers:
1. The Basket
Air fryers with a frying basket are the most common and inexpensive type. The downside is that you’re limited to the basket’s capacity. Also, make sure to shake or flip the food mid-cycle.
2. The Bowl
Air fryers with a glass bowl instead of a basket allow you to see the food while it’s cooking. They are also easier to clean. The downside is that glass gets really hot, so you have to be extremely careful with it.
3. The Air Fryer/Toaster Oven
An all-in-one appliance that has the functionality of a toaster oven and the quickness of an air fryer is a dream come true. The large capacity off these combos is unbeatable. The downside is the large counter space that they occupy.
4. The Self-Stirring Air Fryers
A self-stirring air fryer not only cooks fast but also without your help. You don’t have to shake or flip with these bad boys.
The downside is that self-stirring air fryers tend to have a large footprint.
What About Teflon Alternatives?
Yes, Teflon is bad for our health, but what can we replace it with? Here are some alternatives:
Ceramic
Ceramic coatings have many benefits. Ceramic is durable and can handle temperatures up to 800°F. Since temperatures in air fryers go really high in a short time, you need some seriously heat-resistant coating for them.
Rest assured that it doesn’t flake or peel the way Teflon does. It is safe for the environment, as well.
Ceramic also makes cleanup a breeze, thanks to its nonstick nature. It is also lightweight, which makes the cleanup even easier.
One downside to ceramic coatings is that clay-based ceramic-coated cookware can break easily.
Stainless Steel
An even more widely appreciated Teflon alternative is stainless steel.
It is more durable than ceramic, and it will last you for generations to come. As its name suggests, it doesn’t stain. It doesn’t flake or chip whatsoever because there is no coating. Also, it can be recycled.
Furthermore, stainless steel’s non-reactive nature makes it easier to preserve the true flavor of the food instead of getting a metallic taste, like what happens with iron, aluminum, or copper.
The one downside is that food does stick to stainless steel. So, many people solve this issue by seasoning their air fryer baskets. However, even if food sticks to the basket and you have to scrub it, you won’t have to worry about an external coating.
Glass
Another Teflon alternative would be glass cookware or, more importantly, glass bowls in air fryers.
The biggest advantage of glass is its transparency; seeing the food being cooked without having to remove lids or baskets is really convenient.
Another good thing about glass is its ability to retain heat, and keep food warm for longer.
Also, it doesn’t react with acidic food and there is no need to worry about any harmful effects.
The obvious disadvantage of glass is breaking. You have to be careful while handling glass bowls for another reason: not to get burned. Glass can get too hot sometimes.
Is Nonstick Cookware Like Teflon Safe to Use?
Having a family with kids, will make you more curious about the risk of different material used in cookwares, I am sure you have made tons of research to check if teflon coating is safe for cooking food, or if is teflon bad or good when heated, here is my anwer.
Short answer: if you know how to keep it that way. The truth is there are many conflicting opinions around this issue; so, we’ll do our best to simplify it for you.
The controversy surrounding Teflon, or PTFE, and other nonstick coatings is about two things: their tendency to flake and get into food, and their release of toxic fumes when overheated.
Some claim that Teflon flakes getting in our food is potentially harmful, while others argue that this is not true.
Some claim that Teflon is only toxic when overheated, at around 500°F. Others believe it can be toxic at much lower temperatures.
So, to avoid potential lung damage, breast cancer, decreased fertility, and polymer fume fever, people now tend to avoid Teflon.
However, if you want to keep using Teflon, but want to minimize its possibly harmful effects, follow these tips:
- Don’t leave anything cooking in Teflon unattended.
- Don’t preheat Teflon ever.
- Keep your kitchen well-ventilated whenever you’re cooking with Teflon.
- Cook only things that need low to medium temperatures.
- Only use silicone, plastic, or wooden utensils to avoid scratching.
- Replace it once it starts chipping or flaking.
Final Words 💭
Let’s go through our recommendations for Teflon free air fryer once again.
Our favorite pick is NUWAVE BRIO air fryer oven. It has proven itself superior in every aspect.
For largest capacities, check out the NUWAVE BRIO air Fryer oven and the Big Boss oil-less air fryer. What if you want the smallest footprints? Check out the Oster air fryer and the Maxi-Matic EAF-05SS hot air fryer.
For ceramic coating, check out the NUWAVE and Maxi-Matic ones. For stainless steel lovers, consider the Oster and the Ninja ones. The Big Boss is for glass-bowl fans.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
