Air fryers, which use nonstick coating for their cooking baskets, have been a cause for concern due to an increase in cases of Teflon Flu, an illness caused by emissions from overheated nonstick cookware materials. Teflon Flu, also known as polymer fume fever, occurs when noxious fumes from Teflon or chemically-treated nonstick pans are inhaled. Symptoms of Teflon Flu include fever, chills, muscle tension, and headache, and typically start within 12 hours of exposure to the fumes. Nonstick coatings are made with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which are known as “forever chemicals” due to their long breakdown time.
Most air fryer baskets are coated with Teflon or similar nonstick coatings, similar to nonstick cookware. These coatings help release food easily and can be cleaned with hot, soapy water. However, like Teflon pans, air fryer baskets can chip when exposed to hard metal utensils. While most air fryers do not exceed temperatures of 450 F to prevent Teflon Flu, some models may reach temperatures above 500 F. If your air fryer has a setting that exceeds 500 F, it is recommended to avoid cooking food at such high temperatures.
If you are concerned about the risk of Teflon Flu or other complications associated with nonstick coatings, there are air fryers available with ceramic or glass bowl cooking chambers as alternatives. These options provide a safer cooking surface that eliminates the risk of exposure to harmful emissions from overheated nonstick coatings. For more air fryer safety tips and information on how to safely use these countertop cookers, refer to the provided guide on air fryer safety practices and recommendations.
In 2023, there was an increase in reported cases of Teflon Flu, prompting concerns about the safety of air fryers that use nonstick coatings for their cooking baskets. Teflon Flu occurs when noxious fumes from overheated Teflon or chemically-treated nonstick pans are inhaled, resulting in temporary symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle tension, and headache. Most air fryer baskets are coated with Teflon or similar nonstick coatings, which, when heated above 500 F, can release toxic emissions that may cause polymer fume fever.
To minimize the risk of Teflon Flu from air fryers, it is recommended to keep the temperature below 450 F during cooking. If your air fryer has a setting that goes above 500 F, it is advisable to avoid cooking at high temperatures to prevent exposure to harmful fumes. Consider replacing your air fryer with a model that does not reach temperatures above 500 F, especially if you are concerned about the safety of nonstick coatings. Additionally, there are air fryers available with ceramic or glass bowl cooking chambers as safer alternatives to traditional nonstick-coated baskets.
