Buzz
TikTokers are telling me to get rid of my air fryer, claiming it’s poisoning me with 'forever chemicals' and could even cause cancer. But these fears are largely unfounded. Let’s look at the facts and examine the origin of this TikTok scare.
Why TikTok believes your air fryer is harmful
There are several theories circulating on TikTok about why air fryers are supposedly bad for your health, but we’ll address the most common one shortly. The primary concern involves PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' which are believed to be in the nonstick coating of air fryer baskets. Let’s break it down quickly:
Fact: Many air fryers are equipped with PTFE-based nonstick coatings (Teflon is a brand example).
Fact: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) belongs to the chemical family known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances).
Fact: PFAS have been associated with cancer.
Fact: PFAS are known as 'forever chemicals.'
Fact: Some air fryers display labels indicating they are PFOA-free (PFOA is a type of PFAS).
…but…
Nonstick cookware coatings have not been directly linked to cancer or other health risks.
The term “forever chemical” does not mean it will cause health issues forever (even though some people are claiming this).
PFOA hasn’t been used in nonstick coatings since 2013, so you no longer need to search for a 'PFOA-free' label to avoid PFOA in cookware.
The molecules in PTFE coatings are tightly bound together and to the pan, and with regular use, they are not considered a significant source of PFAS.
The FDA considers the amount of PFAS that could leach from nonstick coatings into food as 'negligible.' According to the EPA, the primary sources of PFAS exposure are workplace settings (for people handling PFAS chemicals), contaminated water, dust and dirt, and wild fish and game from polluted areas. Food could contain PFAS if it’s grown or raised in contaminated regions or packaged in PFAS-coated materials. Good news on the packaging front: PFAS have been phased out of food packaging as of February 2024—check this announcement from February 2024 for details.
What if I’m still worried about PFAS?
If you're concerned about PFAS, I’ve put together an explainer here on how to avoid them. If your water supply is contaminated, consider getting a filter that can remove PFAS. Honestly, if your goal is to “reduce my exposure to PFAS,” you’ll go through a long list of more pressing actions before even thinking about your nonstick cookware.
Just to be clear—air fryers aren't the only kitchen tools with nonstick coatings. Many types of pans and skillets come with PTFE-based nonstick surfaces. These are still not likely to pose a health risk, but you might start questioning why TikTok is targeting air fryers while leaving out the much more common kitchen skillet.
If you're looking to minimize even the slightest chance of PFAS exposure from your nonstick cookware, avoid using metal utensils that could scratch the surface, and don’t exceed temperatures above 500 degrees. Following the guidelines provided with your air fryer (or skillet) will keep you well within these limits. For example, use silicone-tipped tongs when removing your crispy treats from the air fryer.
Why does TikTok keep talking about air fryers?
While trying to figure out why this myth has spread, I found myself asking some strange questions. Why are air fryers the focus instead of regular pans? Why is PFAS sometimes the culprit, and other times it’s acrylamide or, in one particularly bizarre case, a metal in electrical cords? (Since air fryers are electric, you see). How do TikTokers benefit from all the air fryer panic?
So, I did what I usually do and started clicking through TikTokers' bio links to see what they were promoting. A lot of the time, it was a variety of products, with 'non-toxic air fryers' being one of the categories. This is a common way to make money on social media: driving clicks to stores and earning a commission if people purchase through your link.
One influencer with a non-toxic air fryer video took a slightly different approach, asking viewers to provide their email address in exchange for access to a guide on the best and worst air fryers. This person also offered business advice, with bio links promoting ways to 'gain 1,000 new followers in 30 days' and build your 'sales funnel.' I wonder how many of those tips involve creating fear about a product category and then convincing people to hand over their emails to learn which products are supposedly safe.
Another TikToker promoted her 'community' in a video that was almost entirely devoid of content. She fervently encouraged viewers to 'do their own research' and vaguely mentioned receiving 'flak' for a previous video warning people away from air fryers. The community, of course, will have all the answers. And to join? It costs $3 per month for the lowest tier, all the way up to a $10,000 per month tier (no typo here, I swear).
Why air fryers? Because they’re trendy enough to still generate some buzz, yet common enough in kitchens that people will be shocked to hear there’s something wrong with them—and, let’s be real, everyone loves a good backlash story. Get enough views, and you’ll find something to monetize.
Help, I’m now freaking out about acrylamide.
Some TikTok videos suggest not to worry about PFAS, but claim that the real issue with air fryers is that foods cooked in them could end up with acrylamide.
Acrylamide is a naturally occurring chemical that forms when plant-based foods are baked, roasted, or fried. The FDA does not advise avoiding these foods for health reasons (at least not due to acrylamide; whether they align with your macros is a different story). Both air-fried and regular-fried foods can contain acrylamide, especially when overcooked. So, there’s nothing particularly alarming about air fryers in this regard. (Feel free to read more about my take on acrylamide here.)
So, does this mean I don’t need to buy a new air fryer?
Nope, you don’t need to. That said, some TikTokers are recommending toaster-oven-style air fryers, and I actually agree with that suggestion! Not because there’s anything wrong with basket-style air fryer coatings, but because a good toaster oven is an absolute joy to own.
I’ve never actually owned something labeled as an air fryer because years ago my husband convinced me we needed a solid toaster oven. At the time, I thought, ‘we’re going to use how much counter space just so you can bake without turning on the oven in the summer?’ But he was right, and now I use the toaster oven more than the regular oven, all year round. It toasts. It bakes. It convection-bakes. It’s hands-down the best way to reheat leftover pizza I’ve ever found (yes, better than a skillet.). Plus, it has a button called 'speed convection' that works exactly like an air fryer. (It’s similar to this model.) It holds way more fried goodies than the typical basket-style air fryer. Totally worth every square inch of counter space.
If you're considering purchasing a new air fryer, we've got a helpful buying guide for you. Take into account your cooking preferences and available counter space, but don't stress about certain models being more 'toxic' than others.
