Teflon Flu & Air Fryers: What Are The Health Risks Involved?

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, making it possible to enjoy crispy, fried-like foods with a fraction of the oil. But as air fryers have grown in popularity, so have concerns surrounding the materials used in their non-stick coatings, especially Teflon.

Teflon, also known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is widely used in cookware for its non-stick properties. However, it has come under scrutiny due to a phenomenon known as "Teflon Flu."

In this article, we’ll break down what Teflon Flu is, the risks associated with it, and how to choose the safest air fryer for your home.

 

What Is Teflon Flu?

Teflon Flu, also known as polymer fume fever, is a temporary flu-like condition caused by inhaling fumes released from overheated Teflon-coated surfaces.

When Teflon cookware or appliances like air fryers are heated to temperatures exceeding 500°F (260°C), the non-stick coating can break down and release toxic fumes. These fumes can lead to symptoms similar to the flu, such as headaches, chills, fever, and body aches.

While Teflon Flu is generally considered mild and temporary in humans, it raises concerns about long-term exposure and potential risks for households. For example, these fumes can be lethal to birds. What about humans and our beloved pets?

 

What Are The Health Risks Of Overheating Teflon?

The risk of Teflon Flu occurs when cookware or appliances coated with Teflon are exposed to very high heat. However, it’s important to note that Teflon itself is generally considered safe at lower cooking temperatures.

The real concern arises when it is overheated, leading to the release of toxic chemicals.

Let’s look at the potential risks:

1. Short-Term Exposure: Teflon Flu Symptoms

Short-term exposure to overheated Teflon can lead to symptoms resembling the flu. These symptoms, though temporary, can be unpleasant.

According to the American Lung Association, symptoms typically resolve within 48 hours and include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath

Though these symptoms last temporarily, they may persist with prolonged exposure to overheated Teflon fumes. You can’t completely heal when the source of the issue doesn’t go away first. Let’s take a closer look at the long-term risks.

2. Long-Term Exposure: Potential Health Risks

While Teflon Flu is a temporary condition, long-term exposure to fumes from overheated Teflon cookware has raised concerns.

Studies suggest that long-term exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical used in the production of Teflon until 2013, may lead to more serious health problems, including liver and thyroid issues. However, most modern Teflon cookware is now PFOA-free, which has reduced some of these concerns.

3. Risks to Pet Birds

One of the most well-documented dangers of overheated Teflon involves pet birds. Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems, and even small amounts of Teflon fumes can be fatal to them. This makes it crucial for bird owners to avoid using Teflon-coated appliances, especially those that can reach high temperatures quickly, such as air fryers.

 

How Do Air Fryers Factor In?

Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, but like other non-stick cookware, many air fryers use Teflon in their cooking baskets or trays.

If not used properly, air fryers can reach high temperatures quickly, which raises concerns about the potential for Teflon to overheat and release fumes.

While most air fryers have temperature controls that prevent them from reaching dangerously high temperatures, improper use, such as preheating an empty air fryer or using it on maximum heat for extended periods, could pose risks.

Let’s look at how to minimize these risks.

 

4 Tips For Using Air Fryers Safely

To enjoy the benefits of air fryers without the risks associated with Teflon, it’s essential to follow proper safety guidelines and use air fryers the right way for optimal use.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid Overheating Your Air Fryer

Most air fryers come with adjustable temperature settings. To minimize the risk of overheating the non-stick coating, avoid cooking at the highest temperature for prolonged periods. This also makes how to clean the air fryer a nightmare, due to gunk and burned bits.

It’s also a good idea to monitor your air fryer and avoid leaving it unattended for long periods.

2. Don't Preheat An Empty Air Fryer

Preheating an air fryer when it’s empty can cause the temperature to rise quickly, leading to the potential overheating of the Teflon coating. Always ensure there is food inside the fryer basket before preheating, and try to keep cooking times within the manufacturer’s guidelines.

3. Use Ventilation When Cooking

If you’re concerned about fumes from your air fryer, using proper ventilation can help. Cooking in a well-ventilated space, like near an open window or with an exhaust fan running, can minimize any potential fumes from overheating.

4. Consider Alternatives To Teflon-Coated Air Fryers

If you’re still concerned about the potential risks of Teflon, you might want to consider alternatives. Many modern air fryers come with ceramic, stainless steel, or other non-stick surfaces that don’t use PTFE or PFOA.

People wonder if air fryers are toxic, and they don’t have to be if you choose well. This alternative offers similar non-stick benefits without the risks of Teflon Flu.

 

Fritaire: A Safer, Non-Toxic Air Fryer Alternative

If you’re looking for a safer option, Fritaire’s air fryers offer a non-toxic solution that is free from Teflon, PFOA, and PTFE.

Our air fryers are designed with a stainless steel burner and a heat-resistant glass bowl for the heating magic, which provide even better benefits as non-stick Teflon with none of the health risks associated with overheating. Not to mention, you can SEE your food being cooked from the other side of the glass, which means you never have to worry about overheating it.

Another benefit that sets Fritaire apart is its innovative self-cleaning feature, which uses heat and steam to remove food residues and grease, ensuring your air fryer stays in top condition.

With Fritaire, you can enjoy perfectly crispy meals without worrying about harmful chemicals or spending extra time cleaning up.

 

What Are The Best Non-Toxic Alternatives To Teflon?

In addition to heat-resistant glass bowls like those used in Fritaire air fryers, other non-toxic options are available for consumers who want to avoid Teflon-coated cookware.

Here are a few popular alternatives:

1. Ceramic-Coated Cookware

Ceramic is a popular non-stick alternative to Teflon. It is free from harmful chemicals, including PTFE and PFOA, and can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down. Ceramic-coated air fryers offer a safer cooking experience without compromising non-stick performance.

2. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel cookware is another great alternative. While it doesn’t have the same non-stick properties as Teflon, it’s a durable and safe option for cooking at high temperatures. With a little oil, stainless steel can achieve similar results to non-stick surfaces.

3. Cast Iron

Cast iron has been used in kitchens for centuries and remains a trusted non-toxic option. When properly seasoned, cast iron provides a natural non-stick surface that can handle high temperatures without releasing any harmful fumes.

 

The Verdict: Should You Be Concerned About Teflon Flu?

While Teflon Flu is a real phenomenon, it’s important to keep the risks in perspective.

Most cases of Teflon Flu occur when cookware or appliances are overheated well beyond typical cooking temperatures. By following proper safety precautions, such as avoiding excessive heat and using your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, the risks of developing Teflon Flu can be minimized.

For those seeking peace of mind, choosing an air fryer like Fritaire that uses non-toxic materials can further reduce the risk.

With Fritaire, you can enjoy all the benefits of air frying — crispy, delicious meals with less oil — without worrying about harmful chemicals or fumes.

 

Bottom Line: Cook Safely, Choose Wisely

In conclusion, while Teflon-coated air fryers can pose risks if overheated, the likelihood of encountering Teflon Flu can be minimized by following basic cooking safety tips.

For those who want to avoid Teflon altogether, Fritaire’s non-toxic air fryers provide a healthier, more eco-friendly option, complete with a self-cleaning feature that keeps your appliance in peak condition.

If you’re in the market for a new air fryer, remember to prioritize safety, avoid overheating, and consider non-toxic alternatives to Teflon. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy the many benefits of air frying while keeping your kitchen —and your health— safe.

Back to blog