Do you ever worry about the plastic in your kitchen? Many popular appliances use plastic parts that heat up. This can make you think twice about what you are cooking with. Air fryers are amazing for crispy food without much oil, but many models have plastic components inside.
Finding an air fryer without plastic can feel like a treasure hunt. You want healthy, quick meals, but you also want peace of mind. It’s tough to know which materials are safe and which brands really deliver on their promises. We understand that frustration!
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you the best air fryers that use stainless steel or glass instead of plastic. You will learn exactly what features to look for. Get ready to discover healthy, easy cooking with appliances you can trust.
Top Non Plastic Air Fryer Recommendations
- VERSATILE COOKING FUNCTIONS: This premium 1800-watt Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is equipped with an air fry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, and warming feature
- SPACIOUS CAPACITY: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is large enough to toast 6 slices of bread, air fry 3 lbs. of chicken wings, bake a 12” pizza, or roast a 4-lb. chicken.
- SUPERIOR OPERATION: Equipped with an adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff, and a toast shade selector, this air fryer toaster oven features a wide temperature range (Warm-450°F) to ensure your meals are cooked to your perfection
- FAST AND CRISPY FOOD: AirAdvantage technology with top fan/heater assembly provides optimized hot air flow for fast and crispy results, locking in flavor and giving food the crispy texture you love
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven includes an oven rack, baking pan/drip tray, air fry basket, ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle, and stainless steel easy-clean interior to make cleanup simple.
- PRECISE COOKING RESULTS - Cook and air fry Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Fish, Chicken, and Defrost Cooking Presets. Ensure exact cooking results with adjustable temp control (up to 390°F) and timer settings (up to 60 minutes).
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE & PRECISE CONTROL - Experience powerful performance with the 1200W heating element for fast heating and cooking, cook large portions with the 5.8 QT food capacity with our instant air fryer mini, and achieve perfectly cooked meals
- EASY CLEANING & SAFETY FEATURES - Experience easy cleaning with the air fryer's non-stick & dishwasher-safe tray, ensuring safety w/ automatic shut-off & overheat protection, enjoy safe handling & convenient serving w/ the handle & removable basket
- EFFICIENT COOKING TECHNOLOGY - Cook your meals quickly and evenly with the 360° hot air circulation technology, and monitor your cooking progress through the LED touch screen and transparent window, the perfect addition to your kitchen appliances
- COMPACT DESIGN & EASY STORAGE - The sleek and compact design of our small air fryer allows you to save countertop space, ideal for small kitchens with limited space. This stainless steel air fryer ensures long-lasting performance
- Slim Design for Any Space: The bella 4qt Air Fryer features a sleek, space-saving design, perfect for fitting into any kitchen while providing enough room for big batches of your favorite foods. Save up to 50% more space compared to prior models
- EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: Our proprietary coating ensures easy cleanup without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking and hassle-free maintenance, making every meal prep a breeze
- XL Basket Capacity: The innovative XL basket of the air fryers holds up to 3.3 lbs of food, perfect for family meals. Cook up large batches of fries, chicken, salmon, and more, all at once, making mealtime faster and more efficient
- Digital Controls: With adjustable temperature and 6 presets - air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate - preparing quick and tasty meals has never been easier. Enjoy crispy food fast with 1300 watts of power and circular heat technology
- Modern, Subtle Fluting: Designed with stylish rounded corners, a soft matte finish, and subtle fluting, our premium quality, small kitchen appliances add a touch of modern elegance to any home, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics
- PRECISE COOKING RESULTS - Cook and air fry Shrimp, Steak, Fries, Wings, Fish, Chicken, and Defrost Cooking Presets. Ensure exact cooking results with adjustable temp control (up to 390°F) and timer settings (up to 60 minutes).
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE & PRECISE CONTROL - Experience powerful performance with the 1200W heating element for fast heating and cooking, cook large portions with the 5.8 QT food capacity with our instant air fryer mini, and achieve perfectly cooked meals.
- EASY CLEANING & SAFETY FEATURES - Experience easy cleaning with the air fryer's non-stick & dishwasher-safe tray, ensuring safety w/ automatic shut-off & overheat protection, enjoy safe handling & convenient serving w/ the handle & removable basket.
- EFFICIENT COOKING TECHNOLOGY - Cook your meals quickly and evenly with the 360° hot air circulation technology, and monitor your cooking progress through the LED touch screen and transparent window perfect addition to your kitchen appliances.
- COMPACT DESIGN & EASY STORAGE - The sleek and compact design of our small air fryer allows you to save countertop space, ideal for small kitchens with limited space. This stainless steel air fryer ensures long-lasting performance.
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
- 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and heat-resistant to improve your cooking experience
- 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
- 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wide, deep design, great for the entire family meals while saving you space on your kitchen counter or cabinet
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- FAMILY-SIZED COOKING SYSTEM: 6-qt and 2.5-qt glassware, storage lids, crisper plates, and modular base for any occasion.
- POWERFUL COOKING SYSTEM: 1800-watt air fryer that can cook a 7.5-lb chicken, feeding up to 10 people.
- VERSATILE CAPACITY: Modular base adjusts to fit 2.5-qt, 4-qt, and 6-qt CleanCrisp Glassware for everyday or family-sized meals.
- NONTOXIC & DURABLE: CleanCrisp glassware is designed for non-toxic cooking and storing. CleanCrisp glassware is also thermal shock resistant—go from frozen to crispy in minutes.
- CUSTOMIZABLE 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONS: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Bake/Proof, Roast, Recrisp, and Dehydrate.
- 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑼𝒑𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆: This is the perfect solution to upgrade your air fryer while simplifying your traditional oven. Enjoy the best of both worlds!
- 𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊-𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑼𝒏𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑬𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔: More than just an air fryer—it also features Rotisserie, Pizza, Proof, and Toast, and more for a total of 11 cooking functions to meet your culinary needs.
- 𝑳𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑻𝒘𝒐-𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈: The 13-quart oven fits up to 2 lbs of fries, an 8-inch pizza, or 4 lbs of chicken, and allows you to cook on two levels at once, perfect for family meals.
- 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏, 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑲𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆: Smaller than traditional ovens, the R121’s sleek dimensions [13.5 (D) x 13.0 (W) x 14.5 (H) in] make it easy to fit on your countertop or in your cabinets, maximizing your kitchen space.
- 𝑭𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑬𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚: Cooks 40% faster* than traditional ovens, with a simplified control panel that makes cooking easier and quicker—no more waiting for long preheating! *Average determined by testing a variety of foods. Results may vary.
Choosing Your Perfect Non-Plastic Air Fryer: A Buyer’s Guide
You want crispy food without the plastic worries. That’s smart! Finding an air fryer that keeps harmful chemicals away from your meals is easier than you think. This guide helps you choose the best non-plastic option for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
What makes a great air fryer? Look beyond just how fast it cooks. These features matter for a healthier cooking experience:
- Basket Material: This is the most important part. You need stainless steel or high-quality ceramic coating, not Teflon or other non-stick chemicals.
- Temperature Range: Good air fryers offer a wide range, usually from 180°F up to 400°F. This lets you roast, bake, and crisp food perfectly.
- Capacity: How much food do you cook at once? Small families need 3-5 quarts. Larger families should aim for 6 quarts or more.
- Digital Controls: Easy-to-use digital screens help you set precise times and temperatures.
Important Cooking Functions
Some models include handy presets. Look for dedicated buttons for fries, chicken, or reheating. These simplify cooking for beginners.
2. Important Materials in Non-Plastic Models
When we talk about “non-plastic,” we focus on what touches your food and what makes up the outer shell.
The Food Zone (Basket and Tray)
- Stainless Steel (Best Choice): This material is durable, easy to clean, and introduces zero chemicals into your food. It is the gold standard for non-plastic cooking.
- Ceramic Coating: High-quality ceramic coatings are a good alternative. Make sure the ceramic is certified food-safe and free of PFOA/PTFE. Check user reviews to ensure the coating lasts long.
The Exterior Casing
While the heating element is inside, the outer body matters too. Many high-end non-plastic models use brushed metal (stainless steel) casings instead of cheap plastic. Metal exteriors often look better and last longer.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all stainless steel is created equal. Quality makes a big difference in performance and longevity.
Quality Boosters:
- Thicker Gauge Metal: Thicker walls in the basket and housing mean better heat retention and less chance of warping.
- Even Heating Elements: A well-designed heating coil ensures hot air circulates evenly. This prevents some parts of your food from burning while others stay soggy.
- Dishwasher-Safe Components: If the basket and tray can go in the dishwasher, cleanup becomes much faster and easier.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid):
- Thin, Flimsy Baskets: These scratch easily, and the coating can wear off quickly.
- Plastic Knobs or Dials: If the controls feel loose or cheap, the overall build quality is likely low.
- Excessive Plastic Parts Near Heat: Even if the basket is steel, check if the handle or internal vents use low-grade plastic that might degrade over time.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use this appliance?
Noise Level
Air fryers work by blowing hot air very fast. This creates noise. Quieter models use better insulation and fans. If you have an open-plan home, look for models specifically praised for being quiet.
Cleaning Routine
A non-plastic fryer should be simple to clean. If you choose stainless steel, you might need a little oil or soap to scrub off stubborn grease. Ceramic models usually wipe clean easily, provided the coating stays intact.
Use Cases
- Quick Meals: Perfect for reheating pizza or making frozen fries crispy in under 15 minutes.
- Healthier Frying: Use it to cook chicken wings or vegetables with just a tiny spritz of oil instead of deep frying.
- Small Batch Baking: Many models can bake small cakes or muffins surprisingly well.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Non-Plastic Air Fryers
Q: Are stainless steel air fryer baskets truly non-stick?
A: They are not naturally non-stick like Teflon. You must use a light spray of cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil) to prevent most foods from sticking to the bare steel.
Q: Is ceramic coating always safer than stainless steel?
A: Not necessarily. High-quality stainless steel is inert and completely safe. Ceramic is safe only if the coating is thick and hasn’t chipped. If ceramic chips, you might need to replace the basket.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in a non-plastic air fryer?
A: Yes, you can use foil to line the bottom tray for easier cleanup. However, never cover the bottom of the basket completely, as this blocks necessary airflow for crisping.
Q: Do these models cost more than regular air fryers?
A: Often, yes. Because stainless steel and high-grade ceramic cost more to manufacture than standard non-stick coatings, expect to pay a bit more for the higher quality and safety.
Q: How do I know if the plastic parts are safe?
A: Look for certifications like BPA-free plastic. For the best safety, choose models where the plastic is only used for the exterior housing or handles, far away from the direct heat source.
Q: What is the best way to clean a stainless steel basket?
A: Soak the basket in hot, soapy water immediately after use. For stuck-on food, sprinkle baking soda on the spots, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge.
Q: Do non-plastic air fryers cook food slower?
A: No. The cooking speed depends on the wattage and fan power, not the basket material. A good stainless steel model cooks just as fast as a standard one.
Q: What capacity is best for two people?
A: A 4-quart or 5-quart model works perfectly for two adults, giving you enough room for a main dish and a side.
Q: Are there any maintenance tips for ceramic air fryer baskets?
A: Avoid using metal utensils when cooking or cleaning ceramic baskets. Never use harsh scrubbing pads, as these will quickly ruin the non-stick properties.
Q: Where is the heating element usually located?
A: In almost all air fryers, the heating element is located at the very top of the unit, directly above the basket.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!