需要担心 AirFryer 的Tlflon coating 吗？

I haven't used a Teflon-coated frying pan for years. I'm considering buying an air fryer, but I'm concerned about the nonstick (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon) coating in most air fryers on the market. Should I be concerned?

By Grok:

The primary concern with nonstick coatings like PTFE (commonly known as Teflon) in air fryers stems from historical issues and potential risks if the cookware is misused, but current evidence from regulatory bodies and health experts indicates that modern PTFE coatings are generally safe for typical use. I'll break this down step by step, including why you might still want to be cautious and what alternatives exist.

### Historical Context and Past Concerns
Teflon's reputation took a hit due to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical once used in its manufacturing process. PFOA has been linked to health issues like cancer, immune deficiencies, liver damage, and developmental problems in animal studies. However, PFOA was phased out in the US by 2014 (and in Europe by 2008), (注意： 大美丽国整整比欧洲晚6年）and all Teflon-branded and most nonstick cookware produced after 2013 is PFOA-free. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now consider PFOA-free PTFE safe for consumer use in cookware.

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（编注： 市面上所说non-toxic-Teflon, 见：. AMAZON reviews Q &A）

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### Current Safety of PTFE in Air Fryers
- **Regulatory Approval**: The FDA has authorized certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, the broader class including PTFE) for use in nonstick cookware coatings, noting that these are polymerized molecules that don't migrate into food under normal conditions. PTFE itself is inert and stable at everyday cooking temperatures, and the EPA affirms that nonstick cookware is safe when used as intended. （？？？如何定义）
- **Temperature Threshold**: The main risk arises if the coating is overheated above 500°F (260°C), which can cause it to degrade and release fumes leading to "Teflon flu" (polymer fume fever), with symptoms like fever, chills, headaches, and muscle aches. Most air fryers operate at 400°F or below (rarely exceeding 450°F), so they stay well under this limit during normal operation. Preheating empty or running at max temp for extended periods could push closer to the edge, but this is avoidable.
- **Damage and Flaking**: If the coating chips or scratches (e.g., from metal utensils or abrasive cleaning), small PTFE particles might flake into food. While PTFE is non-reactive and typically passes through the body harmlessly, some experts recommend replacing damaged cookware to minimize any ingestion risk. Overheated or damaged coatings can also release toxins into the air or food.
- **Overall Risk Level**: For everyday home cooking, PFOA-free PTFE is considered safe by the FDA, EPA, and health organizations like Healthline and WebMD, as long as you avoid high-heat misuse. Incidents like Teflon flu are rare (e.g., 267 reported US cases in 2023, likely underreported but not widespread). No strong evidence links modern PTFE to long-term issues like cancer when used properly.

### Should You Be Concerned?
If you've avoided Teflon for years due to past scandals, your caution is understandable—especially since PFAS chemicals (including PTFE) are "forever chemicals" that persist in the environment and body. While the risk is low for air fryers (which don't involve direct stovetop high heat like pans), if you're highly sensitive to potential chemical exposure or want zero PTFE, you have good reason to opt out. Some consumer advocates and reviews highlight that even PFOA-free PFAS might have understudied long-term effects, and damaged coatings could still pose minor risks. However, for most people, the convenience of a standard air fryer outweighs these concerns, backed by regulatory safety assurances.

### Recommendations and Alternatives
- **Safe Use Tips for PTFE Air Fryers**: Choose reputable brands (e.g., Ninja, Philips) that confirm PFOA-free coatings. Use silicone or wooden utensils, hand-wash gently, avoid preheating empty for long, and don't exceed recommended temps. Replace if the coating shows wear.
- **PTFE-Free Options**: If you prefer to avoid nonstick entirely, look for air fryers with ceramic, glass, stainless steel, or enameled coatings—these are increasingly available and often marketed as "non-toxic." Examples include:
  - Glass: Fritaire or similar borosilicate models (fully transparent, no coatings).
  - Ceramic: Brands like GreenLife or Caraway offer PFAS-free ceramic-coated baskets.
  - Stainless Steel: Options like the Ninja Crispi or stainless models from Cuisinart (may require oil for nonstick effect).
  These can perform similarly but might need more cleaning effort. Reviews from 2025 note that true PTFE-free air fryers exist, though they're pricier and less common.

In summary, you don't need to be overly concerned about a modern PTFE-coated air fryer if used correctly, but if your avoidance of Teflon is a personal preference, PTFE-free alternatives are a solid choice to eliminate any worry. Check product labels or manufacturer sites for confirmation on coatings.