Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, delivering crispy results with minimal oil. Concerns over non-stick coatings like PTFE (Teflon) and PFAS chemicals have fueled demand for safer alternatives. Stainless steel air fryers, valued for their durability and non-toxic surfaces, are ideal for health-conscious cooks.
Best Stainless Steel Air Fryer Recommendations
1. Cuisinart TOA-70 Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Compared to other air fryer ovens, this one has an appealing stainless steel design and a clear, easy-to-use control panel. Like most other air fryer ovens we tested, the door needs to be pushed firmly to close. In the Kitchen Appliances Lab, we’ve tested more than 50 air fryers. When we test them, we cook an assortment of foods that someone would most likely cook at home. We air fry chicken wings and frozen fries to see how quickly and evenly they cook. We score the timing and evenness as well as the crispiness and how juicy or dry they turn out. We air fry grilled cheese and frozen mozzarella sticks to test how powerful the fan is — some are so strong they can blow your food around or cause cheese to ooze too much. The Cuisinart TOA-70 is among the most popular air fryer styles, combining air frying with toasting, baking, and roasting capabilities.
Where to Buy: Amazon
2. Café Couture Oven with Air Fry
The interior of this air fryer is stainless steel. The heavy-duty wire rack and air fry basket are made of steel with nickel plating, the crumb tray is aluminum-coated steel, and the pizza pan is porcelain enamel. The only thing that caused me concern was the nickel, but it is FDA-approved for food contact, and I struggled to find any robust reasoning for avoiding it. I suppose you could always purchase 100% stainless steel replacement racks if you wanted to. In terms of cooking, the results were excellent. The Café Couture Oven is PFOA and PTFE free, with all products tested by a third-party accredited lab to confirm safety and compliance with state and federal limits.
Where to Buy: Amazon
3. Ninja DoubleStack XL Air Fryer
This air fryer stacks two baskets vertically to maximize cooking space within a small footprint – an innovative design that works so well, we awarded it the prize for best air fryer in the 2024 TechRadar Choice Awards. It cooks brilliantly too, with virtually no transfer of heat between the two baskets, meaning you can cook two completely different dishes at different temperatures. Each 4.75-litre drawer comes with a stainless-steel rack, so you can also air fry two layers of ingredients simultaneously. In use, we found the Double Stack noisier than other air fryers we’ve tested, but cooking with it was a breeze. Our air fried chips were mostly even in colour, with a crisp and well-sealed exterior and fluffy centre.
Where to Buy: Amazon
4. Our Place Wonder Oven
Materials– Exterior is stainless steel. Crumb Tray is stainless steel, wire rack is chromed steel, bake pan is aluminum with ceramic coating and air fryer basket is chromed steel. I really like the Our Place Wonder Oven a lot! It wins the award for best in so many categories because it truly performs so well. I have been on the hunt for a nontoxic air fryer for years and when I saw that Our Place came out with a nontoxic version, I was all ears! Their Always Pan has been a staple in my kitchen for several years and I love how it’s held up and performed. I like how small the Wonder Oven is. At first I thought it might be too small compared to our previous toaster oven, but once I started to use it I realized how it wasn’t a big deal because of their multilevel cooking.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Advantages of Stainless Steel Air Fryers
- Non-Toxic Cooking: Stainless steel is durable, non-reactive, and won’t leach chemicals into food, unlike PTFE or PFAS-coated baskets. It’s a safer choice for health-conscious cooks.
- Durability: Stainless steel bodies and interiors resist wear and tear, ensuring long-term use without flaking or chipping.
- Easy to Clean: Many stainless steel components are dishwasher-safe, though some require hand-washing to maintain their finish.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek, stainless steel finish complements modern kitchen designs, as noted with models like the Cuisinart TOA-70.
- Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Air Fryers
- Higher Cost: Stainless steel options, like the Café Couture, tend to be pricier than plastic models, often ranging from $120 to $250.
- Weight: Stainless steel air fryers, such as the Our Place Wonder Oven, are heavier, making them less portable.
- Cleaning Challenges: Stainless steel baskets can be harder to clean compared to non-stick surfaces, requiring more effort for stuck-on food.
- Limited Capacity: Some models, like the Ninja DoubleStack XL, prioritize compact designs, which may limit cooking volume for larger families.
Buying Guide for Stainless Steel Air Fryers
When choosing a stainless steel air fryer, consider these key factors:
- Capacity: Select a size based on your household. A 4-6 quart model, like the Ninja DoubleStack XL, suits small to medium families, while 8-10 quart options, like the Café Couture, are better for larger groups.
- Features: Look for versatile functions like baking, roasting, or dehydrating. The Cuisinart TOA-70 offers multiple cooking modes for flexibility.
- Controls: Choose between digital touchscreens (Ninja DoubleStack XL) or analog dials (Our Place Wonder Oven). Dials are simpler but lack preset options.
- Safety: Ensure the model is PFOA/PTFE-free, as verified by third-party testing for the Café Couture Oven. Confirm FDA-approved materials for food contact surfaces.
- Footprint: Measure your counter space. Compact models like the Our Place Wonder Oven save space, while larger units like the Cuisinart TOA-70 need more room.
- Price: Budget for $80-$250. Stainless steel models are pricier, but mid-range options like the Cuisinart TOA-70 balance cost and performance.
For more advice, visit Consumer Reports’ Air Fryer Buying Guide.
FAQs About Stainless Steel Air Fryers
Are stainless steel air fryers completely non-toxic?
Most stainless steel air fryers are free of PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE, making them safer than non-stick models. Some components, like nickel-plated racks in the Café Couture, may raise concerns, but nickel is FDA-approved. You can replace racks with 100% stainless steel if preferred.
Can I cook without oil in a stainless steel air fryer?
Yes, stainless steel air fryers can cook with little to no oil. Roasted chicken may taste great without oil, but fries often need a light oil coating for optimal crispiness.
How do I clean a stainless steel air fryer basket?
Most baskets, like those in the Ninja DoubleStack XL, are dishwasher-safe. For hand-washing, soak in warm soapy water and use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratches. Avoid harsh cleaners to preserve the finish.
Are stainless steel air fryers worth the higher price?
If you value non-toxic cooking and durability, stainless steel air fryers are worth the investment. They last longer and avoid chemical leaching, though budget buyers may prefer plastic models for occasional use.
Do stainless steel air fryers cook as evenly as non-stick models?
Yes, models like the Cuisinart TOA-70 cook evenly when food is arranged in a single layer. Shaking the basket or flipping food midway ensures consistent results.
Learn more about air fryer safety at Homes & Gardens’ Non-Toxic Air Fryer Guide.
Conclusion
Stainless steel air fryers offer a safe, durable, and versatile solution for healthier cooking. Top picks like the Cuisinart TOA-70, Café Couture Oven, Ninja DoubleStack XL, and Our Place Wonder Oven deliver excellent performance with non-toxic materials. By evaluating capacity, features, and budget, you can find the ideal model for your kitchen. Shop these recommendations on Amazon to enjoy crispy, guilt-free meals today.