An expert has highlighted the potential dangers of air fryers when used improperly.
Air fryers have quickly become a must-have in kitchens everywhere, and it’s easy to see why.
They offer the ability to cook a wide variety of foods with faster cooking times, making meal preparation quicker and more convenient.
Not only are air fryers more affordable than ovens or microwaves, but they allow you to prepare meals without burning a hole in your wallet.
Their versatility has made them so popular that people even bring them along on vacation or use them to cook large holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
It’s no wonder these appliances have become a staple in homes across the world.
You may not realize that using an air fryer incorrectly can pose risks to your health.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food, which allows it to cook and crisp up without being submerged in oil, making it seem like a healthier option. However, if not used properly, they could potentially be harmful.
A doctor in the UK has warned about the importance of maintaining and cleaning air fryers correctly to avoid potential health hazards.
Dr. Karan Rajan, speaking to his TikTok followers, pointed out that many air fryers have surfaces coated with polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS are chemicals commonly found in food packaging, toiletries, non-stick cookware, and even carpets.
According to the American Cancer Society, PFAS can be concerning for health because they don’t break down easily, and they can persist in both the environment and the human body over time.
Although chemicals like PFOA and PFOS are no longer produced in the U.S., people can still be exposed to them.
@dr.karanrToxic air fryers?!
The American Cancer Society explains that studies in lab animals have shown that exposure to PFOA increases the risk of certain tumors, including in the liver, testicles, breast, and pancreas.
“Other studies have suggested possible links to cancers such as prostate, bladder, breast, and ovarian cancer, though not all studies have confirmed these links. More research is needed to clarify these findings,” they note.
Dr. Karan reassured viewers that there’s only a potential concern if the air fryer is damaged.
“As long as you’re not planning to eat the lining of your air fryer, you should be fine,” he said.
He also suggested that if you’re worried about the non-stick coating, opting for a ceramic or stainless steel air fryer could be a safer alternative.
To minimize the risk of the coating getting into your food, it’s important to avoid scratching your air fryer while cooking and cleaning.
