Does Air Fryers Cause Cancer? Helpful Information And Tips

Air fryers are popular kitchen appliances that can be used to make healthier versions of fried foods. As air frying can reduce fat and oil intake by almost 80%, health-sensitive individuals often wonder if there is a potential risk of developing cancer due to their long-term use. Unfortunately, the research connecting air fryers and cancer does not indicate any major concerns at this time. However, as with many cooking methods, ensuring that your food is cooked correctly could lower any trace risks associated with air frying. In this blog post, we’ll dive into does air fryers cause cancer and address whether or not sufficient evidence exists in regards to cancer prevention or promotion through it’s use.

What Is An Air Fryer And How Does It Work?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that operates by efficiently circulating hot air throughout its interior. Similar to a convection oven, it utilizes a fan to circulate hot air around food placed on a perforated tray or basket.

Compare Air Fryers Vs Deep Fryers

When comparing air fryers to deep fryers, the main difference lies in the amount of oil used for cooking. Deep fryers rely on heating oil or fat to high temperatures for cooking, whereas air fryers cook food using rapidly circulated hot air and minimal to no oil.

Understanding Air Fryers And Health Claims

When evaluating air fryers and their health claims, it is worth noting that, by most measures, air frying is considered healthier compared to traditional frying in oil. This is primarily due to its ability to reduce calories by 70% to 80% and minimize fat content. Additionally, air frying can potentially mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with oil frying.

Health Benefits Of Air Fryers

Air fryers offer numerous health benefits. By reducing calories by 70% to 80% and minimizing fat content, this cooking method helps minimize the harmful effects of oil frying. Additionally, air frying reduces the formation of acrylamide, a chemical associated with an increased risk of cancer when frying potatoes or starchy foods.

Does Air Fryers Cause Cancer?

The air-frying equipment itself is not known to cause cancer. However, it is important to note that the process of air frying can lead to the formation of certain compounds, such as acrylamide, which have been linked to the development of cancer.



The Risk Of Plastics And Non-Stick Coatings

Plastics and non-stick coatings pose potential risks. While Teflon is generally safe and stable, temperatures above 500°F (260°C) can cause the breakdown of Teflon coatings on nonstick cookware, releasing toxic chemicals into the air ( 18 ). Inhalation of these fumes may result in polymer fume fever, commonly referred to as the Teflon flu.

Air Fryers And Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

One of the compounds that have been linked to cancer in air frying is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These are formed when fatty foods are cooked at high temperatures, such as in deep-frying or grilling. In air frying, PAHs may also be produced when oils and fats from the food drip onto the heating element and burn. However, the amount of PAHs produced in air frying is considerably less compared to deep-frying or grilling.

Air Fryers And Heterocyclic Amines

Another compound that has been linked to cancer risk is heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs are formed when amino acids, sugars, and creatine react at high temperatures, such as in grilling or frying. While air frying may create some HCAs due to the Maillard reaction, the amount produced is significantly lower compared to traditional frying methods.

Other Chemicals Released Into The Air

Other chemicals released into the air can include gases like hydrogen chloride, benzene, and toluene, as well as compounds and metals such as asbestos, cadmium, mercury, and chromium. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified 188 pollutants as hazardous.

Healthy Cooking With Air Fryers To Reduce Cancer Risk

Air fryers offer a healthier cooking method to minimize the risk of cancer. These innovative kitchen appliances effectively reduce the formation of toxic acrylamide, a compound that develops in certain foods during high-heat cooking methods like deep frying. Studies have suggested a potential link between acrylamide and the development of various types of cancer, including endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and esophageal cancer. By opting for air fryers in your cooking routine, you can lower this risk and prioritize your health.

Is Your Air Fryer A Healthy Hero Or Cancer-Causing Culprit?

Air-frying equipment is not associated with cancer, but the air frying process does lead to the formation of certain compounds, such as acrylamide, which have been linked to the development of cancer. Acrylamide is classified as a potential human carcinogen.