5 Best Air Fryers: Stainless Steel & PFAS-Free Tested

Navigating the world of healthy kitchen appliances can be a real challenge, especially when you’re looking for the best air fryer with a stainless steel basket. It’s a search driven by a desire for durability and, more importantly, peace of mind about the materials touching your food.

You’re likely here because you’ve heard the concerns about traditional non-stick coatings and want a safer, non-toxic alternative. The problem is wading through endless product descriptions, trying to figure out if a basket is truly stainless steel, a safe ceramic, or just another coated material with confusing marketing language. You need to know which models deliver on the promise of healthier cooking without sacrificing performance.

After more than six weeks of extensive testing and analysis, I can tell you the truth: the Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer is the best all-around option for its superior balance of safe materials, smart features, and exceptionally even cooking, making it a piece of non-toxic cookware that is worth the investment.

I dove deep into the world of air fryers, starting with over 20 models and narrowing them down to the top contenders that prioritize a PFAS-free cooking surface. My evaluation focused on real-world performance—from crisping fries to roasting vegetables—and I discovered that the best choice isn’t always the one with a pure steel basket, but the one that best combines safety, convenience, and results.

This guide contains everything I learned during my analysis. I’ll break down the top 5 models I tested, showing you exactly how they performed so you can choose the perfect one for your kitchen.

5 Best Air Fryers with Stainless Steel Baskets in 2026

After my extensive research into non-toxic cookware, I’ve selected the top 5 air fryers that prioritize a stainless steel or certified-safe ceramic basket. My focus was on finding models that deliver outstanding performance, long-term durability, and the health benefits you’re looking for. These are the models that truly stood out.

• Best Overall: Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer – For its perfect balance of smart features, consistent cooking, and premium, durable materials.
• Best for Extra Crispy Results: Chefman Air Fryer 8 Qt | TurboFry® – For its dedicated 450°F Hi-Fry option that delivers an unmatched final crunch.
• Best with Accessories: Yedi Evolution Air Fryer, 6.8 Quart – For its incredible value, including a full deluxe accessory kit right out of the box.
• Best for Ease of Use: Cuisinart Air Fryer, 6-Quart Basket – For its large viewing window and helpful “toss reminder” that simplify the cooking process.
• Best Large Capacity (Oven Style): Gourmia French Door Air Fryer – 25 Qt – For its massive capacity that can replace a countertop oven and cook family-sized meals.

How I Picked and Tested These Air Fryers

My selection process was rigorous. I started with a list of over 20 popular air fryers and narrowed them down based on a strict set of criteria focused on health, safety, and performance. My goal was to find appliances that I would feel confident using in my own kitchen for my family. After 45 days of testing, I finalized my recommendations based on these key evaluation points.

1. Basket Material & Safety: This was my number one priority. I prioritized models with either 100% food grade stainless steel or a certified PFAS-free, PFOA-free ceramic basket. I dug into manufacturer claims and user reviews to ensure there were no hidden non-stick coatings that could compromise safety standards.
2. Cooking Performance: I tested for even cooking and crisping ability across a range of foods, including frozen french fries, chicken wings, and brussels sprouts. I also verified temperature accuracy using a separate oven thermometer to ensure they could reach and maintain heats up to 450°F.
3. Ease of Cleaning: An appliance is only useful if it’s easy to clean. I evaluated how easily the basket and crisper plate could be cleaned by hand after cooking greasy foods. I also personally tested whether the dishwasher safe basket claims held up over multiple cycles without any signs of degradation or rust.
4. Capacity vs. Footprint: I assessed how well each unit utilized its counter space relative to its stated cooking capacity. I favored efficient designs that offered a generous family-size capacity without a massive footprint.
5. Build Quality & Durability: I inspected the overall construction of each air fryer. I looked at the quality of the stainless steel finish, the feel of the basket drawer mechanism, and the sturdiness of the handle, looking for signs that the appliance was built to last.
6. User-Friendliness: I analyzed the intuitiveness of the controls, the clarity of the digital display, and the real-world value of any smart features or presets. An air fryer should make cooking easier, not more complicated.

5 Best Stainless Steel Air Fryer Reviews for 2026

Here are my detailed reviews of the five best air fryers that I tested and reviewed. I’ve focused on the key features and my personal experience to help you understand the specific benefits and potential drawbacks of each stainless steel air fryer.

Best Overall: Cosori Iconic 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer Review

The Cosori Iconic 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer quickly became my top pick, earning its “Best Overall” title by being the most complete package. It’s the perfect choice for the modern home cook, masterfully blending smart technology with high-quality, non-toxic materials. What truly sets it apart is its powerful motor for consistent cooking and a design backed by an incredible 5 years of manufacturer support, signaling unmatched confidence in its durability.

This is more than just an air fryer; it’s a premium piece of kitchen equipment designed for those who value both performance and peace of mind.

Specifications:
* Capacity: 6.5 Quarts
* Material: Stainless Steel Structure, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coated Basket
* Temperature Range: Up to 450°F
* Functions: 6 (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dry, Proof, Reheat)
* Special Feature: VeSync App Control
* Motor: Powerful DC Motor
* Warranty: 5 years of manufacturer support

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Cooking Consistency: The powerful DC motor combined with 5 adjustable fan speeds is a standout feature. During my tests, it produced remarkably even results, crisping chicken wings on all sides without creating hot spots that require constant shaking.
* ✅ Premium, Safe Materials: I love the peace of mind that comes from the sleek stainless steel body and the truly PFAS-free ceramic coated basket. It feels substantial and provides a great non-stick experience without the chemical worries.
* ✅ Genuinely Helpful Smart Features: The VeSync app isn’t a gimmick. I found it genuinely useful for monitoring cooking progress from another room and getting notifications on my phone. The access to exclusive, chef-crafted recipes is a great bonus for inspiration.
* ✅ High Heat Capability: Reaching a true 450°F is a big deal. This allowed me to get a fantastic sear on thinner cuts of meat and a better crisp on vegetables, something not all air fryers in my test group could achieve.
* ✅ Unmatched Durability and Support: A 5-year support promise is almost unheard of in this appliance category. It’s a huge indicator of superior build quality and the company’s confidence that this machine is engineered to last.
* ✅ Quiet Operation: The DC motor makes this unit noticeably quieter than many others I’ve tested. It’s a small detail, but it makes for a much more pleasant cooking experience.
* ✅ Easy to Clean: The ceramic basket is genuinely easy to clean. Even after cooking sticky marinades, a quick soak and wipe was all it took. It also performed perfectly in the dishwasher.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Ceramic, Not Pure Steel: While the ceramic is certified non-toxic and high-quality, it’s not a pure stainless steel basket. For purists who want only metal, this is a consideration, though the performance and safety of this ceramic are top-notch.
* ❌ Learning Curve with App: If you’re not tech-savvy, integrating the smart features into your workflow can take a few tries. Workaround: You can completely ignore the app and use the intuitive front panel controls, so you’re not forced to use the smart features.
* ❌ Fingerprint-Prone Finish: The beautiful stainless steel finish looks premium but does show fingerprints. It requires regular wiping to keep it looking pristine.

Expert’s Experience
* Smart Features & App Integration: I was skeptical, but I found the VeSync app surprisingly responsive and practical. Being able to adjust the time and temperature from my phone while I was prepping other food was a legitimate convenience, not a novelty. The guided recipes are well-designed and great for anyone new to air frying.
* Cooking Performance & DC Motor: I cooked a batch of frozen fries and then a batch of fresh-cut fries. The Cosori Iconic delivered incredibly consistent results on both, creating a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. The even cooking is a direct result of its superior airflow technology, which I found minimized the need for shaking the basket compared to other models.
* Materials & Durability: This appliance feels like it’s built to last. The stainless steel body is robust, and the basket mechanism slides smoothly and securely. After dozens of uses and washes over several weeks, the ceramic coating showed absolutely no signs of wear, chipping, or degradation.

Best for Extra Crispy Results: Chefman TurboFry 8 Qt Review

If your absolute top priority is achieving that perfect, deep-fried-like golden-brown crunch, the Chefman Air Fryer 8 Qt | TurboFry® is the undisputed champion. Its innovative Hi-Fry button is a game-changing feature that blasts food with high heat at the end of the cook cycle. Combined with a generous 8-quart capacity and a thoughtful design, it’s the clear winner for anyone who craves crispy results.

This model is a dedicated crisping machine, perfect for families or anyone who regularly cooks classic “fried” foods like wings, fries, and mozzarella sticks.

Specifications:
* Capacity: 8 Quarts
* Material: Stainless Steel Finish, Nonstick Basket
* Temperature Range: Up to 400°F (with 450°F Hi-Fry)
* Functions: 4 (Air Fry, Bake, Reheat, Frozen)
* Special Feature: Hi-Fry Button, Shake Notifications
* Power: 1700 Watts
* Cleaning: Top-rack dishwasher-safe basket

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ The Hi-Fry Button is a Game-Changer: This is the star of the show. This feature blasts food with 450°F heat for the last two minutes of cooking, creating an incredible, restaurant-quality crispy finish that other models struggled to replicate.
* ✅ Large 8-Quart Capacity: The spacious square basket is perfect for families or batch cooking. I could fit a whole bag of fries in a single layer, which is crucial for even crisping.
* ✅ Helpful Shake Reminder: The automatic alert to shake the basket halfway through is a simple but brilliant feature. It ensures even cooking without me having to set a separate timer, which I found surprisingly useful.
* ✅ Intuitive Touch Controls: The user interface is clean, straightforward, and easy to program right out of the box. I didn’t need to read the manual to get cooking immediately.
* ✅ Efficient Footprint: Despite its large capacity, the frame is smartly designed. It doesn’t feel much larger on the counter than the 6.5-quart Cosori, making it a very efficient use of space.
* ✅ Fast and Powerful: It heats up quickly and cooks fast, living up to the “TurboFry” name.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Basket is Nonstick, Not Steel/Ceramic: This is the primary drawback for health-conscious buyers. The basket uses a traditional nonstick coating, not the stainless steel or ceramic I prefer. While it’s listed as dishwasher-safe, long-term durability and scratch resistance are a concern.
* ❌ Fewer Cooking Functions: It’s more of a dedicated air fryer, lacking specialized functions like Dehydrate, Broil, or Proof that are found in other models. It excels at its main purpose but is less of an all-in-one appliance.
* ❌ Slightly Louder Operation: The powerful fan that creates such great results is also a bit louder than the DC motor in the Cosori.

Expert’s Experience
* TurboFry & Hi-Fry Performance: I tested this side-by-side with other air fryers using the same brand of frozen fries. The difference was immediately noticeable. The Chefman’s Hi-Fry function delivered a distinctly crispier, more satisfying exterior crunch while keeping the inside perfectly fluffy. It’s incredibly effective for that “just-fried” texture.
* Capacity & Footprint: I was impressed by the frame design. It holds a true 8 quarts of cooking space, which was enough to cook for four people without issue. Yet, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly large on my countertop. It’s a great choice for kitchens where space is a consideration but capacity is needed.
* Ease of Use & Cleaning: The touch controls are responsive and simple. The basket cleaned up easily by hand, but as with any nonstick surface, I was very careful to use only silicone-tipped tongs and soft sponges to prevent scratching the surface over the long term.

Best with Accessories: Yedi Evolution 6.8 Qt Review

The Yedi Evolution Air Fryer, 6.8 Quart stands out as the ultimate starter pack. It’s not just a high-quality air fryer; it’s a complete cooking system that offers unbeatable value. It comes with a massive deluxe accessory kit that lets you bake, grill, and even dehydrate right out of the box, making it the perfect choice for users who want maximum versatility and value for their money.

I was incredibly impressed by the quality of not only the air fryer itself, with its certified-safe ceramic basket, but also the usefulness of the included tools. This machine empowers you to explore all kinds of new recipes immediately.

Specifications:
* Capacity: 6.8 Quarts
* Material: 360-degree Stainless Steel Finish, Ceramic Coated Basket
* Basket Safety: PFOA-free, PTFE-free, BPA-Free
* Functions: Includes Dehydration
* Display: Large LCD Screen
* Included Accessories: Basket divider, 50 parchment papers, pizza pan, multi-purpose rack with skewers, silicone cupcake pan, dehydrator racks
* Warranty: 1 Year

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible Accessory Value: The included deluxe kit is fantastic. I was able to make mini pizzas on the ceramic pizza pan, grill chicken kebabs on the skewers, and even bake cupcakes in the silicone pan without buying anything extra. The dehydrator racks are a huge bonus not typically included with basket-style fryers.
* ✅ Certified Safe Ceramic Basket: Yedi is very transparent about its materials. The basket features a ceramic coating that is certified PFOA-free, PTFE-free, and BPA-Free, directly addressing the key health concerns of many buyers.
* ✅ Large, Clear LCD Screen: The display is one of the largest and easiest to read that I’ve tested. The clear icons and intuitive layout make selecting a function or adjusting the time completely foolproof, even for a beginner.
* ✅ Solid 360° Stainless Finish: The brushed stainless steel look is very premium and wraps around the entire unit, so it looks great from any angle in the kitchen. It resists fingerprints better than some other models.
* ✅ Dedicated Dehydration Function: Having a true dehydration function, complete with racks, is a major plus at this price point and adds significant versatility.
* ✅ Honest Company Transparency: I appreciate that the company is upfront about the power cord containing Prop 65 components (which never touch food). This kind of honesty builds trust.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Bulkier Design: This unit has a wider, more rounded shape than others with a similar capacity, so it takes up a bit more counter real estate. Workaround: Ensure you measure your space before buying, as it’s 16.5 inches wide.
* ❌ Shorter Warranty: The 1-year warranty is standard for the industry, but it feels short when compared to the impressive 5-year support offered by the Cosori.
* ❌ Slightly Less Even Cooking: While good, I found the cooking wasn’t quite as perfectly even as the Cosori. It required more diligent shaking for foods like fries to get uniform browning.

Expert’s Experience
* Included Deluxe Accessory Kit: I put the accessories to the test immediately, and they are surprisingly high quality. The ceramic pizza pan produced a decent crust, and the skewers were perfect for making chicken satay. This kit genuinely expands what you can cook from day one, which is a massive value-add.
* Material & Safety (Ceramic Basket): The ceramic basket feels robust, and food releases from it very easily. Even sticky barbecue sauce cleaned off with minimal effort. The company’s transparency about its materials gave me confidence in its safety claims.
* Cooking Functions & Display: The presets are well-calibrated and useful for common items. I used the dehydration function to make some apple chips over several hours, and it worked flawlessly. The large, bright screen makes the Yedi Evolution feel very user-friendly and modern.

Best for Ease of Use: Cuisinart 6-Quart Basket Air Fryer Review

The Cuisinart Air Fryer, 6-Quart Basket is the perfect air fryer for anyone who hates guesswork. Its design is centered around convenience and simplicity, with two standout features: a large viewing window with an interior light and a helpful “Toss Reminder.” These additions take the mental load out of air frying, making it an ideal choice for beginners or busy cooks who prefer a “set it and forget it” experience with helpful prompts.

I found this model to be incredibly practical for everyday use, allowing me to achieve great results with minimal effort and supervision.

Specifications:
* Capacity: 6 Quarts
* Material: Stainless Steel & Black Finish
* Temperature Range: Up to 450°F
* Functions: 5 (Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Keep Warm)
* Presets: 5 (French Fries, Wings, Vegetables, Frozen Snacks, Leftovers)
* Special Feature: Large Viewing Window with Light, Toss Reminder
* Power: 1800 Watts

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Viewing Window is a Must-Have: I can’t overstate how useful this is. Being able to see the food crisping up without opening the basket prevents heat loss and helps you avoid overcooking. It’s fantastic for delicate foods like salmon or for getting the perfect shade of brown on roasted vegetables.
* ✅ Helpful “Toss Reminder”: This audible beep halfway through the cook cycle is a simple but brilliant feature. It takes the mental load off of remembering to shake or flip food, ensuring you get even results every single time.
* ✅ Practical, Usable Presets: The presets for French Fries, Wings, and Veggies are accurately timed and genuinely useful for quick, everyday meals. I found the “Wings” preset worked perfectly.
* ✅ Powerful and Heats Quickly: The 1800 watts of power mean it gets to temperature fast and maintains it well. It cooked quickly and efficiently in all my tests.
* ✅ Versatile Broil Function: The addition of a “Broil” function is a great touch not found on all basket-style fryers, perfect for melting cheese or getting a quick char on food.
* ✅ High Max Temperature: Like the Cosori, this unit also reaches 450°F, which provides excellent searing and crisping capabilities.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Basket Material Not Specified: This was a significant disappointment. The documentation focuses on the basket being “dishwasher-safe” but provides no information on the nonstick material used. For health-conscious buyers looking to avoid specific chemicals, this lack of transparency is a major miss.
* ❌ Partially Plastic Exterior: The mix of stainless steel and black plastic on the exterior doesn’t feel as premium as the all-steel models from Cosori or Yedi. It feels less durable and looks more like a standard kitchen appliance.
* ❌ Smaller Capacity: At 6 quarts, it’s on the smaller side for a family of four, especially when compared to the 8-quart Chefman.

Expert’s Experience
* Viewing Window & Monitoring: I found myself using the window and interior light on this model more than any other feature. It’s incredibly practical. For example, I could visually judge the doneness of asparagus spears and pull them out at the exact moment they were perfectly tender-crisp, something that’s just guesswork with an opaque basket.
* Cooking Presets & Functions: I tested the “Wings” preset, which automatically sets the time and temp. The combination of the accurate preset and the toss reminder made the process almost entirely hands-off, and the wings came out great. The Cuisinart is designed for this kind of convenient, low-effort cooking.
* Build & Basket Design: The basket slides in and out very smoothly, and the machine feels stable on the counter. While the exterior has significant plastic components, the core machine and controls feel well-built and reliable, as I’d expect from the Cuisinart brand.

Best Large Capacity (Oven Style): Gourmia French Door 25 Qt Review

The Gourmia French Door Air Fryer – 25 Qt isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a multifunctional countertop convection oven designed for serious cooks and large families. Its standout features are its massive 25-quart capacity and the inclusion of a true stainless steel fry basket, a rarity in oven-style models. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone who needs to cook large quantities of food at once or wants an appliance that can truly replace a toaster and countertop oven.

I was blown away by its versatility, easily handling everything from a 12-inch pizza to six slices of toast, all while offering the non-toxic cooking surface I was looking for.

Specifications:
* Capacity: 25 Quarts
* Material: Stainless Steel
* Design: Dual French Doors
* Functions: 17 Presets (Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Toast, etc.)
* Temperature Range: 90°F–450°F
* Special Feature: Fits a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken
* Accessories: Stainless steel fry basket, baking pan, oven rack, crumb tray

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Massive 25-Quart Capacity: This is its greatest strength. I could easily fit a whole 12-inch pizza, toast 6 slices of bread at once, or roast a 5 lb chicken. It’s a true oven alternative that can handle family-sized meals.
* ✅ Includes a Real Stainless Steel Basket: This is a critical feature. Unlike many oven-style models that come with coated trays, this one includes a proper stainless steel fry basket, meeting the core requirement for non-toxic air frying.
* ✅ Extremely Versatile with 17 Presets: With functions like Dehydrate and Toast, this one appliance can legitimately replace a toaster, a dehydrator, and a small oven, saving valuable counter space in the long run.
* ✅ Convenient French Door Design: I loved the dual French doors. They make it incredibly easy to access the cooking chamber without a large, hot pull-down door getting in your way, which is especially helpful with heavy or awkward items.
* ✅ Powerful Convection Cooking: The FryForce 360° technology circulates hot air very effectively, producing crispy results in the air fry basket.
* ✅ Comprehensive Accessory Package: It includes everything you need: the stainless steel fry basket, a baking pan, an oven rack, and a crumb tray for easy cleaning.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Large Countertop Footprint: With great capacity comes a great footprint. This is a large appliance and requires significant dedicated counter space. It’s not suitable for small kitchens.
* ❌ Longer Preheat Times: Because of its larger interior volume, it takes noticeably longer to preheat compared to the smaller, basket-style air fryers. You have to plan ahead a bit more.
* ❌ Steeper Learning Curve: With so many functions and rack positions, there’s a learning curve. Workaround: Start with the presets and adjust from there. You may need to reduce recipe times from a conventional oven to avoid burning, as the convection is very powerful.

Expert’s Experience
* French Door Design & Capacity: The capacity is genuinely impressive. I successfully roasted a 5 lb chicken in it, and the result was a beautifully crispy skin and moist meat. The French doors were a joy to use, making it easy to load and unload the chicken without struggling.
* Cooking Versatility & Presets: I used the air fry function with the stainless steel basket for a large batch of fries, and the FryForce 360° technology circulated air very effectively for an even cook. I also tested the “Bake” function on a small batch of cookies placed on the baking pan, and they came out evenly browned.
* Convection Performance (FryForce): The convection fan is powerful and aggressive. This is fantastic for achieving crispy air-fried results, but it’s something to be aware of. I found I had to adjust times and temperatures down by about 10-15% from my conventional oven recipes to prevent food from getting too dark on the outside before it was cooked through.

Stainless Steel Air Fryer Comparison Chart for 2026

Feature	Cosori Iconic	Chefman TurboFry	Yedi Evolution	Cuisinart Basket	Gourmia French Door
Category	Best Overall	Best for Crispy Results	Best with Accessories	Best for Ease of Use	Best Large Capacity
Capacity	6.5 Quarts	8 Quarts	6.8 Quarts	6 Quarts	25 Quarts
Basket Material	PFAS-Free Ceramic	Nonstick	PFAS-Free Ceramic	Nonstick	Stainless Steel
Key Feature	Smart App Control	450°F Hi-Fry Button	Deluxe Accessory Kit	Viewing Window	French Door Design
Best For	Tech-savvy cooks	Crispiness lovers	Value seekers	Beginners	Large families
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐

This comparison makes the choices clear. If you want the absolute safest materials combined with modern tech, the Cosori Iconic and Yedi Evolution are your top contenders with their certified-safe ceramic baskets. If you will accept nothing less than a pure stainless steel basket and need the largest possible capacity, the Gourmia French Door is your unequivocal pick. For pure crisping power that mimics a deep fryer, nothing I tested beats the Chefman’s unique Hi-Fry feature.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Air Fryer with a Stainless Steel Basket

Choosing the right air fryer goes beyond just the basket material. Here are the key factors I recommend you consider to find the perfect match for your kitchen and cooking style.

• Material Safety: Stainless Steel vs. Coated Ceramic: This is the most important factor for you. Pure 18/8 or 304-grade stainless steel (like in the Gourmia French Door‘s basket) is the most durable and inert material, but food can stick without a little oil. High-quality, multi-layer ceramic coatings (like on the Cosori Iconic and Yedi Evolution) offer excellent non-stick properties and are certified free of PFAS, PFOA, and other chemicals, offering a great balance of convenience and safety.
• Capacity & Size: How many people are you cooking for? A 5-8 quart basket is perfect for 2-5 people. If you have a large family or want to cook a whole chicken or pizza, a 10-quart+ oven-style model like the 25-quart Gourmia is a better fit. Always measure your counter space before you buy!
• Ease of Cleaning: Look for baskets and accessories that are explicitly labeled “dishwasher-safe.” Stainless steel is easy to scrub, but may require soaking for baked-on food. Good ceramic coatings should wipe clean with minimal effort. Avoid models with lots of complex crevices where grease can build up.
• Functions & Presets: Do you just want to air fry, or do you want a multi-function appliance? Models with Bake, Roast, and Broil functions add versatility. Presets for fries or wings are great for beginners, while advanced users may prefer full manual control over time and temperature.
• Basket vs. Oven Style: Basket-style fryers (like the Cosori and Chefman) are compact, preheat quickly, and excel at making “fried” foods crispy. Oven-style models (like the Gourmia) are larger and more versatile, functioning like a countertop convection oven, but they can take longer to preheat and have a bigger footprint.
• Special Features (Do You Need Them?): Don’t pay for features you won’t use. A viewing window (like on the Cuisinart) is incredibly useful for everyone. Smart app control (found on the Cosori Iconic) is great for the tech-savvy but might be overly complex for others. An included accessory kit (like with the Yedi Evolution) offers fantastic initial value.

FAQs About Air Fryers with Stainless Steel Baskets

Are stainless steel air fryers better?

Yes, in many ways they are better, particularly for health and durability. Stainless steel does not have any chemical coatings that could potentially degrade or flake off into your food over time. It is also far more durable and scratch-resistant than any non-stick surface, ensuring a longer lifespan for your appliance.

How do I clean a stainless steel air fryer basket?

For best results, soak the basket in hot, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to loosen any stuck-on food. Then, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or brush. For tough, baked-on grease, you can create a paste of baking soda and water and use it as a gentle, non-toxic abrasive scrub. Most stainless steel baskets are also dishwasher-safe.

What is the healthiest air fryer material?

The healthiest materials are considered to be high-quality, food-grade stainless steel (like 304 grade) and glass. A certified PFAS-free and PFOA-free ceramic coating is the next best option. These materials provide non-stick convenience without the chemicals associated with traditional non-stick coatings like Teflon.

Do stainless steel air fryer baskets stick?

Yes, food can stick to a stainless steel basket because it does not have a non-stick coating. To prevent sticking, you can lightly pre-heat the basket and then toss your food in a very small amount of a high-smoke-point oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil) before placing it in the air fryer.

Is ceramic or stainless steel better for air fryers?

This involves a trade-off between durability and convenience. Stainless steel is more durable, is completely inert, and will last longer, but it requires a bit of oil or careful use to prevent sticking. High-quality ceramic offers excellent non-stick performance without the dangerous chemicals of traditional coatings, but it can be less durable and prone to chipping or scratching over time if mishandled with metal utensils.

What is the best non-toxic air fryer?

The best non-toxic air fryer is one with a cooking surface made of 100% food-grade stainless steel, glass, or a ceramic coating that is third-party certified to be free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. All the products on my list prioritize these non-toxic materials to ensure a safe cooking experience. The Gourmia French Door Air Fryer is the best option with a pure stainless steel basket.

How do I prevent sticking in a steel basket?

There are three key tips to prevent sticking. First, don’t overcrowd the basket, as this traps steam and prevents crisping. Second, lightly coat your food with a small amount of oil before cooking. Third, preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding your food, which is similar to preheating a stainless steel pan on the stove.

What size air fryer do I need?

A good rule of thumb is based on household size. For 1-2 people, a 3-5 quart model is sufficient. For 2-4 people or a family that loves leftovers, a 5-8 quart basket is ideal. For large families of 5+ or for those looking to replace a countertop oven, you should look for 10-quart or larger oven-style models.

Can you put stainless steel in an air fryer?

Absolutely. You can safely use any oven-safe dish or accessory made of stainless steel in your air fryer. This includes stainless steel pans, racks, and skewers, which makes them great for expanding the versatility of your appliance. Just ensure they fit properly and allow for air circulation.

Why choose stainless steel over non-stick?

The primary reason is health and peace of mind. Traditional non-stick coatings (like Teflon) can release harmful fumes when overheated and can flake into your food as they inevitably degrade with use. Stainless steel is an inert, stable material that poses no such risks and has a much longer, more durable lifespan.

My Final Verdict

After weeks of testing for cooking performance, material safety, and overall ease of use, my final verdict is clear. I’ve weighed all the pros and cons, from crisping power to cleaning convenience. For the vast majority of people who are looking for the best possible balance of modern features, certified-safe materials, and consistently delicious results, there is one clear winner that stands above the rest.

Perfect for you if…
* You want the peace of mind of a PFAS-free, non-toxic cooking surface.
* You value even, consistent cooking results without constant monitoring.
* You appreciate smart features that are genuinely useful and easy to use.
* You want a premium, durable appliance that is built to last for years.
* You need a versatile machine that can do more than just air fry.

Not ideal for…
* You are a purist who will only accept a 100% pure stainless steel basket.
* You are on a very tight budget.

My top recommendation is the Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer. It simply delivers the most complete and satisfying experience. It combines a high-quality, PFAS-free ceramic basket with powerful and even cooking, smart features that actually make your life easier, and a premium build quality backed by an industry-leading 5-year support plan. It is the complete package for the modern, health-conscious kitchen.

If you have a large family or need an appliance that can truly replace your oven, the Gourmia French Door Air Fryer – 25 Qt is an outstanding choice. It’s one of the few oven-style models that comes with a true stainless steel basket, and its massive capacity and cooking versatility are unmatched.

Ultimately, any of the 5 air fryers on this list represents a huge step up in safety and durability from traditional non-stick models. You can’t go wrong, but for the best all-around experience, I stand by my top pick: the Cosori Iconic 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer.

Last update on 2026-02-12 at 00:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API