I just discovered this common mistake that can kill your air fryer, and I've been doing it for years

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It's so obvious, but I hadn't thought of it — until now

Gourmia Fry ‘N Fold Digital Air Fryer
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Im a big air fryer fan. In fact, since they've become a signature kitchen appliance, I've tested more than 15 models of air fryers. Single, dual-zone, tri-zone, an air fryer that doubles as a slow cooker — you name it, I've cooked in it. So, it came as a rather big surprise when I recently learned something you're not supposed to do with an air fryer, which I've been doing for years. And stupidly, I hadn't even realized this was one of the most common air fryer mistakes.

Yes, the rumors are true: just like your non-stick fry pan, you're not supposed to use metal utensils in an air fryer. This is because of those easy-to-clean grates, which sit in your air fryer baskets — they're dipped in a special non-stick coating that is easily scratched when it comes in touch with anything sharp. And once scratched, it could release those 'forever chemicals' into your food.

Here's what else we know about the dangers of using metal utensils in an air fryer — plus air fryer accessories you can buy so that your metal utensils can still be used. And if you're concerned about the non-stick coating of the grates in general, we've even got a non-toxic air fryer recommendation.

Metal utensils in an air fryer — is it really that bad?

phillips 2000 series black air fryer with a 6.6 basket and a window, a vortex grill for air circulation, 13 preset modes, and an led screen for timing and heat settings

(Image credit: Future)

The short answer is no, so long as you're careful about scratching. The long answer is that you really need to be aware that if you do end up scratching this coating, you'll need to buy a replacement grate — and if this isn't available, a whole new air fryer.

So, it's not really worth the risk, in my opinion. There are things you can buy to use in your air fryer so that you can still (cautiously) use metal utensils, if you're not willing to let go of your metal spatula yet.

As frustrating as it is that these grates (and in some cases, the baskets, too, it all depends on the air fryer) are coated with non-stick, this is one of the reasons your air fryer is so easy to keep clean.

What to use instead?

An air fryer basket with potato waffles in it next to silicone tongs

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Metal utensils aren't a complete no-go — you can, of course, use metal tongs to take food out of your air fryer, so long as they're not touching the baskets or grates, only the food.

Otherwise, wooden and silicone utensils are always a great option. You could also invest in some air fryer basket liners like this $9 2-pack on Amazon (these are usually made from silicone), which can be used with metal utensils as there's no scratch risk.

If you're not a big fan of using a lot of plastic in the kitchen (arguably, me too!), then a great alternative is these paper air fryer liners, $23 at Amazon. They are disposable, so you get 100 in a pack. They also hold oil and liquids, and are available in several sizes to suit the shape of your air fryer baskets.

Boribim Square Silicone Air Fryer Liners
Boribim Square Silicone Air Fryer Liners: $9 at Amazon

This two-pack of silicone air fryer liners is ideal for use in a scratched air fryer, or for preventing contact between metal utensils and nonstick coating.

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Can I buy an air fryer without a non-stick coating on its baskets?

These are commonly known as non-toxic air fryers, and they are rapidly becoming popular — it's easy to understand why.

The tried and tested Ninja CRISPi is a great glass alternative, which benefits from zero coating but is still easy to clean. It doesn't offer separate drawers, however, and doesn't quite pack the power that your usual air fryer does. One of the biggest pros about this air fryer's design has to be that its glass cooking bowl can also be used as a container, as it comes with lids. It's totally detachable from the main unit, making the main unit easy to store away.

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Annie Collyer
Annie Collyer
Freelance Contributor

Annie is a freelancer at Tom's Guide. She's been an Editor at various home magazines for 7 years — reviewing and writing about everything from cleaning products to air fryers and mattresses. Annie started her career at Real Homes as Deals Editor in 2018 and by 2020 she was the UK Shopping Editor at Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and Ideal Home. She was in charge of the majority of eCommerce content on these sites, including reviews and buying guides. Now, as a freelancer, she writes features, reviews, and guides for several brands including BBC Good Food, Ideal Home, and Parade Home & Garden.

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