In many households, air fryers develop minor problems after prolonged use—the inner coating starts to peel, crack, and in some places, even expose the metal underneath. At this point, everyone worries: can this fryer still be used? It’s a waste to throw it away, but continuing to use it raises safety concerns. The answer is actually quite clear, but it depends on the situation. Today, we’ll explain in simple terms whether an air fryer with peeling coating can still be used, and how to prevent the coating from prematurely “retiring.”How many minutes should you air fry chicken wings?
First, the conclusion: minor peeling can be used temporarily, but severe peeling must be discarded! What is minor peeling? It means the inner pot only has a few small scratches or spots, with no large areas of peeling coating and no exposed metal. This is mostly caused by long-term cleaning with a hard brush. It’s generally fine to use it temporarily, but you must take precautions. For example, each time you use it, place a piece of baking paper or a heat-resistant silicone mat inside the fryer to prevent food from directly contacting the peeling areas and avoiding coating debris falling into the food.Air Fryer Sweet Potato Roasting Temperature and Time
So what is severe peeling? If large patches of the coating on the inner pot are peeling off, exposing large areas of metal, or if the coating has started to flake, it should absolutely not be used. Many overseas food safety organizations have warned that air fryer coatings are mostly made of Teflon. While stable, the exposed metal inner pot is prone to rusting after peeling, and may even react with hot food. More importantly, the peeling coating fragments may be ingested, posing a health risk. Don’t hesitate to spend money; replacing the inner pot or the entire air fryer is the safest option in this situation.Is an air fryer suitable for small apartments?
Why does the coating peel off? Many people assume it’s due to poor quality, but it’s more often caused by improper use. A common mistake made by overseas households is using steel wool or hard-bristled brushes to clean the inner pot. While the coating may look sturdy, it’s actually very susceptible to scratches. Long-term scrubbing with hard objects can easily create scratches, eventually causing the coating to peel off. Additionally, rinsing the air fryer with cold water before it has cooled down after use can also cause the coating to crack and peel due to thermal expansion and contraction. Furthermore, placing food directly inside the inner pot can also scratch the coating with sharp bones or hard shells.
How to properly protect your air fryer’s coating? Just remember a few simple methods. First, always use a soft sponge or cloth with a little mild detergent to gently wipe the fryer. Never use steel wool or a hard-bristled brush. Second, let the air fryer cool down after use before cleaning to avoid damage to the coating from thermal expansion and contraction. Third, try to prevent food from directly contacting the inner pot. For example, use baking paper, silicone molds, or aluminum foil to separate the food. This protects the coating and reduces cleaning hassle.
A small reminder: If your air fryer is still under warranty and the coating is peeling off, you can contact the brand’s after-sales service. Many overseas brands will replace the inner pot for free. If the warranty has expired, you can also buy a replacement inner pot of the same model, which is much cheaper than replacing the entire fryer. Also, when buying a new air fryer, try to choose one with a thicker, higher-quality coating, such as those labeled “ceramic coating” or “diamond coating.” These coatings are more wear-resistant and last longer.
Here’s a common example from overseas: In many European households, people use special air fryer cleaning sponges. These sponges are soft and won’t scratch the coating. After use, first empty the food residue from the inner pot, let it cool, then soak it in warm water for a few minutes, and then wipe it clean with the soft sponge. This effectively protects the coating. If you find any minor scratches, immediately start using baking paper to extend the air fryer’s lifespan.
Actually, to determine if an air fryer with peeling coating is still usable, just look at one thing: is there any exposed metal? If it’s not exposed, you can still use it for a while with proper protection; if it is, stop using it immediately—don’t risk your health. Regularly protecting the coating will make your air fryer last longer, saving you money and ensuring safety.