why is my air fryer peeling
Air Frying Guides

Why Is My Air Fryer Basket Peeling?

Air fryers have made life so easy for many people. And I am also one of those luckiest people. I own a Black & Decker AF300 air fryer. Although I am also comfortable with traditional cooking and frying food, the air fryer has made my cooking experience much easier and hustle-free. It’s much simple to add the food , set the temperature and time, and let the air fryer do the job. 

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Cleaning is very simple too; all I had to do is to wash the air fryer basket and wipe the air fryer body with a cloth. But the problem some people face is that their basket starts to peel after some time. And this gives rise to the question that why my air fryer basket is peeling. So, I want to discuss here the reasons why your air fryer basket is peeling and how to stop it.  

Before moving towards the reasons first let’s analyze some questions:

What Is The Coating Used In A Non-Stick Air Fryer?

Most air fryers come with nonstick coating. Non-stick coatings used in air fryers are generally made of materials like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or ceramic. Teflon PTFE is the most common non-stick coating, you will see in many air fryers. It helps in cooking food and creates a non-stick surface and prevents food from sticking to the air fryer basket. These coatings are applied to the cooking basket or tray of the air fryer, making it easier to clean and ensuring even cooking.

What Are The Most Common Reasons For Air Fryer Baskets To Start Peeling?

If your air fryer’s interior or basket is peeling, it could be due to one or more of the following reasons:

Use Of Harsh Chemicals 

Harsh chemicals play a vital role in peeling the basket. They damage the non-stick coating of an air fryer basket, leading to peeling or degradation of the surface. Non-stick materials like PTFE and ceramic might be vulnerable to corrosive or abrasive cleaning chemicals, which could eventually cause the coating to wear off or peel away.

Abrasive Cleaning Tools

Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools. Using these tools, such as steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads, will damage the non-stick coating and cause it to peel. When you use steel wool, harsh scrubbing pads, or other abrasive cleaning tools, you risk creating tiny scratches and grooves in the non-stick coating. Over time, these scratches can accumulate and compromise the integrity of the coating. As a result, the coating may begin to peel or flake away, losing its non-stick properties and potentially exposing the underlying material to rust or corrosion.

Wear And Tear

Regular usage of your air fryer over time may also erode the non-stick coating, resulting in peeling or flaking. This is particularly true if you use your air fryer regularly or have owned it for a long time—at least two to three years. 

Manufacturing Defects 

Sometimes the basket cost peels off due to manufacturing defects or if you are using a cheap quality air fryer, its basket coating may peel more early. This could be the result of subpar coating material or an improper application process during manufacturing.

How Can I Prevent The Non-stick Coating On My Air Fryer Basket From Peeling?

To prevent peeling or flaking in your air fryer, follow these tips:

Clean Gently

Use a soft sponge or cloth and mild dish soap to clean your air fryer’s interior and basket. Avoid abrasive cleaning tools and harsh chemicals that could damage the non-stick coating.

Cool Before Cleaning

Allow your air fryer to cool completely before cleaning it. Sudden temperature changes, such as immersing a hot basket in cold water, can cause the non-stick coating to crack or peel.

Use Non-Abrasive Utensils

When removing food from the air fryer, use non-abrasive utensils, such as silicone or wooden spatulas, to avoid scratching the non-stick surface.

Replace The Basket

If your air fryer’s coating continues to peel despite taking these precautions, it is time to replace the basket or consider purchasing a new air fryer, especially if the peeling becomes severe and affects the appliance’s performance or food safety. Or if your air fryer is under warranty you can contact the manufacturer as well to claim the warranty and ask him to replace the basket. 

Is It Safe To Continue Using An Air Fryer Basket With Peeling Non-stick Coating?

No, I won’t advise utilizing an air fryer basket whose peeling is coming off or is just partially peeled. Because if the non-stick coating is peeling, there is a chance that small flakes could mix with your food during cooking. Although most non-stick coatings are considered safe when intact, consuming small particles of the coating material is not ideal.

Secondly, a damaged non-stick coating can result in uneven cooking, as some areas of the basket may have reduced non-stick properties. This may cause food to stick to the basket, making it more difficult to clean and potentially affecting the quality of the cooked food.

And finally, using a damaged air fryer basket might cause more harm to the underlying material or the non-stick coating. If the foundation material is exposed, it may become vulnerable to rust or corrosion, which would further reduce the strength and functionality of the basket.

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Ab Chaudhary

AboutAb Chaudhary

Hi, my name is Basit Ali. I’m a cooking enthusiast who loves trying out new recipes in the kitchen! I also like to upgrading my kitchen accessories from time-to-time with all sorts of interesting gadgets for making food prep easier and more convenient than ever before.

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