Featured Image Credit: Tiktok/@dr.karanr/Getty/Rafa Jodar
Topics: Health, Food and Drink
Lucy Devine
An expert has revealed how dangerous air fryers can be if not used correctly.
Most of us are big fans of our air fryers. Thanks to their ability to cook just about anything - and the fact they're actually cheaper than using your oven - they're a staple in most kitchens.
Some people are so attached to their air fryers that they've even been taking them on holiday.
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While the air fryer has been around for some time, they've especially taken off in recent years.
They work by rapidly circulating heat to cook our foods, so while our roast potatoes might come out nice and crispy, they've not actually been fried at all.
For this reason, they're often seen as a healthier alternative. But, if used in the wrong way, one doctor believes they could actually be a health hazard.
A GP in the UK has explained why we need to be super careful to look after our air fryers, ensuring that they're cleaned and maintained correctly.
Speaking about using an air fryer, Dr Karan Rajan explained to TikTok followers that the ovens are coated in something called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS are a group of chemicals, used in food packaging, toiletries, non-stick cookware and carpets.
According to the American Cancer Society, PFAS have the potential to be a health concern.
This is 'because they don’t break down easily and can stay in the environment and in the human body for a long time'.
"There are many PFAS, but the ones that have been made and used the most in the United States are PFOA and PFOS," they explain.
"While these 2 chemicals are no longer made in the US, people can still be exposed to them."
The American Cancer Society explain that studies in lab animals found exposure to PFOA increased the risk of certain tumors, including in the liver, testicles, breast and pancreas.
"Other studies have suggested possible links to other cancers, including prostate, bladder, breast, and ovarian cancer. But not all studies have found such links, and more research is needed to clarify these findings," they add.
Dr Karan explained that there's only a potential issue if the air fryer is damaged.
"As long as you don't plan on eating the lining of your air fryer you will be fine," he said.
"And if you're really worried about the non-stick coating you can use a ceramic or stainless steel air fryer."
It's best to try and avoid scratching your air fryer while cooking and cleaning, to minimise the risk of the coating getting into your food.