What Breville air fryers are made of, and whether they release harmful chemicals

Breville air fryers are generally considered safe for cooking. The cooking basket and tray are made from stainless steel or non-stick coated materials, and Breville states that their non-stick coatings are PTFE-free (meaning they do not contain Teflon). The heating element and housing are stainless steel or powder-coated metal. At the temperatures air fryers reach—typically 200°F to 400°F—these materials do not break down or release toxic fumes the way some coatings can at much higher temperatures.

The main concern people have about air fryer safety is the non-stick coating itself. Breville's coating is designed to withstand the heat and moisture of air frying without degrading. However, the safety of any non-stick surface depends on how you use it: overheating an empty basket, using metal utensils that scratch the coating, or cooking at temperatures above the manufacturer's maximum can all damage the surface and potentially release particles into food.

Breville air fryers also have a cool-touch exterior and safety features like automatic shut-off, which reduce the risk of burns or fire hazards during normal use. The basket handle and exterior housing stay relatively cool even during cooking, though the basket itself becomes hot.

Key Takeaways

  • Breville air fryer baskets use PTFE-free non-stick coatings, which do not contain Teflon and are safe at normal air frying temperatures.
  • The stainless steel and powder-coated metal housing do not release harmful chemicals during normal cooking.
  • Damage to the non-stick coating from metal utensils, scratching, or overheating can compromise the surface and should be avoided.
  • Breville air fryers include safety features like cool-touch handles and automatic shut-off to reduce burn and fire risk.
  • Proper use and care—following the manual's temperature limits and using only soft utensils—keeps the appliance safe over time.

How non-stick coatings work and why PTFE-free matters

Non-stick coatings reduce friction between food and the cooking surface, which means less oil is needed and food releases more easily. Traditional non-stick coatings used PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), the chemical in Teflon. At very high temperatures—above 500°F—PTFE can break down and release fumes that can cause flu-like symptoms in humans and are toxic to birds.

Breville's PTFE-free coating avoids this risk entirely. The coating they use is designed to be stable at the temperatures air fryers reach. Because air fryers typically max out at 400°F, and most recipes use 350°F or lower, the coating remains intact and safe. The risk of fume release is essentially zero under normal use.

That said, if you deliberately preheat an empty basket to its maximum temperature for an extended period, or if you somehow damage the coating and expose the underlying material, you could theoretically create a problem. This is why the manual recommends not preheating the basket empty and not using metal utensils that can scratch the surface.

What happens if the non-stick coating gets scratched or damaged

Minor scratches to the non-stick coating do not make the air fryer unsafe. The coating is applied over a metal base, and small scratches expose only that base metal—usually stainless steel or aluminum—which does not release harmful substances at air frying temperatures. Food will stick slightly in the scratched area, but that is a usability issue, not a safety issue.

Larger areas of peeling or flaking coating are more concerning. If pieces of the coating are coming off into your food, you should stop using the basket. Breville sells replacement baskets separately, and this is the safest option if the coating is significantly damaged. You can contact Breville directly or check their website for replacement parts specific to your model.

To prevent damage, use only silicone, wood, or plastic utensils when removing food. Never use metal forks, knives, or scrapers on the basket. Hand-wash the basket rather than putting it in the dishwasher, as the harsh cycle can accelerate coating wear. Allow the basket to cool before washing, and dry it thoroughly before the next use.

Materials in the housing and heating element

The outer housing of Breville air fryers is typically stainless steel or powder-coated steel. Powder coating is a dry finishing process that creates a durable, smooth surface. At the temperatures the exterior reaches during cooking—usually warm but not hot enough to burn skin—powder coating does not off-gas or release chemicals. The interior walls are also stainless steel or similar food-safe metal.

The heating element itself is a coil or element made from nichrome wire or similar high-temperature-resistant material. This element reaches the highest temperature in the unit, but it is not in direct contact with food and does not come into contact with moisture in a way that would cause degradation. The element is enclosed within the unit's housing.

The glass or plastic viewing window (on models that have one) is either tempered glass or heat-resistant plastic. Both are safe at the temperatures used in air frying and do not leach chemicals into the air or food.

Proper care to keep your Breville air fryer safe long-term

Follow the temperature limits in your manual. Breville air fryers are designed to operate safely up to their maximum temperature—usually 400°F—but pushing beyond that voids the warranty and can damage components. Stick to the recommended range for the food you are cooking.

Always preheat the basket with the lid closed, not empty and running. Preheating an empty basket at high temperature for too long can stress the non-stick coating unnecessarily. Most recipes only need 3 to 5 minutes of preheating.

Clean the basket and tray after each use. Food residue can build up and, if it burns onto the surface, can become harder to remove and may require more aggressive scrubbing that damages the coating. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge. For stubborn spots, soak the basket for 15 to 20 minutes before scrubbing.

Check the basket regularly for signs of wear. If you notice large areas of peeling coating, discoloration that does not wash off, or a change in how food sticks, it may be time to replace the basket. Breville replacement baskets are available for most models and are not expensive.

When to call Breville or consider a replacement

If you notice a burning smell when the air fryer is running, or if the exterior becomes too hot to touch, contact Breville customer service. These are not normal and may indicate a malfunction in the heating element or thermostat. Do not continue using the unit until you have spoken with them.

If the non-stick coating is peeling significantly or flaking into food, or if the basket is warped and no longer sits flat, replacement is the safest option. Breville's customer service can help you order the correct replacement basket for your model. You can find their contact information on the product manual or their website.

If your air fryer is still under warranty (usually one to two years from purchase), Breville may replace a damaged basket at no cost. Check your manual or warranty card for the terms specific to your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Breville air fryer coating contain PFOA?

Breville does not use PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) in their non-stick coatings. PFOA is a chemical that was historically used in some non-stick manufacturing but has been phased out by most manufacturers due to health concerns. Breville's PTFE-free coating is a safer alternative and does not contain PFOA.

Is it safe to use a Breville air fryer every day?

Yes, using a Breville air fryer daily is safe as long as you follow the manual's instructions and maintain the basket properly. The materials are designed for regular use. Daily use does mean the non-stick coating will wear faster over time, so inspect it regularly and replace the basket if it becomes damaged.

Can I use cooking spray in my Breville air fryer?

Most cooking sprays are safe to use in Breville air fryers, but check your manual first—some models recommend against it because the spray can build up on the basket and heating element. If your manual allows it, use a light coating and clean the basket thoroughly after cooking. Avoid sprays with added ingredients like butter flavoring, which can burn and leave residue.

What should I do if the basket smells bad when I first use it?

A slight plastic or chemical smell when you first unbox and use a new air fryer is normal and usually fades after one or two uses. Run the air fryer empty at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes in a well-ventilated area to help clear the smell. If the smell is strong or persists after several uses, contact Breville.

Is the glass or plastic window on my Breville air fryer safe?

Yes. Breville uses either tempered glass or heat-resistant plastic for viewing windows, both of which are safe at air frying temperatures. Neither material leaches chemicals or breaks down during normal use. If the window cracks or becomes cloudy, you can still use the air fryer—the window is for convenience only—but contact Breville if you want a replacement.