Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying. However, concerns have been raised about the materials used in air fryer baskets, particularly the potential presence of plastic. Short answer: most air fryer non-stick coatings are either PTFE-based or ceramic-style coatings applied over a metal basket. “PFOA-free” does not automatically mean “PTFE-free,” and “ceramic” does not automatically tell you the complete formulation. Most air fryer baskets are aluminum with one of two coatings on top: PTFE (the Teflon family of fluoropolymers) or a silica-based ceramic layer made by a sol-gel process. A smaller group skips coatings entirely and uses bare stainless steel or borosilicate glass. Air fryers consist of several key components, each made from different materials that contribute to their functionality and performance. These components typically include the outer shell, cooking basket, heating element, and internal non-stick coatings. Air fryer baskets are primarily made from three different materials: metal (mainly stainless steel and aluminum), ceramic, and non-stick coated surfaces. Each of these materials has unique properties that influence its performance in the kitchen. The cooking baskets in most air fryers are made of non-stick coating materials, such as Teflon or PTFE coatings. This prevents food from sticking to the basket and makes it easier to clean. Non-stick and coated baskets are two of the most common materials used in air fryer baskets. Non-stick baskets are made from a type of plastic called Teflon, which is a synthetic polymer with a non-stick coating. In conclusion, the Ninja Air Fryer basket is made of high-quality stainless steel with a non-stick coating. While the non-stick coating offers convenience and ease of cleaning, it may wear off over time. You absolutely should NOT use metal utensils in most air fryer baskets, especially those with non-stick PTFE or ceramic coatings. Metal utensils are hard and can easily scratch, chip, or peel away the delicate coating. These baskets are typically made of aluminum or steel and feature a non-stick coating such as Teflon. The non-stick coating prevents food from sticking to the surface, making it easier to remove the cooked food without any residue.