Why Is My Air Fryer Basket Peeling?

The air fryer basket is an essential component of your air fryer.

Its non-stick coating helps to prevent food from sticking to the basket.

However, over time, the non-stick coating can start to peel, and there are several reasons why this may happen.

Some of the reasons include improper use and cleaning, use of abrasive cooking sprays, and scratching by metallic cooking tools.

To avoid peeling and maintain the longevity and functionality of your air fryer basket, it is important to be mindful of the factors that can contribute to peeling.

In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why the air fryer basket may peel, and provide tips and guidelines to help you prevent it.

6 Reasons Why Your Air Fryer Basket is Peeling

Here are the possible reasons you may want to look into:

1. Improper Cleaning

If you use abrasive cleaning tools or harsh cleaning agents to clean your air fryer basket, it can strip the non-stick coating, causing it to peel.

For example, using steel wool or abrasive sponges can scratch the surface of the basket, leaving it more susceptible to peeling.

In addition, using harsh cleaning agents like bleach or ammonia can also cause the non-stick coating to deteriorate and peel.

2. Using Cooking Spray

Cooking spray on the air fryer basket can also contribute to peeling.

Although cooking spray is marketed as a way to prevent food from sticking, it can cause more harm than good.

The oil in the spray can build up over time, leading to a sticky residue that is difficult to clean.

The heat from the air fryer can also cause the oil to break down and create a residue that can eventually lead to peeling.

To avoid this, it is recommended to use a light brush of oil instead of cooking spray.

You can also use a liner such as a silicone or parchment paper liner in the basket to prevent food from sticking.

3. Overuse

One of the primary reasons why the air fryer basket may peel is overuse.

Whether we like it or not, your air fryer is prone to deterioration, and its quality won’t last.

When you use your air fryer frequently, it is exposed to high heat for an extended period.

This can cause the non-stick coating to wear off gradually over time.

The non-stick coating is not indestructible, and with frequent use and exposure to high heat, it will eventually start to wear down.

4. Food Residue

Leaving food residue on the air fryer basket without cleaning can encourage peeling.

When food is left on the basket, it can stick and become difficult to remove.

Over time, this can cause the non-stick coating to deteriorate, peel, and even rust.

Make sure to clean the basket after each use to maintain the condition of your air fryer.

Check out an article on how to clean your Ninja air fryer.

5. Abrasive Cooking Tools

When you use metal tongs or utensils, they tend to scratch the surface of the air fryer.

This leaves the appliance more susceptible to peeling.

Be careful of abrasive cooking tools such as spatulas or tongs with rough edges.

To protect your air fryer, use silicone or wooden cooking utensils. Also, handle the food and air fryer gently to prevent scratching the surface.

Since an air fryer gets hot, give the appliance time to cool before handling it.

Accidentally touching the hot surface of the air fryer contributes to inappropriate handling that can cause damage.

6. Substandard Air Fryer Construction

The quality of the air fryer plays a role in how easily the air fryer basket peels.

The design and quality of materials used impact its ability to resist peeling.

If the basket is made from poor-quality materials or even lacks a non-stick coating, it will be more susceptible to peeling.

Even with proper cleaning and maintenance, you will notice damage after the first few uses.

Do All Air Fryer Baskets Peel?

No, not all air fryer baskets peel. Some air fryer baskets are made of materials that are less likely to peel, such as ceramic or stainless steel.

Air fryers made with lower-grade materials such as non-stick-coated aluminum may have a higher likelihood of peeling over time.

The non-stick coating can wear off over time with regular use and cleaning.

The coating can also be damaged if metal utensils or abrasive materials are used on it, making it more likely to peel.

To avoid peeling, it is recommended to buy an air fryer basket made using durable materials such as ceramic or stainless steel.

A good example is the Yedi Evolution Air fryer.

You can also opt for an air fryer basket with a high-quality non-stick coating that is less likely to wear off over time.

Finally, when using your air fryer, employ measures that will protect the air fryer basket.

For example, use of air fryer liners, cooking food at the right temperature, cleaning regularly, drying, and safe storage.

Can I Still Use My Air Fryer If It’s Peeling?

Yes, you can still use an air fryer if it’s peeling.

However, you should know that small bits of the coating can fall into your food and be consumed.

Also, peeling can indicate that the air fryer is wearing down and may not work as efficiently.

It’s best to replace the air fryer basket to ensure the safety of your food and the longevity of the appliance.

Other options you may have include:

Continue to use it: You can continue to use the basket if it’s only lightly peeling.

Line the basket with a liner when cooking: You can use aluminum foil, parchment paper, or silicone liners.

This is a temporary solution and you will still need to replace the basket eventually.

Replace the basket: This is the recommended option. You can find air fryer basket replacements in many online stores.

You can also check the website of the specific air fryer model you have for information on air fryer basket replacement.

Conclusion

The air fryer basket peels due to a combination of factors.

An air fryer basket is coated with a non-stick material that can break down over time due to exposure to heat, oil, abrasion, and food particles.

To avoid this, take proper care of your air fryer basket.

This includes regularly cleaning it after each use and avoiding the use of agents and materials that can scratch and destroy the lining.

Also, consider purchasing an air fryer basket with a high-quality non-stick coating, as some models are more durable than others.

Have you encountered this with your air fryer? Share your experience in the comments.