4 Disadvantages Of Basket-Style Air Fryers

If you're looking for a new air fryer, you may be scouring the internet trying to decide between single-basket, double-basket, or oven-style shelf toaster model. In 2021, the U.S. saw a boom in air fryer sales, selling upward of $1 billion in revenue, and they're clearly sticking around. CNET conducted a 2026 survey in which 70% of U.S. adults said they either own the appliance or plan to add one to their kitchen within a year. However, before the craze, egg-shaped single-basket air fryers were one of, if not the original model for the appliance, relying on the compact structure ideal for the kitchen counter.

For anyone looking for a quicker way to cook versatile recipes — whether it's one of our 29 best air fryer dinner recipes or an air fryer grilled cheese — these appliances are a no-brainer. But, like any other kitchen fixture, there are some downsides to using them, specifically basket-style models. Whether it's capacity limitations, a foul odor, or potential Teflon chipping hazards, you may want to think twice before hitting "buy" on the first basket-style air fryer you see.

Hopefully the first time you use your basket air fryer isn't for an important occasion, as it's possible an unpleasant plastic odor will linger. As the appliance heats up, its plastic exterior, nonstick-coated basket, and tray are getting accustomed to the high temperature, causing a distinct odor that may get worse during the first few uses. A handful of Reddit users have expressed their concerns about the odor. "I washed the basket and tray before using it, and I've only cooked food in it once so far. The smell seems to come back whenever I turn it on," one user explained.

In a separate Reddit post, another user expressed worry about the smell and even said they could taste the plastic in their food. They wrote, "I have cooked squash and vegetables in it before, and that's when the plastic taste is very pronounced. Its like that freezer/fridge taste/smell when something is in it for too long." You can try washing the air fryer with dish soap before using it, or you can mix a couple tablespoons of vinegar with some water, pour the mixture into an oven-safe bowl, put the bowl in the air fryer, and let the machine run for about 15 minutes.

While a single basket-style air fryer can be great for preserving space on your countertop, it comes at a cost: limited cooking space. In most cases, a single basket only has enough space for a small batch of food at a time. Even a dual-basket air fryer has limitations due to its narrower compartments, which can become a hassle when you're trying to cook a full meal. Craving some air-fried salmon and potatoes? You may need to cook them separately and choose which part of the meal you want a little cooler while you wait for the other part to heat through.

The same issue arises when cooking for multiple people, and overfilling the basket in hopes of a quicker dinner isn't an optimal shortcut, either. Packing too much food into the basket will crowd the crisper tray, preventing hot air from circulating properly. As a result, your food won't cook evenly and could end up soggy.

Unlike some newer air fryer models, most basic basket air fryers don't have a viewing window, meaning you can't easily see how well or how fast your food is cooking. While a majority of recipes have set temperatures and cook times, these factors also depend on the wattage of your air fryer, so if you're cooking something new, you'll have to consistently check on your food. Without a viewing window, you'll have to pull the basket out each time, which seems harmless but could prolong the cooking process. Some consumers say that a viewing window has become non-negotiable when choosing an air fryer.

As one Reddit user wrote in a thread about air fryer windows, "For my first air fryer a few years ago I didn't think it was important. Now that I've switched to stainless steel toaster oven style. I realize just how important the window is for the monitor while you're cooking without losing heat opening and closing. Would not go without it in the future."

The plastic coating on the basket is one of the five disadvantages of using an air fryer. Many of these baskets rely on Teflon, a non-stick coating made from PFAS. This group of artificial substances is designed to withstand heat, which is ideal for cookware, but not so much for our food. Over time, the material can chip because of harsh scrubbing pads, aerosol sprays, or overheating. Once the coating starts to chip, there is a risk of particles getting into your food and even causing Teflon Flu, a sickness that causes fever, chills, and headaches.

Consumers have expressed their frustration with the chipping, with one Reddit user explaining, "I recently got the Ninja, barely used it, and cleaned it very gently with a nonstick-friendly sponge. I didn't even put it in the dishwasher even though Ninja says it's OK to do that. And yet the teflon coating on the bottom of the basket started to flake off. With barely any use!" Another echoed this sentiment in another Reddit thread, writing that their air fryer was "already chipping after a few months." Ultimately, an air fryer may be a kitchen shortcut, but the basket style may come with a few more disadvantages than you expected.