Ever since convection ovens introduced an air frying setting, air fryer racks have become popular. These air fryer racks have two accessories: an air frying basket and a drip tray, but some have only a mounting rack and a basket or mesh shelf (you’ve to buy a drip tray for them separately. Among these so many admired options, finding the right one is a big challenge.
When I began researching the best air fryer racks, I found about 6 air frying racks dedicatedly designed to facilitating air frying in ovens. Yet, for their actual performance analysis, only 3 could prove helpful, and 1 emerged, winning the customer’s trust as the new kid in the block (it’s Bakken Swiss Air Fryer Rack). I also found 1 better quality cooling rack with a sheet serving the same purpose as an air fryer rack owing to similar designs but more rugged construction.
This is why, in today’s article, you’ll find me approving 4 air fryer baskets with drip trays and disapproving a most popular one: Gotham Steel Crisper Basket, for its fragile coating.
So, keep reading this article till the end to get closer to your dream air fryer rack.
Best Air Fryer Oven Racks Reviews
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1. USA Pan Bakeware Pan with Rack-Best Pick
If anything serves the purpose, then why care for the name? What you need for air frying food in your oven is a durable, easy-to-use, and clean mesh basket with a tray underneath. This is what this USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan with Rack does for you.
If you’re one like me who loves crispy, oven-baked treats, a tool like USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan with Rack can help you.
How?
In this review, you’ll dive into the performance of the famous USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan.
Design, Size, and Capacity
The USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan with Rack has a simple yet effective design. The half sheet pan, with various sizes available, provides you desired space for all your air frying needs and fits in all sizes of oven. Whether roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or crisping up some bacon, this tray accommodates your needs without overcrowding or sticking issues.
It’s constructed from heavy-gauge aluminized steel, known for its quick heat retention and excellent heat distribution properties. This is why your chicken wings, drums, and fries cook evenly. The accompanying supports are a thoughtful addition—they elevate your food off the pan’s surface and allow optimal air circulation.
The major difference between those fanciful air frying racks like Gotham Steel and this one is that the former features raised edges of the basket to help avoid spills.
However, if you think raised edges mean more food capacity, let’s rethink it reasonably. Suppose you’ve loaded an air fryer basket with food just as you see in the ads. What’ll happen? Blocked or limited air circulation means no air frying or crispy cooked food.
What does it mean?
Despite featuring raised edges, the air fryer baskets have little to do with the food volume you should cook in one go–they only prevent food from spilling.
So, keeping aside the lack of raised edges, the USA PAN’s Baking Sheet with Rack serves the purpose better because it’s easier to clean, more nonstick (with silicone coating), and sturdier. Yet, you must be careful not to use metal spatulas to release food, drips, and particles.
Ease of Cleaning
One of the standout features of the USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Meshed Pan with Tray is its ease of cleaning. The non-stick silicone coating makes food release a breeze.
Even notoriously sticky substances like caramelized sugar or melted cheese don’t pose a significant challenge to come off. Simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth or hand wash it. This feature is a lifesaver, especially if you detest scrubbing stubborn stains after every meal.
Durability
Durability is a crucial factor to consider when investing in bakeware. The heavy-gauge aluminized steel used in this pan’s construction gives it impressive sturdiness. It resists warping, even when exposed to high temperatures repeatedly. You won’t have to worry about your frying basket or tray losing its shape over time.
Additionally, the non-stick coating holds up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear, even after extensive use. But you must be careful about using metal spatulas–it’s not for them. This durability ensures you’ll enjoy crispy delights from this pan for years.
Warranty and Customer Support
USA Pan stands behind its product with confidence. The USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan with Rack typically has a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects. This shows the manufacturer’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
In a nutshell, the USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan with Rack can perform as a top-notch crisper tray that brings together excellent design, ease of cleaning, durability, and reliable customer support. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen, although the initial investment might be steep for some.
Pros
- Heavy-gauge aluminized steel mesh offers even heat distribution to cook food perfectly.
- The silicone non-stick coating makes cleaning easy.
- Heavy duty sturdy construction to make it for years without warping or deteriorating.
- With varying sizes, it’s a versatile tool suitable for all your ovens.
- The limited lifetime warranty provides peace of mind.
Cons
- Risk of spilling food because it lacks raised edges like air fryer baskets.
2. Univen Stainless Steel Baking Tray Pan and Air Fryer Basket
Sold as a Cuisinart Oven accessory for air frying, the 304 stainless steel baking tray and air frying rack by Univen is the second best option for you if you need a basket for small countertop ovens. Its heavy-duty stainless steel construction makes it another best air fryer oven rack.
What else?
Let’s know in the in-depth review.
Design, Size, and Capacity
Measuring 13.94 x 12.36 x 4.72 inches, the whole set has a mesh basket and a drip-catching tray.
The entire set is made of heavy-duty 304-grade stainless steel, which is robust and dishwasher-safe. By dishwasher safe means it’s dishwasher proof. Unlike any other air frying rack set in this article, it’s the only one that can tolerate dishwasher cleaning regularly.
The whole set weighs about 2.5 pounds. This weight speaks of its quality construction.
For capacity, the basket measures 11.4 X 9.84 X 1.96 inches. The size is great to hold the meals for a small to medium family.
The basket’s edges are also of maximum height. So, you can shift cooked food with no fear of falling off. The supports under the basket elevate it to receive hot air from underneath.
What do you get resultantly? Perfectly cooked, crispy food for your dear ones.
The only thing you might miss with this air frying rack set is the handles to pick the basket. It might happen if you’ve seen handles with air frying baskets. Otherwise, honestly, those handles are of little help with any basket: they don’t serve ergonomically but compromise on basket’s stability when picking it out of the oven.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
The ergonomic design and powerful construction create a perfect combo of ease of use and cleaning with this Univen Air Fryer Basket.
Let me clarify that 304 stainless steel construction means no nonstick coating. So, spray the basket before placing food to keep it from sticking. However, this premium-grade stainless steel construction compensates it for cleaning.
The food sticks because of the stainless steel construction. Yet, it’s equally easier to clean. Just pop it in the dishwasher after every use; it won’t warp or decay.
Durability
I’ve got little to say about the durability of this air frying accessories set. It’s 304 stainless steel–it’ll last over decades.
To conclude, I recommend getting this Univen Air Fryer Rack if the size matches your oven and you don’t mind oiling the tray before placing food over it.
Pros
- High-end construction of the most durable 304-grade stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Resistant to rust and warping
- Even frying with crisp
- Easy to store in a cabinet
- Health safe: free of any toxic chemicals
Cons
- It’s not nonstick, so it needs oil spray before placing food on it
- Pricier
3. Frigidaire AIRFRYTRAY Ready Cook Air Fryer Oven Rack
Imagine having a super-sized air fryer inside your Frigidaire oven or ovens of similar size! That’s what the Frigidaire AIRFRYTRAY Ready Cook Oven Insert does. It lets you cook a bunch of tasty dishes with that irresistible crunch in your wall-mounted or under-cabinet oven.
Design, Size and Capacity:
The Frigidaire AIRFRYTRAY Ready Cook Oven Insert Basket is a well-designed accessory that complements your Frigidaire air fryer range and other ovens of similar size when used along with the oven rack. You can also use the frying basket of 18.37 x 15.25 x 1 inch separately in your large ovens if the sliding rack doesn’t fit; yet it’s essential to place a baking sheet underneath to catch drippings.
The Frigidaire Air Fry Basket is made of interwoven, BPA-free stainless steel mesh, giving it a sturdy and durable feel. The tray has small holes to allow proper air circulation to achieve a crispy texture when air frying your favorite dishes.
This air fryer basket rack offers a generous cooking space, measuring 18.37 x 15.25 inches, with a depth of 1 inch. This ample size allows you to simultaneously prepare larger quantities of food–it’s perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Compatibility
The Frigidaire AIRFRYTRAY Ready Cook Oven Insert is compatible with most Frigidaire ovens, yet you must confirm it before buying this rack. Even if the rack doesn’t fit in your large under cabinet or wall oven, you can place the basket over the rack without inserting it in the sliding rack and use it. Yet, it’s better to opt for a better alternative in such a case, like USA Pan Bakeware Sheet Pan, which is sturdier, more substantial, and more affordable.
Ease of Use
Using the Frigidaire Ready Cook Air Fryer Tray and Basket is straightforward. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature for your recipe, place the tray on the oven rack, and put your food on the tray.
Make sure to use a 16-21 inch baking sheet underneath to catch any drippings, which helps prevent smoking. However, getting an additional accessory adds more to the cost. Be cautious not to use too much oil, as the high heat of the air fryer can cause excess oil to burn and create smoke.
While cooking, keep a close eye on your food, as air frying can be quicker than traditional methods. Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Cleaning
Cleaning the tray is relatively hassle-free in a dishwasher–it’s top rack-safe. You can place it flat.
I recommend running a steam cycle first to loosen all debris trapped in the mesh. However, if you look forward to carrying out the task in the sink, it might not fit–cleaning can be challenging there. For hand washing, you can use warm water, dishwashing liquid, and a brush.
Durability
The quality of the Frigidaire Ready Cook Airfryer Tray is impressive. Its interwoven stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand the high temperatures required for air frying. Users have reported that it can handle regular use without showing signs of wear and tear.
In short, the Frigidaire AIRFRYTRAY Ready Cook Oven Insert Basket’s large capacity, sturdy design, and ease of cleaning make it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen arsenal. It’s a must-have accessory to easily enjoy healthier, crispy, and delicious dishes.
Pros
- Allows for air frying larger quantities of food simultaneously.
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean, being dishwasher safe, and aluminum foil compatible.
- Ensures even cooking, akin to a countertop air fryer.
- Compatible with older Frigidaire ovens; if not, the basket can only be used in all wall ovens.
- Features a convenient handle for easy removal from the oven.
Cons
- Requires a substantial amount of oven space
- It needs a 16 inches sheet beneath it to catch drippings, which adds to the cost.
- Not easy to store inside standard kitchen cabinets
- Not easy to clean inside standard sinks
4. Gotham Steel Crisper Tray-Least Recommended Air Fryer Rack
The Gotham Steel Crisper Tray is a beautiful, two-piece kitchen tool designed for use in your oven. It has a non-stick surface coated with ceramic and titanium copper, making it easy to cook a variety of foods without needing oil or butter.
Can it be a valuable pick for you? This detailed review section will reveal it.
Design, Size, and Capacity
The Gotham Steel Crisper Tray is a two-piece set, basket, and tray featuring an aluminum frame, alloy steel pans, and mesh. It has a non-stick ceramic and titanium copper-coated basket and a tray.
It’s designed for standard ovens and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This air fryer rack is available in varying sizes:
- 9.45 x 9.45 x 4 inches
- 9.45 x 11 x 4 inches
- 12.5 x 16.5 x 4 inches
Additionally, the basket is about 2 inches high, while legs and You can choose one that fits your oven and is adequate for your cooking needs.
The air frying basket’s legs raise it over the tray underneath to receive hot air from all sides for your food. Additionally, its raised edges design adds to capacity.
The tray is made of steel and coated with ceramic. Therefore, it’s free from all harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, and PFOS.
About Use and Cleaning
Using the Gotham Steel Crisper Tray is relatively straightforward. Preheat the oven, place the food in the non-stick basket in a single layer, and then set the temperature for your dish. The elevated design allows even heat circulation, resulting in evenly cooked food.
Cleaning this air fryer basket and tray is not the happiest part after enjoying a crispy cooked meal from this tray. It’s super easy to clean only a few times. When the ceramic coating starts peeling off, cleaning becomes a nightmare–yes, the coating peels off.
The tray has been labeled as dishwasher safe–it’s not. The best way to clean this tray is by soaking it in regular water and cleaning it with gentle soap and sponge, without any brush.
Durability
The tray is designed to withstand regular use in the oven, and the metal construction holds up well to regular use in the oven, yet the coating doesn’t–it starts peeling off… So, the long-term durability depends on care.
Overall, Gotham Steel’s Air Fryer Rack is an “OK” pick for its attractive design and ease of use. Yet, I don’t recommend having it owing to its cleaning hassle and less durable coating, which also compromises its giftability. When you use a rack for a few months only and clean it with pain, then pay for such air fryer rack or anything resembling this one?
Pros
- Attractive to look at
- The elevated design of the air fryer basket for even heat distribution.
- Raised edges keep food inside the tray well
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for preparing food in substantial quantities.
- Cleaning is not easy after a few uses.
- The non-stick coating is prone to coming off easily.
- It’s not really dishwasher-safe.
- It’s not giftable as it can lose its coating soon.
- Bottom pan can warp
5. Bakken Swiss Air Fryer Crisp Basket for Oven (Better Than Gotham Steel)
Introduced on Amazon.com in June 2023, the Bakken Swiss Air Fryer Crisp Basket for Oven has set the culinary world on fire! With its healthy ceramic coating, this premium bakeware accessory has been designed to transform any oven into an air fryer. Is it worth your money? Let’s know in this detailed review.
Design, Size, and Capacity
The Bakken Swiss Air Fryer Rack has been designed with convenience and healthy cooking in mind. The 12.00” x 8.90” x 1.97” air fryer basket with a 12.79” x 9.75” x 0.78 baking tray fits comfortably in most ovens. This spatial basket can easily hold 2 pounds of fries, 2 chicken breasts, and a dozen chicken wings to cook them evenly. I appreciate that, just like, the famous Gotham Steel Crisper, this air fryer rack has raised edges which let the basket hold more food without spilling. Yet, this fryer basket has six supports, providing better stability than the Gotham Steel Fryer Rack, with 4 supports.
Unlike aluminum and alloy steel-based Gotham Steel Crisper, this oven air fryer rack by Bakken Swiss accents carbon steel material. Carbon steel can tolerate higher heat and rapid temperature changes. This is why it’s resistant to warping.
The Bakken Swiss Air Fryer Basket has 2 handles for easy usage. The mesh basket has wire feet to sit high over the tray. So, the hot convection air circulates evenly to let you enjoy perfectly crispy and golden food.
The air fryer basket and the sheet are ceramic coated with a protective coating. These coatings are PTEF, BPA, and PFOA free. So, they have put your health first, making Bakken Swiss win your trust.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
The Bakken Swiss Air Fryer Crisping Basket’s ceramic coating makes this air fryer rack fairly easy to use and clean, besides contributing to health safety. It prevents food from sticking to the surface, making it easy to release without messy residue or the need for excessive oil.
The manufacturers have described it as dishwasher safe, yet I don’t recommend it or any non-stick bakeware to pop into the dishwasher. The rack and tray surfaces are so easy to clean that they don’t need to be washed in the dishwasher. A gentle cleaning in warm soapy water is enough.
Durability
Can you recall the design of the previously discussed Gotham Steel Crisper Rack? Bakken Swiss’ air crisp rack is not different from Gotham Steel, except that it’s a bit heavier.… More weight means thicker material, more tolerance for heavy food, and longer life.
The Gotham Air Frying Rack of the same dimension weighs 1.5 pounds, yet this crisper set weighs 1.83 pounds–little things make a big difference!
The air fryer rack by Bakken Swiss is free of harmful chemicals like PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE. Besides this, it can withstand high temperatures up to 450°F–this high tolerance makes it most versatile to cook foods that require a higher temperature or prolonged cooking.
Simply put, the Bakken Swiss Fryer Rack is a more durable and sturdy choice for getting health-safe, oil-free food every time out of your oven. However, please remember, don’t be fooled by the photo of any air fryer rack; they don’t mean to cook that much food at one go–it’ll be moist and less crispy.
Pros
- Giftable
- Heavier built as compared with Gotham Steel Crisper Tray
- Easy to use and clean
- Nonstick ceramic coating is durable owing to a protective layer
- More durable and warping-resistant
- Meshed basket design for cooking crispy food.
Cons
- Only available in one size
So, which is the Best Air Fryer Rack for Oven?
The top picks reviewed and recommended in this article are only 4. These vary in size and compatibility with your oven. So, by assessing your needs, you can choose one for you. Yet, if you ask me what’s my favorite, these are 2:
- USA Pan Bakware’s Mesh rack with a tray because of its ease of cleaning and high-end construction.
- And Univen Fryer Rack for its 304-grade stainless steel, decade-lasting quality.
The air fryer rack by Frigidaire is also great, but for its gigantic size, it’s only suitable for large ovens. You can also consider Bakken Swiss’s Criper rack for its excellent quality material, protected ceramic coating, and giftable design. I hope your pick will make you happy ultimately.
How Should You Choose Air Fryer Racks for Your Oven?
After knowing that air fryer racks can help you transfer your regular oven into an air fryer, the next step is choosing the right rack for you. It’s not just like reading reviews of air fryer racks but assessing your needs and making suitable selections.
For this purpose, this buying guide will help you. Here you’ll walk through the key factors to consider when selecting air fryer racks for your oven.
Size and Compatibility
Before you start shopping for air fryer racks, it’s crucial to know the dimensions of your oven. Measure the width and depth of your oven’s interior to ensure the racks you choose fit comfortably. Most racks come in standard sizes, but it’s always wise to double-check. Additionally, check if the racks are compatible with your specific oven model.
Material
Air fryer racks are made from stainless steel, aluminum, chrome-plated steel, or other metal alloys.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel racks are durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. They can handle high temperatures without warping or losing shape, making them a popular choice for air frying. They are a good long-term investment.
- Carbon Steel: It’s a good material for air fryer baskets and racks. It’s durable, heat and warping-resistant, and non-reactive, making it a safe choice for cooking food. The carbon steel also conducts heat evenly, which helps food cook evenly.
- Aluminum: Aluminum racks are lightweight and heat up quickly, making them great for even cooking. However, they may not be as durable as stainless steel and can warp over time, especially at high temperatures.
- Chrome-Plated Steel: Chrome-plated steel racks are durable and provide a smooth, non-stick surface. However, the chrome coating can wear off over time, potentially exposing the underlying steel, which may rust.
Generally, stainless steel racks make the best choice for air frying in the oven due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. They maintain their quality over time and can handle the high heat and rigorous use of air frying.
Rack Design
Consider the design of the air fryer racks. Some racks come with more robust wires to handle heavy food items besides allowing better air circulation to impart crispness to your food items. Likewise, some air-crisp racks for the oven have handles for easy maneuverability.
Some racks also have raised edges. These edges are not added to allow you to stuff food in the basket but only to hold food inside. If you overcrowd the basket, food won’t come out as crispy.
So, look for racks with a mesh or grid design to ensure even air circulation around your food. This promotes better cooking results and crispiness.
Weight and Capacity
Check the weight capacity of the air fryer racks to ensure they can support the amount of food you intend to cook. Higher weight also means that the rack is made of a thick material for better durability.
Overloading a rack can affect cooking performance and safety. So, pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding weight limits.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your air fryer racks is a part of the cooking process. Since the air crisp racks have wire mesh besides the drip-catching trays, these meshes can be challenging to clean. In such a case, the racks with fewer wires can be easy to clean; and those dishwasher-safe may reduce cleaning effort. However, the fryer racks with non-stick coating are not fully dishwasher safe until they have an excellent quality ceramic coating or are made of 304 stainless steel. So, opt for racks that are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe if possible.
Price and Budget
Air fryer racks come in a range of prices, so it’s essential to set a budget before you shop. It might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, yet a little more investment can get you a high-quality rack that can pay off in terms of durability and performance.
Warranty and Customer Support
Check if the manufacturer offers a warranty for the air fryer racks. A warranty can provide peace of mind in case of any defects or issues with the product. Additionally, check for the availability of customer support–only excellent quality customer support ensures that your warranty is not lost.
Choosing the right air fryer racks for your oven can enhance your cooking experience and help you achieve crispy, healthy meals. Considering the abovementioned factors, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.
Good Luck!
