Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to add a rack or basket to many air fryer models to increase cooking capacity. Look for air fryers designed to accommodate accessory racks or check if your model has rack accessories available. Racks allow you to cook more food at once and make better use of the entire air fryer interior.
Explaining Air Fryer Racks and Baskets
Air fryer racks or baskets are mesh or slotted accessories designed to hold and separate food in the air fryer cooking chamber. They sit elevated in the air fryer basket, allowing air to circulate under and around the food for even crisping and browning.
Racks increase the usable cooking surface area, allowing you to cook more food at one time. For example, a basic air fryer basket may only hold 2-3 chicken thighs. But a rack could double or triple that capacity.
The elevated design also prevents food from sitting in any accumulated grease or moisture that pools at the bottom of the cooking chamber. This helps food crisp up better.
Different Types of Air Fryer Racks
There are a few common styles of air fryer racks:
– Mesh racks – Made of woven metal wire, mesh racks allow maximum air circulation. They come in shapes like rounds, squares, and triangles.
– Slotted racks – Slotted racks have open slats or holes punched in the metal. These allow air flow while still providing a solid surface to hold small or delicate foods.
– Skewer racks – Some air fryer racks hold multiple skewers for making kebabs or other skewered foods. The skewers slide into slots on the rack to suspend the food in the air fryer.
– Multi-level racks – More advanced racks have multiple tiers or levels to further maximize capacity. Food can be stacked on top of itself.
– Specialty racks – Some racks are designed to hold specific foods. For example, racks made to cradle whole fish or racks that can hold corn cobs vertically.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer Rack
There are a few key benefits to using a rack or basket accessory in your air fryer:
– Cook more food at once – Racks allow you to layer foods vertically for more cooking capacity.
– Maximize air circulation – Racks elevate food from the bottom of the cooking chamber for all-around air flow.
– Crispier results – By not sitting in grease or moisture, foods brown and crisp better on racks.
– Prevent sticking – Foods are less likely to stick when elevated on a rack rather than sitting directly on the air fryer surface.
– Optional accessory – Racks are an optional add-on. You can still use your air fryer normally without one.
Are All Air Fryers Designed for Racks?
Not necessarily. While racks can be extremely useful, not all air fryer models are designed to accommodate them. There are a few things to look for when determining if your air fryer can use a rack:
– Size – The air fryer chamber must be large enough to fit both a rack and foods. Very compact air fryers may not have room.
– Shape – Square or rectangular air fryers can typically fit a rack more easily than round bowl styles. Make sure to get a rack that matches your cooker shape.
– Vents – Check that racks don’t block critical vents needed for air circulation. Racks should allow air flow.
– Wattage – More powerful air fryers (1400W+) will create enough airflow for rack cooking. Weaker machines may struggle.
– Brand accessories – Many brands sell racks made specifically for their fryers that are guaranteed to fit.
Checking your manual or contacting the manufacturer can confirm if your model can safely accommodate racks before purchasing.
How to Use an Air Fryer Rack
Using an air fryer rack takes a bit of experimenting to get the technique right. Here are some tips:
– Spray the rack – Lightly coat the rack with oil or cooking spray so food doesn’t stick.
– Don’t overfill – Resist packing the rack too tightly. Air needs room to circulate.
– Toss or flip – Frequently toss or flip food in the rack for even cooking.
– Rotate rack – Rotate the rack 180 degrees midway for optimal browning.
– Add cooking time – Extend cooking time a bit more when using a rack to account for the increased load.
– Check internal temp – Use a food thermometer to confirm food is fully cooked, especially with thicker items.
– Give it a shake – Carefully shake the rack to redistribute food as needed.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust times and temperatures to find what works best for different foods.
What Foods Work Well with Air Fryer Racks?
While you can get creative, these are some of the foods best suited for air fryer racks:
Proteins
– Boneless chicken pieces
– Chicken wings, legs, and drumettes
– Smaller cuts of beef and pork
– Bacon
– Sausages
– Meatballs
– Seafood like shrimp, scallops, fish fillets
Vegetables
– Whole or halved small potatoes
– Brussels sprouts
– Broccoli and cauliflower florets
– Asparagus spears
– Carrots, zucchini, eggplant, etc.
– Onion slices
– Peppers
Other
– Frozen foods like french fries, tater tots, chicken nuggets
– Breads and pastries
– Fruit slices
The options are truly endless, just watch oven temps and times. Add a rack to make the most of your air fryer!
Can You Buy Replacement Air Fryer Racks?
Yes, replacement and additional air fryer racks can be purchased separately from the fryer unit. Here are some tips for buying racks:
– Shop the brand website – Many air fryer brands sell replacement racks that fit their models.
– Check dimensions – Carefully measure your fryer chamber before purchasing to ensure rack fit.
– Mind the material – Stainless steel racks are more durable than plated wire.
– Look for deals – Online marketplaces may offer racks for less than manufacturer list prices.
– Buy universal – Some companies make racks designed to fit multiple air fryer brands.
– Consider inserts – Silicone rack inserts can add extra surfaces without buying a whole new rack.
– Make your own – It’s possible to DIY air fryer racks, like using a metal cooling rack.
Having an extra rack or two can allow for larger batch cooking. Just make sure new racks are designed for air fryer use in terms of sizing and material safety.
Common Problems When Using Air Fryer Racks
While very useful, air fryer racks come with some potential downsides to be aware of:
Inconsistent cooking – Food on different levels of the rack may cook unevenly. Be diligent about tossing and rotating.
Messy oil drips – Excess grease can drip from top foods onto lower levels. Use foil or pans to catch drips.
Food falling through – Small foods may slip through rack slats. Place a sheet of parchment on the bottom to catch.
Hard to shake – Racks can make it tricky to shake the air fryer basket if foods get stuck.
Takes up space – When not in use, racks take up storage space in the cooker.
Cleaning hassle – All those nooks and crannies can make racks a pain to hand wash.
Blocks venting – Improperly sized racks may inhibit airflow from the heating element.
With some care and common sense, these issues can usually be prevented or minimized. Don’t be afraid to stop cooking and make adjustments if needed.
Top 5 Best Air Fryer Racks
Here are my top recommended air fryer racks to buy:
| Brand | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cosori | Official Cosori Stackable Rack | Stainless steel wired rack fits 5.8qt Cosori air fryers. Cradle design keeps foods contained. |
| Instant | Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven Racks | Set of 2 stainless racks fit Instant Vortex fryers. Square racks maximize usable space. |
| Ninja Foodi | Ninja Official Cook & Crisp Layered Rack | 2-layer rack doubles capacity. Fits 5qt and 6.5qt Ninja Foodi models. |
| Cuisinart | Cuisinart Exact Heat Basket Racks | Set of 2 stainless racks fit Cuisinart TOA air fryer ovens. |
| Philips | Philips Airfryer Fat Reducer | A sloped rack that allows fat and grease to drip away from foods in Philip airfryers. |
These rack accessories get top reviews for quality construction, ease of use, and perfectly fitting various popular air fryer models.
DIY Air Fryer Racks
Lacking a purpose-made rack, there are a few DIY alternatives that work in a pinch:
– Cooling racks – Metal cooling racks for baking fit some air fryer baskets. Choose racks with high heat resistance.
– Grill grates – Stainless steel vegetable grilling racks conduct heat well. They provide air flow underneath.
– Steam basket – An expandable metal steamer basket forms a perfect elevated rack.
– Aluminum foil – Ball up sheets of heavy duty foil to make improvised holders.
– Crumpled parchment – Parchment paper can be wadded up and used like foil risers.
– Muffin tins – Flip metal tins upside down to use the cups as food holders.
– Metal skewers – Interwoven skewers can form a make-shift grated rack surface.
Use steamer baskets, grilling racks, and other wire accessories with caution as they are not designed for high heat air frying. Test DIY racks thoroughly before extended use.
Conclusion
Adding a rack or basket accessory can be a great way to boost the functionality of your air fryer. Look for fryers and racks designed to safely work together for the most room and best cooking results. With the right techniques, racks allow you to pile in more food and take full advantage of hot air circulating to crisp and brown on all sides. Do some research and you can find the perfect rack set up to suit your cooker and cooking needs.