4 Best Air Fryer Racks for Multi-Level Cooking
If you’re looking to expand your air fryer’s capabilities without sacrificing counter space, multi-level racks are a smart solution, especially for large-capacity models like the 10 QT Instant Vortex Plus or Ninja Pro XL. These racks, often made from durable stainless steel with open-grid designs, maximize airflow and guarantee even cooking at multiple levels—saving time and avoiding the dreaded ‘stacked-too-thin’ results. But which racks truly enhance efficiency and durability? The answer isn’t always obvious, and choosing poorly could leave you short of space—or results—so let’s examine your options.
3-Pack Stainless Steel Cooking Crisper Trays for Instant Pot Air Fryer (2025)
If you want to make cooking easier in your Instant Pot air fryer, try these stainless steel crisper trays. They are designed for 10-quart models like the Instant Vortex Plus. The three mesh trays measure about 10.15 by 8.97 inches and will fit most similar trays with tiny differences.
Made of food-grade 304 stainless steel, these trays are safe and strong. They can handle heat up to 480°F. You don’t have to worry about BPA or Teflon coatings, making your cooking healthier. The open grid pattern lets hot air flow around food. This speeds up cooking by about 20%, so your food gets crispy faster.
These trays are easy to clean. They are dishwasher safe, so you just rinse and load them. No more soggy food or tricky cleanup.
Use these trays if you like fast, even, and healthy cooking. They work well for people who prepare meals at home or want quick snacks.
Pros:
- Made of safe, sturdy stainless steel.
- Help cook food about 20% faster.
- Easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Cons:
- Only fit 10QT models, may not work with smaller or bigger fryers.
- No non-stick coating, so you might need a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Stay safe up to 480°F, so not suited for very high heat cooking.
Air Fryer Cooking Tray Replacement for Instant Vortex Plus 10 Quart
The Air Fryer Cooking Tray Replacement for the Instant Vortex Plus 10 Quart is a great upgrade for your air fryer. It helps food cook evenly and allows you to cook on multiple layers at once. The tray is made of food-grade stainless steel with a non-stick Teflon coating. This makes it easy to clean and durable. It measures 10.16 x 9.06 inches, so it fits perfectly inside the Vortex Plus 10 QT.
The tray has a perforated, mesh-like surface. This design helps hot air move around your food. It results in crispy, well-cooked food every time. Plus, it comes with two racks. You can cook different foods at the same time. This saves time and makes cooking easier.
Who is it for? This tray is perfect for home cooks. It’s great if you want fast, even cooking and the ability to cook multiple foods at once. It also helps you make healthier meals.
Pros:
- Made of food-safe stainless steel with a non-stick coating. It is easy to clean and lasts a long time.
- The perforated design helps air flow freely. Your food gets crispy on all sides.
- Comes with two racks. You can cook more food at the same time.
Cons:
- It only fits the Instant Vortex Plus 10 QT. It will not work on other air fryer models.
- You need to clean it carefully. Scrubbing too hard can damage the non-stick coating.
- Its size is a bit big. You may need more space to store it.
This tray helps your air fryer work better. It makes cooking faster and more fun. Whether you want crispy fries or roasted vegetables, this tray can do the job. It’s a simple tool to make your air frying easier and more efficient.
BYKITCHEN 8-inch Square Air Fryer Rack (3 Pack)
The BYKITCHEN 8-inch Square Air Fryer Rack (3 Pack) is a handy tool for cooking in square air fryers bigger than 8.7 inches. If you have models like Cosori or Ninja Pro XL, these racks can help you cook more food at once. The set comes with three stainless steel racks that stack easily on top of each other. The side panels make stacking safe and simple. The edges are smooth to stop food from slipping off. The grid design helps hot air circulate evenly. This makes your food crispy and well-cooked every time.
These racks are made from strong, food-safe 304 stainless steel. They won’t rust and are easy to clean. You can put them in the dishwasher. They are built to last, unlike cheaper racks that bend or break after a few uses.
Best for: People who want to cook multiple foods at once in a square air fryer. The racks help save time and space, making cooking easier.
Pros:
- Lets you cook on multiple levels at the same time.
- Made from high-quality stainless steel that won’t rust.
- Works with many air fryer models like Cosori, Instant Vortex, and Ninja Pro XL.
- Easy to clean because they are dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Works best in large square air fryers over 8.7 inches. Not for small models.
- Might be tight to fit in some air fryers with odd shapes.
- Slightly heavier than cheap racks, so handling can be a bit harder.
This set of racks makes cooking faster and easier. They are sturdy and simple to clean. If you want to cook more food at once in a square air fryer, these racks are a good choice.
3 Pcs Nonstick Cooking Trays for Vortex Plus & Air Fryer Oven
This set includes three nonstick trays made for air fryers, like the Instant Vortex Plus, Power XL, and CROWNFUL. They are made of sturdy carbon steel and have a safe, non-toxic Teflon coating. Each tray measures about 10.16 by 9.06 inches, fitting most 10×9 inch slots in air fryer ovens. The trays have holes in them to let hot air flow around your food. This helps your food cook evenly and gets crispy on the outside.
You can use these trays for baking, dehydrating, or roasting. They are dishwasher safe, so cleaning is quick and easy. Their strong build and nonstick surface make cooking and cleanup simple and less messy.
These trays are best for home cooks and food lovers who want versatile, nonstick trays for healthier, crispy meals. They make cooking more fun and easier.
Pros:
- They are made of tough carbon steel with a nonstick coating for easy food release.
- The holes in the trays help hot air reach all parts of the food for even cooking.
- You can put them in the dishwasher to clean easily.
- They are durable and good for different types of cooking.
Cons:
- Do not scrub with rough brushes or wipe while hot, as it can damage the coating.
- These trays only work with certain air fryer models that are around 10 to 12 quarts.
- They weigh about 1.3 pounds, which may feel heavy if you handle many trays at once.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Air Fryer Racks for Multi-Level Cooking
When selecting air fryer racks for multi-level cooking, you need to take into account whether they fit your specific model, as a mismatched rack can turn into an awkward paperweight. Durability and safety are paramount, especially if you plan on stacking multiple trays, since flimsy materials might warp or fail over time. Don’t forget ease of installation and how well the design promotes airflow—after all, even the best-looking rack isn’t a hero if your food ends up unevenly cooked or soggy.
Compatibility With Models
Making sure your air fryer rack fits properly is important. It’s not just about preventing wobbling; it keeps your food safe and cooks evenly. Check the size of the rack. Most racks are 8 to 11 inches long and wide. Compare these numbers with your air fryer’s inside size.
Make sure the rack matches your air fryer model. Whether you have a 6.5 QT, 10 QT, or 12 QT, look for a rack designed for that size. The material matters too. Stainless steel or non-stick coated carbon steel work well and can handle the heat.
Look at the design. It should allow good airflow and not cover the heating element. This helps your food cook evenly. If you want to use multiple levels, find a stackable or multi-layer rack. It should fit your air fryer’s shape and size.
In the end, size really does matter. A good fit means better cooking and fewer problems.
Material Durability & Safety
Choosing the right material for your air fryer rack is important because it keeps you safe and makes cooking easier. Good stainless steel, like 304 or 316, doesn’t rust or warp. This helps your rack last a long time. Check that the material is BPA-free. BPA is a chemical that can leak into food when heated, and it’s better to avoid it.
Some racks have non-stick coatings, but make sure they don’t contain Teflon or other toxins. Uncoated steel is also safe and easy to clean. Look for racks with strong edges and sturdy build. This lets the rack hold heavy foods and multi-level trays without bending or breaking.
A safe, strong rack helps you cook food evenly and get crispy results every time. It’s a small choice that makes a big difference in your kitchen.
Easy Installation & Stacking
Installing and stacking air fryer racks should be easy. Look for racks that are simple and safe to use. Some racks have sides or stacking features that don’t need tools. Just place them on top of each other, and you’re done. Smooth edges make handling safer and prevent cuts. Racks with rubber feet or textured surfaces stay in place and don’t slide. Choose lightweight, strong materials so the racks are easy to move and last long. For quick cleaning, pick racks that are dishwasher safe. Make sure they are small enough to store easily. Avoid racks that are hard to set up or take apart. Pick simple, stable racks so cooking is easier and safer.
Airflow Optimization Design
Airflow design is very important in a multi-level air fryer. Good racks let hot air move easily around the food. This helps every piece cook evenly. Racks with mesh or holes work best. The size of these holes matters. Usually, holes around 6x10mm are good. If holes are too small, air can’t flow well. If they are too big, food might fall through. Elevated racks with open sides help more air reach the food. Stacking racks with edges or open grids also keep air moving smoothly. Make sure racks are made to fit well with your air fryer. Good airflow helps food get crispy and cooked evenly. Without it, some food might stay underdone. So, always pick racks that let air flow freely.
Cleaning Convenience Tips
When choosing racks for your air fryer, cleaning should be easy. Look for racks that say they are dishwasher safe. This makes cleaning simple because you can just put them in the dishwasher instead of scrubbing.
Non-stick coatings, like Teflon, help food not stick to the rack. They also make wiping it clean much easier. Plus, food doesn’t cling as much, so your cleanup is quicker.
Stainless steel racks are strong and simpler to clean. They don’t rust or warp over time like plastic or coated racks can. Racks with smooth, burr-free surfaces are good because they don’t trap dirt or grease in tiny holes or rough spots.
Perforated or mesh designs are also a smart choice. They let air flow better and make cleaning up easier. Grease and crumbs don’t stick as much, so you spend less time scrubbing.
Making sure your racks are easy to clean saves you time and effort. Choose wisely and keep your air fryer fresh and ready to use!
Versatile Cooking Functions
Choosing the right air fryer racks is easy when you pick ones that work well for different kinds of cooking. You want racks that let you bake, dehydrate, roast, or grill without needing more gadgets. Look for racks with lots of holes—at least 60% open space—so air can move around evenly. This helps food cook evenly on all levels and prevents hot spots. Racks that can be stacked or moved around make it simple to change the setup. This way, you can cook different foods at the same time or quickly switch between dishes. Non-stick coatings or easy-to-clean materials stop food from sticking and make cleanup easier. Choose racks that fit your air fryer and suit your cooking needs. Good racks can make your air fryer more useful, save you time, and help you make tasty meals more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Metal Racks Safe for Oven Use?
Yes, metal racks are safe for oven use when they’re made of oven-safe materials like stainless steel or cast iron. Always check manufacturer instructions to confirm the rack is designed for high temperatures, and avoid any coatings that might melt.
Can Racks Be Used in Dishwasher?
Yes, you can use racks in the dishwasher if they’re made of dishwasher-safe materials like stainless steel or certain plastics. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to guarantee they won’t warp, rust, or get damaged during the cleaning cycle.
Do Racks Affect Air Circulation Efficiency?
Yes, racks can affect air circulation efficiency. If they’re obstructive or poorly designed, they may limit airflow, leading to uneven cooking. To maximize efficiency, choose racks that are well-ventilated and fit your air fryer properly.
Are Stainless Steel Racks Resistant to Rust?
Yes, stainless steel racks are resistant to rust because they’re durable and withstand moisture well. You can rely on them for long-term use, especially in your air fryer, without worrying about corrosion or deterioration over time.
How Do I Prevent Food From Falling Through Racks?
To prevent food from falling through racks, place a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil underneath your ingredients. You can also choose racks with a mesh or solid surface, ensuring your food stays securely in place during cooking.
Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!
