This $7 Stainless Steel Rack is the Secret to 'Deep Fried' Food Texture in Your Air Fryer
Forget the presets on your appliance; this simple swap can make a world of difference
Few appliances have transformed home cooking quite like the air fryer. But while they deliver quick, reliable crisping, many cooks find that the results still fall short of that true deep-fried texture – and the tray inside your machine could be part of the reason.
The best non-toxic air fryers rely on strong air circulation to cook food evenly, crisping the exterior while keeping the inside tender. Standard trays do the job well enough, but according to test kitchen chef Jessica Rice, switching to a stainless steel air fryer tray, available on Amazon, can improve airflow while avoiding some of the more questionable non-stick coatings.
Here’s why this simple swap can make such a noticeable difference to your air fryer results, and how it could upgrade your setup entirely.
Article continues belowThe Stainless Steel Air Fryer Rack That Instantly Upgrades Your Cooking
Measuring 7"D x 7"W x 1.5"H, these square air fryer baskets are ideal for five to six-quart air fryers. They are also available in a larger 6-7.5-quart capacity.
Other shape options are also available, including eight-inch circular air fryer racks and rectangular air fryer racks.
While all the best air fryers come with bespoke trays designed to promote air flow, not every model comes with a stainless steel wire basket, especially those that use traditional non-stick materials.
These trays are not only potentially risky for your health, containing PTFEs that can flake and release toxins into the air when heated (a key reason why you should not buy non-stick pans where possible), but also sabotage results, often heating more slowly than stainless steel, not heating evenly, or having smaller air gaps, which inhibit airflow and retain more moisture.
Stainless steel baskets, on the other hand, have none of these issues. As Jessica Rice, senior chef at Budget Bytes, explains, 'The core issue with standard non-stick trays is that the coating itself acts as a mild insulator and changes how heat behaves on contact with foods. A perforated steel tray, by contrast, is an upgrade in terms of thermal performance: Steel's heat distribution ensures uniformly cooked dishes, achieving a crispier texture, and the perforated design leads to consistent airflow.'
As with the best non-toxic cookware, stainless steel tends to heat up faster, distribute heat more evenly, and manages moisture differently to non-stick.
'I find the use of nonstick trays can partially steam the food I am trying to crisp, where a stainless tray will crisp things up a lot faster,' Jessica shares. 'The polymer layer on a nonstick tray can trap moisture.'
You can complete the upgrade by switching to a full stainless steel air fryer, such as the Cosori Iconic.
The switch can bring results noticeably closer to the crisp, golden texture you’d expect from traditional frying. That said, Jessica notes that air frying still has its limits. 'I’ve never had an air fryer perfectly replicate the quality and texture I get from deep frying or a shallow pan fry, though I’ve come pretty close.'
Results can also vary depending on what you’re cooking. 'It’s easier to crisp certain ingredients, such as fatty chicken skin and starchy potatoes, than juicier ones like zucchini, green tomatoes, or pickles,' she adds.
While it may not be an exact match, in the air fryer versus deep-fat fryer debate, switching to a stainless steel tray and achieving results that are nearly as good feels like a worthwhile trade-off. After all, one of the biggest advantages of air frying is its ability to significantly reduce fat and calorie intake compared with traditional frying, making it a win for your overall health in more ways than one.
With the added safety and convenience, a stainless steel tray should be a clear-cut consideration for all of us.
What to Shop
Air fryer cooking is all about convenience, so the air fryer accessories you choose should enhance that ease, not complicate the process. I’ve rounded up six of my top selections to help you streamline your routine while also creating a non-toxic home.
These stackable air fryer baskets allow you to cook more food in your air fryer at once while maintaining airflow and that satifsying crispiness. The stainless steel is dishwasher safe, too, for easier clean up afterwards.
The 304 grade stainless steel makes these thin wire baskets easy to clean after use, with increased perforations to improve air flow and crisp food more efficiently.
Silicone tools should be your go-to no matter what cookware or small appliance you are using. They do not chip or flake harmful forever chemicals, and do not risk scratching delicate ceramic or enamel.
Traditional aerosol oils contain additives to keep them thin enough to spray into cookware, however these additives can erode delicate coatings. These refillable oil spray bottles can be used with standard vegetable oil, making air fryer cooking convenient without the added chemicals.
Air fryers are not just good for frying, these mini coquettes are ideal for baking smaller single servings of puddings or morning eggs.
Developed by the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen, alongside expertly adapted recipes for traditionally fried food, you'll also find suggestions for dips, appetizers, hearty main dishes, and classic desserts.
Meet the Expert
Jess has previously worked as a Chef Professor at Niagara College in Canadian wine country, teaching international students from all over the world food theory and classic culinary techniques. Her diverse experience also includes working every position in a restaurant to traveling all over the world as a private chef to celebrities and rock legends.
The next step to achieving perfectly crispy food is to avoid the most common air fryer mistakes.
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