An air fryer grill rack is a removable metal stand that fits inside your air fryer basket, creating additional cooking levels. These clever accessories let you prepare multiple food items simultaneously while ensuring proper air circulation. Whether you're grilling salmon from our salmon recipe collection or roasting vegetables, the rack keeps everything organised.
Air fryer racks transform how you use your appliance by maximising vertical space. Instead of crowding food in a single layer, you can stack ingredients without compromising texture. The elevated design allows hot air to circulate around each item, giving you evenly cooked results every time. Many home cooks find these shelves indispensable when preparing family meals from our main recipe hub. From crispy bacon on top to hash browns underneath, the possibilities are endless.
These metal racks for air fryers are particularly useful when cooking proteins that release juices. By elevating meat above the basket, you prevent sogginess while collecting drippings separately. The sturdy construction withstands high temperatures up to 200°C, making them perfect for everything in our chicken recipe section. Most models feature non-slip feet to keep your food secure during the cooking process.
When selecting air fryer shelves, consider both size and material. Stainless steel racks offer durability and easy cleaning, while some come with silicone coatings for non-stick performance. Measure your basket's interior dimensions before purchasing - most standard racks fit 3.5-5 litre models. For larger families, look for expandable designs that accommodate bigger batches of shrimp from our specialised seafood recipes.
Beyond basic stacking, these versatile tools unlock new cooking techniques. Use them as a trivet for baking dishes or as a cooling rack for fried foods. Some cooks place parchment paper between layers when preparing delicate items like fish cakes or vegetable fritters. The spaces between bars create perfect grill marks on meats, giving that barbecue finish without outdoor cooking. Check our conversion chart to adjust traditional recipes for rack cooking.
Air fryer grill racks shine when preparing complete meals with multiple components. Imagine crispy tofu on the upper level while roasting sweet potatoes underneath - all ready simultaneously. They're also brilliant for dehydrating fruits or making layered nachos where cheese needs to melt evenly. For messy dishes, removable racks make cleanup simpler compared to scrubbing the entire basket. Just pop them in the dishwasher or use our recommended cleaning methods.
To keep your air fryer shelves in top condition, hand wash them with warm soapy water after each use. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that might damage non-stick coatings. For stubborn residue, soak the rack in baking soda solution before gently brushing. Always dry thoroughly to prevent water spots or rust formation on metal surfaces. Store them flat or hang using the integrated hooks some models feature.
The air fryer grill rack excels with dishes requiring different cooking times or temperatures. Try crispy bacon on top with eggs cooking gently below, or roast chicken thighs above a tray of potatoes catching the drippings. Our vegetable recipes work wonderfully when you want to cook root veggies and tender greens simultaneously. The rack creates space for sauces or marinades to drip away from food, preventing sogginess.
For entertaining, these shelves let you prepare appetisers like stuffed mushrooms and spring rolls together. The elevated design ensures all sides crisp evenly without constant flipping. When baking, use the rack to elevate cakes or bread for better air circulation underneath. Some creative cooks even use them as makeshift steam racks by adding water to the basket below. The versatility makes this simple tool one of the most valuable air fryer accessories.
