We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
So you’ve decided to jump on the air fryer bandwagon. Smart move. Those little countertop convection ovens can cook up crispy fries, wings, and more using little to no oil. But did you know you can transform your regular oven into an air fryer with the right accessory? An air fryer tray or basket slides right into your oven, circulating hot air to give you the same crispy results. The only question now is: which air fryer tray is right for you?
What Is an Air Fryer Tray for Oven?
An air fryer tray lets you turn your regular oven into an air fryer. It circulates hot air to quickly cook foods like french fries, chicken wings, and veggie chips. An air fryer tray is a perforated tray, basket, or rack that allows air to flow all around the food. This results in food that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just like deep frying but using little or no oil.
Types of Air Fryer Trays
There are a few common styles of air fryer trays:
- Perforated trays: These metal trays have holes or slits cut out to allow maximum air circulation. They can hold more food at once but may require shaking or flipping during cooking. Popular brands are Chefman, Cosori, and Philips.
- Mesh baskets: Wire mesh baskets are ideal for air frying as they provide the most airflow. However, small pieces of food can fall through the mesh, so it may not work as well for frying chopped veggies or breading. Brands like Yedi and Ultrean offer stainless steel mesh baskets.
- Elevated racks: Simple metal racks elevate the food above the oven rack, allowing airflow underneath. They are basic, but they get the job done. Many ovens come with a basic elevated rack, or you can find universal racks.
- Rotating trays: Motorized trays that continuously rotate the food during cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides. Rotating trays tend to be more expensive but very hands-free. The Rotissimo by Kalorik is a popular rotating air fryer tray.
By using an air fryer tray in your oven, you can make all your favorite fried foods with just a fraction of the oil. It’s a quick and easy solution to air frying at home without needing a separate countertop air fryer.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer Tray
Using an air fryer tray in your oven is a game changer. Here are some of the main benefits you’ll enjoy:
Convenience
An air fryer tray makes it easy to cook your favorite fried foods in the oven. No need to heat up oil and deep fry. Just place the food on the tray, slide it in the oven, and you’ll have crispy fries, onion rings, or chicken wings in no time. An air fryer tray is also non-stick, so cleanup is a breeze.
Healthier Cooking
By using hot air circulation instead of oil, an air fryer tray allows you to enjoy the fried flavor without the extra fat and calories. Foods come out light and crispy, not greasy. This cooking method reduces fat by up to 70-80% compared to deep frying. You can indulge in fried favorites more often without guilt.
Save Money
With an air fryer tray, you don’t have to buy expensive oils for frying. You’re also not constantly refilling and disposing of used oil. The trays themselves are very affordable, often costing less than $30. They’re an economical and eco-friendly alternative to deep frying.
Versatility
A good air fryer tray can cook a wide range of foods. In addition to fries and wings, you can make onion rings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, stuffed mushrooms, egg rolls, and more. Look for a tray with adjustable temperature controls so you can easily switch between cooking different foods. Some trays can even be used on the stovetop in addition to the oven.
With so many benefits to using an air fryer tray, it’s worth investing in one of these handy kitchen tools. Your taste buds and waistline will thank you!
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer Tray for Your Oven
Size Matters
When choosing an air fryer tray, consider the size and capacity you need. Do you want to cook for just yourself or your family? Trays come in a range of sizes to suit any need.
- For 1-2 people, a small 2- to 3-quart tray should work great. These compact trays take up little counter space but can still make crispy fries and wings for a few.
- Mid-sized trays in the 3-5 quart range are good for families and meal prep. You can cook enough french fries, Brussels sprouts, or chicken wings to feed 3-6 people.
- Large 5-quart and up trays are ideal if you do a lot of cooking or need to make big batches. Some extra-large trays can hold up to 10 quarts, which is enough to feed a crowd!
Whatever size you choose, look for a tray with high walls to prevent splattering in your oven. Nonstick-coated trays will also make cleanup a breeze.
Digital vs. Analog
These days, you can find basic analog air fryer trays as well as “smart” digital models. Digital trays offer programmable settings, timers, and presets to take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Digital trays let you set the exact cooking temperature and time. Many also have presets for popular foods like fries, chicken wings, or fish filets. This ensures perfect results every time.
- Most digital trays also automatically shut off when the cooking time is done. This gives you peace of mind if you need to step away from the oven.
- Analog trays are more budget-friendly but require manually setting the oven temperature and using a kitchen timer. They work great but may require some trial and error to get food cooked just right.
For convenience and precision, digital trays are worth the investment. But if you’re on a budget or prefer manual controls, an analog tray will still do the job. The choice is up to you!
Top 4 Air Fryer Trays for Oven Reviews
The world of air fryers is vast, but for oven models, here are our top picks based on performance, features, and budget.
Philips TurboStar Airfryer XXL
This high-end model from a reputable brand is ideal if you want to feed a crowd. At 3 pounds of capacity, it can make enough fries or wings for up to 5 people. The unique starfish design and powerful fan provide super-even cooking. It’s easy to use, with preset programs and a digital touchscreen. The only downside is the steep price, around $300. If you want the best and are willing to pay for it, this is a great choice.
COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven
For under $100, this COSORI model is a solid, affordable option. It has a wide temperature range of up to 450 F, allowing you to not only air fry but also bake, broil, roast, and toast. The nonstick and dishwasher safe basket and tray make cleanup a breeze. It’s compact but can still fit a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza. For basic air frying on a budget, this one’s a winner.
Instant Vortex Pro 9-in-1 Air Fryer
Right in the middle at around $130, this Instant Pot model is a great all-around pick. It has 9 functions, including air fry, bake, broil, and rotisserie. The rotisserie spit lets you make juicy roast chicken or kebabs. It has a built-in timer and smart programs for popular foods. The basket is nonstick and removable, with a drip tray to catch excess oil. For the price, it’s a very capable, user-friendly model, perfect for most home cooks.
NuWave Bravo XL Convection Oven
This is actually a small convection oven, not technically an air fryer, but it works great for air frying and so much more. At 1800 watts, it preheats in seconds and cooks quickly. The extra-large capacity means you can cook an entire meal at once. It has 12 cooking functions, including air frying, baking, broiling, toasting, and dehydrating. For around $150, it’s an extremely versatile appliance, perfect if you want to consolidate other small kitchen gadgets.
Overall, it comes down to how much you want to spend and what features matter most to you. But with our reviews and recommendations, you can find an air fryer tray for your oven that suits your needs and budget. Happy frying!
Best Budget Air Fryer Tray for Oven: Cosori Air Fryer Oven Tray
The Cosori Air Fryer Oven Tray is a great budget-friendly option if you’re looking to air fry in your oven without spending a lot. At under $20, it’s an affordable way to make air-frying in your oven possible.
Non-Stick Coating
The Cosori tray features a nonstick coating that allows for the easy release of foods and makes cleanup a breeze. You won’t have to scrub stuck-on bits of food when you’re done cooking. The nonstick surface is PFOA-free, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals.
Dishwasher Safe
For easy cleaning, the Cosori tray is dishwasher safe. Simply place it on the top rack of your dishwasher after use, and it will come out sparkling clean. Of course, you can also hand wash it with warm water and soap if you prefer.
Large Capacity
The Cosori tray offers a large surface area, measuring 13 by 9 inches. This provides plenty of space to make family-sized portions of french fries, chicken wings, veggie chips, and more. The tray can hold up to 3.5 quarts of food at once.
Versatile and Multi-Functional
In addition to air-frying, the Cosori oven tray can be used for baking, roasting, and broiling. It’s a very versatile accessory that you’ll get a lot of use out of. The tray allows you to make a variety of foods that you normally make in your oven but with the added benefit of air-frying.
For a basic yet high-quality air fryer tray at an affordable price, the Cosori Air Fryer Oven Tray is a fantastic choice. It has all the features you need to start air-frying in your oven without any fancy bells and whistles to drive up the cost. For most home cooks looking to keep air-frying simple, this budget-friendly tray will work great.
Best Mid-Range Air Fryer Tray: Chefman Large Air Fry Oven Crisper
The Chefman Large Air Fry Oven Crisper is a great mid-range option if you want an air fryer tray that can handle larger batches of food. This tray measures 13 by 13 inches, giving you enough space to make crispy fries or wings for the whole family in one batch.
Sizeable yet Compact
Despite its large capacity, the Chefman tray won’t take up too much space in your oven. It’s designed to nest inside a standard baking sheet for easy storage when not in use. The nonstick coating and raised mesh bottom allow for maximum air circulation so you can achieve perfectly crispy results without needing to flip the food.
Simple to Use
This tray couldn’t be easier to use. Simply place it on a baking sheet and add your food, then slide it into a preheated 400 F oven. The tray does the work for you, circulating the hot air to quickly cook and crisp your food. Check on your food during cooking and give the tray a shake or flip the ingredients for the most even results.
Versatile
In addition to french fries and chicken wings, you can also use this tray to make onion rings, fish and chips, bacon, roasted veggies, and more. The possibilities are endless! The tray is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. For the best results, avoid using cooking sprays, which can build up on the mesh and prevent air circulation.
If you want an affordable, easy-to-use air fryer tray that can handle sizable batches of food, the Chefman Large Air Fry Oven Crisper is a great option to consider for your home. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to make crispy, delicious versions of all your favorite fried foods right in your own oven.
Best High-End Air Fryer Tray – Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven Tray
The Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven is Ninja’s premium model, with an array of features to produce perfect results every time. If you’re serious about air frying and want the best of the best, this is the tray for you.
Digital Display and Controls
The digital control panel on the Ninja Foodi lets you precisely control the temperature and cooking time. Choose from 5 temperature levels from 105 to 400°F and set the timer for up to 60 minutes. The display will count down the remaining cooking time so you know exactly when your food will be done.
Element IQ
Ninja’s Element IQ technology ensures fast preheating and even cooking. Two separate heating elements, a rear fan, and a precision temperature probe work together to move the hot air around for crispy, golden results without the oil.
Accessories Galore
The Ninja Foodi comes with an array of accessories, so you can air fry anything. It includes two sheet pans, a cooking pot, a multi-level air fry basket, and a grill plate. The sheet pans are great for baking cookies or fries, the pot is perfect for soups and stews, and the grill plate gives you restaurant-quality grilled meat and veggies.
Other Features
This high-end model also has some extra perks like a splatter shield to prevent messes, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning, and a compact design to save counter space. The Ninja Foodi can air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, dehydrate, and reheat – all in one device.
While the Ninja Foodi comes at a higher price point, its innovative features and versatile cooking abilities make it worth the investment for any home chef. If you want a premium air fryer oven that can do it all, the Ninja Foodi should be at the top of your list.
Tips for Using Your New Air Fryer Tray
Now that you have your new air fryer tray, here are some tips to help you get the most out of it:
Season Generously
Don’t be afraid to season your food liberally before air frying. Since air fryers circulate hot air, some of the seasonings can blow off during cooking. Give your food a spray of oil and then sprinkle on your favorite spices, herbs, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, you can also create your own custom spice blends to sprinkle on everything from fries to chicken wings.
Shake it Up
Most air fryer trays come with built-in paddles or you can get an accessory paddle that attaches to your tray to make shaking and flipping food easy. About halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and give the tray a shake to rotate and flip the food. This will ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. For foods like fries, shake the tray 2-3 times during cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd
Resist the urge to overfill your air fryer tray. Only fill it 2/3 full for the best results. Overcrowding the tray prevents hot air from circulating freely, resulting in uneven cooking. It’s better to cook food in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Spray with Oil
While you don’t need nearly as much oil as when deep-frying, most foods will benefit from a light coating of cooking spray or oil before air-frying. The oil will help the food get nicely browned and crispy. Just spray the food lightly and then toss to coat.
Keep Warming Feature
Many air fryers come with a built-in warming feature that will keep your food at an ideal serving temperature for up to 30 minutes after cooking. This is great when you have to cook food in batches. Simply set the warming feature after each batch and your food will stay hot and ready to serve.
By following these useful tips, you’ll be air frying like a pro in no time and turning out crispy, delicious food for your family and friends. Enjoy your new air fryer tray!
Conclusion
So there you have it, the best air fryer trays of 2023. One of these options is to transform your oven into an air fryer so you can make all your favorite fried foods with little to no oil. Now that you’re armed with the info, the only thing left to do is pick out your new air fryer tray and get cooking. Enjoy your new guilt-free frying adventures and don’t forget to let us know how your first batch of fries or wings turns out! We’re always here if you have any other questions about kitchen gadgets or recipes. Happy frying!
