Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthy way to cook fried foods. One of the common accessories that come with many air fryer models is a cooking rack. Air fryer racks can be used in a variety of ways to cook different foods. Here is a guide on how to cook with an air fryer rack.
What is an Air Fryer Rack?
An air fryer rack is a grilling tray or basket designed to fit inside an air fryer. It has a wired or mesh surface that allows air to circulate around the food for even cooking. The rack suspends foods above the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sogginess and allows oils and fats to drip away from foods.
Air fryer racks are made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or porcelain-coated steel. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different models of air fryers. Some common types of air fryer racks include:
- Flat basket racks – A flat wire frame that slides into the air fryer like a shelf.
- Raised basket racks – A taller wire rack that sits elevated in the air fryer basket.
- Grill racks – Racks with a grill-like surface for getting grill marks on meats and vegetables.
- Skewer racks – Racks made to hold skewers of food above the basket bottom.
- Multi-level racks – Racks with multiple tiers to cook different foods separately.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer Rack
There are several benefits to using a rack when cooking in your air fryer:
- Prevents soggy foods – The rack suspends foods above any oils and juices that cook out, preventing sogginess.
- Allows air circulation – Air is able to flow all around the food for crisping and browning.
- Facilitates flipping – Foods can be easily shaken or flipped halfway through cooking.
- Permits batch cooking – Multiple foods can cook at once using layers.
- Achieves grill marks – Grill racks produce appealing sear marks on meats and veggies.
- Keeps foods contained – Small or loose pieces stay neatly on the rack instead of getting lost in the basket.
How to Use an Air Fryer Rack
Using an air fryer rack opens up a whole new range of possibilities for air frying. Here are some tips for cooking with a rack:
- Spray the rack with oil – Give the rack a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Avoid overspraying as excess oil will drip into the basket.
- Arrange foods properly – Leave some space between pieces for optimal air circulation. Flip or shake foods halfway through cooking.
- Use cooking liners – Parchment paper or aluminum foil liners can make cleanup easier.
- Adjust temperature and time – Rack cooking may require adjusting temperature and cook times from basket cooking.
- Rotate rack position – If your rack is adjustable, rotate it midway for even browning.
- Monitor cooking – Keep an eye on foods as rack placement can lead to uneven cooking.
Foods to Cook on an Air Fryer Rack
An air fryer rack opens up the possibilities for quick and healthy meals. Almost anything that can be cooked in a regular oven can be made in an air fryer rack. Here are some of the top foods to try:
Proteins
- Bacon
- Sausages
- Chicken wings, legs, and thighs
- Chicken or turkey breast
- Pork chops
- Fish fillets
- Shrimp or scallops
- Lamb chops
- Steak
Vegetables
- Asparagus
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Corn on the cob
- Eggplant
- Mushrooms
- Onion slices
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Squash
- Zucchini
Other Foods
- Frozen foods like fries, nuggets, etc.
- Pizza
- Quesadillas
- Fruit crisps
- Nut clusters
The possibilities are endless for quick and healthy meals by using an air fryer rack!
Tips for Cooking Different Foods on a Rack
Cooking with an air fryer rack takes some tweaking from basket cooking. Here are tips for cooking common air fried foods using a rack:
Steaks and Chops
- Use a grill rack for nice sear marks.
- Brush meats lightly with oil to aid browning.
- Cook fatty meats like bacon and sausages on a foil-lined rack.
- For even doneness, flip meats halfway through cooking.
- Let meat rest 5 minutes before serving.
Chicken Pieces
- Use a light oil mist or baking spray on the rack to prevent sticking.
- Arrange pieces skin-side up with space between them.
- Brush chicken with oil or spices to add flavor.
- Flip legs and thighs halfway for even cooking.
Vegetables
- Toss vegetables lightly in oil before air frying.
- Spread vegetables out in a single layer on the rack.
- Stir or flip vegetables midway through cooking.
- Spritz vegetables like Brussels sprouts with oil midway through cooking.
Fish and Seafood
- Spray rack with oil and preheat before adding seafood.
- Use parchment paper for easier flipping and to prevent sticking.
- Cook fish and shrimp gently at a lower temperature.
- Baste fish with butter, oil or sauce midway through cooking.
With some experimenting, you can adapt just about any oven-baked food to cook perfectly on your air fryer rack!
How to Clean an Air Fryer Rack
Like other air fryer accessories, racks require regular cleaning to keep them in good condition. Here are tips for cleaning air fryer racks:
- Let rack cool fully before cleaning to avoid burning yourself.
- Remove rack and wash with hot soapy water and a sponge or brush.
- Pay attention to any cavities and crevices where grease can collect.
- If needed, use a baking soda paste to remove stuck-on grease and grime.
- Rinse and dry rack fully after washing.
- Avoid metal scouring pads which can damage the rack’s coating.
- For porcelain-coated racks, gently scrub with nonabrasive sponges.
- Place racks in the dishwasher only if indicated safe for doing so.
It is also a good idea to clean the air fryer basket and interior whenever cleaning the racks. This prevents grease, drippings and crumbs from the racks from accumulating in the appliance. Keeping both racks and interiors clean ensures best performance.
Common Problems When Cooking on an Air Fryer Rack
While air fryer racks provide lots of benefits, there are a few common problems to watch out for:
- Uneven cooking – If foods are crowded or improperly arranged, they may cook unevenly on a rack.
- Sticking – Rack cooking can lead to sticking if racks are overcrowded or not properly oiled.
- Greasy residue – Excess fat from high-fat foods may leave behind grease on racks.
- Difficult flipping – Foods may be more prone to sticking or falling through racks when flipping.
- Improper rack placement – If rack position is too high or low, it can lead to poor air circulation.
Using liners, avoiding overcrowding, and adjusting rack position can help prevent many common issues when cooking on air fryer racks.
Tips for Better Air Fryer Rack Cooking
It may take some trial and error to get the hang of cooking with air fryer racks. Here are some top tips for success:
- Only air fry 1 pound or less of food at a time to prevent overcrowding.
- Use parchment paper, aluminum foil or silicone baking mats on racks for easy release.
- Brush racks lightly with oil instead of overspraying to minimize excess grease.
- For grill marks, let food sear for 2-3 minutes before flipping.
- Adjust temperature and time from recipes as needed based on rack placement.
- Let foods rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for better texture.
With practice, you will get the hang of how to adjust times, temperatures and methods when using your air fryer’s racks. Soon you’ll be turning out everything from steaks to cakes on your air fryer racks!
Common Air Fryer Rack Accessories
There are a variety of useful accessories available for getting the most out of air fryer rack cooking:
Cooking Liners
Liners such as parchment paper, aluminum foil or reusable silicone mats that cover racks for easier cleanup and food release.
Oil Sprayers
Reusable oil sprayers for lightly greasing racks and food without excessive oil.
Skewers
Metal or bamboo skewers to thread and suspend foods above the rack for all-over crisping.
Cooling Racks
Metal cooling racks that sit on top of air fryer racks to cook multiple layers or remove foods from heat.
Rack Inserts
Perforated metal inserts designed to add more levels within the rack for cooking more food.
Rotisserie Kits
Attachment and skewers for rotating and self-basting meats and poultry.
Accessorizing your racks with these handy tools can make air frying even more efficient and convenient.
Recipes Using Air Fryer Racks
Here are some delicious recipes that make great use of air fryer racks:
Crispy Chicken Thighs
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Temperature: 400°F
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp olive oil
Directions:
- Mix spices and olive oil in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and turn to coat.
- Arrange thighs skin-side up on air fryer rack, spacing apart.
- Cook at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping thighs halfway through.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Sesame Orange Salmon
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Temperature: 380°F
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
Directions:
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, oil and orange zest.
- Brush mixture onto both sides of salmon fillets.
- Place salmon skin-side down on air fryer rack.
- Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until flaky.
- Top with sesame seeds before serving.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 370°F
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Directions:
- Toss Brussels sprouts with oil, salt and pepper.
- Arrange in single layer on air fryer rack.
- Cook at 370°F for 13-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving if desired.
Conclusion
Cooking with an air fryer rack opens up a whole new realm of possibilities beyond just frying in the basket. Racks allow you to cook everything from steaks to cakes, quickly and conveniently. With some practice using the right techniques, you can make delicious air fried meals on racks in your own home. Experiment with racks to make the most out of your air fryer!