Air Fryer Rack: Can You Use It In The Oven?

Air fryer racks are a useful accessory that can enhance your cooking experience. They are designed to maximise cooking space, improve air circulation, and separate different foods. However, their use is optional, and you can still achieve satisfactory results without them. Air fryer racks are typically made from durable, heat-resistant materials like stainless steel and can be cleaned in a dishwasher or by hand. When using an air fryer rack, it is important to ensure proper airflow and avoid overcrowding the rack to achieve the desired crispy texture.

Air fryer rack vs oven rack: What's the difference?

Air fryer racks and oven racks are designed for different purposes and have distinct features. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Purpose: Air fryer racks are designed to maximise the cooking space within an air fryer, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously. Oven racks, on the other hand, are designed simply to hold baking sheets, pans, or other cookware at various heights within the oven.
• Design: Air fryer racks often have a circular, bowl-like shape to contain the food, while oven racks are typically flat and may have grates. Air fryer racks are designed to improve air circulation, with elevated surfaces that allow hot air to flow under the food. Oven racks, while also allowing for air circulation, do not have this as a primary function.
• Compatibility: Air fryer racks are designed specifically for air fryers and may come in different sizes and shapes to fit different models. Oven racks, on the other hand, are more standardised and can fit into various types and models of ovens.
• Materials: Both air fryer racks and oven racks are typically made of durable, heat-resistant materials like stainless steel. However, air fryer racks may be more prone to warping or bending if not stored properly.
• Maintenance: Air fryer racks require regular cleaning after each use to prevent food buildup. While they are often dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended to extend their lifespan. Oven racks, on the other hand, may not require cleaning after each use, depending on the type of food being cooked.
• Cooking Techniques: Air fryer racks are ideal for cooking crispy foods, dehydrating fruits and vegetables, or even baking pastries and cookies. Oven racks can be used for a wider variety of cooking techniques, including baking, roasting, and grilling.

Can you use an air fryer rack in an oven?

An air fryer rack is a useful accessory that can elevate your cooking experience. It can increase the cooking capacity of your appliance, improve air circulation, and separate different foods. However, it is unclear whether an air fryer rack can be used in an oven as the sources provide conflicting information.

Some sources suggest that any oven-safe rack that lifts the food and allows air circulation should be fine to use in an oven. Additionally, some users have reported using a cooling rack for baked goods in their ovens.

On the other hand, some sources emphasize the importance of using specific air fryer accessories, including racks, that are designed for their respective air fryer models. They caution against using racks that are not compatible with the air fryer as it may affect cooking results and even cause safety issues.

Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the manual for your specific oven and air fryer models to determine if it is safe to use an air fryer rack in your oven. Additionally, it is important to prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid any potential hazards.

If you are looking to use an air fryer rack in your oven, here are some general tips and guidelines:

• Ensure the rack is made of oven-safe and heat-resistant materials, such as stainless steel.
• Place the rack over a sheet pan or roasting pan to catch any food bits or drippings that fall off.
• Keep the bottom of the oven clear to allow proper air circulation.
• Clean the rack after each use and dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.
• Store the rack properly to maintain its shape and avoid bending or warping.

By following these guidelines and checking the compatibility of your oven and air fryer rack, you can make an informed decision about using the rack in your oven.

What are the benefits of using an air fryer rack in an oven?

Using an air fryer rack in an oven can bring several benefits. Firstly, it can improve air circulation by elevating food, allowing hot air to flow underneath and around it. This results in more even cooking and crispy textures, especially if you're cooking something like chicken wings or fries.

Secondly, an air fryer rack can help maximise cooking space by providing an extra level for cooking multiple items simultaneously. This is particularly useful when feeding a large group or meal prepping. Additionally, the rack can be used to separate different foods, allowing you to cook various dishes at the same time without worrying about flavour transfer. For example, you could cook chicken wings on the bottom rack and roast vegetables on the rack above.

Air fryer racks come in various types, including single-layer, multi-layer, skewer racks for kebabs, dehydrating racks with fine mesh, baking racks for pastries, and grill racks that allow fat to drip away. You can also use the rack as a cooling tray after cooking, preventing the food from becoming soggy.

Before using an air fryer rack in an oven, it's important to ensure it's oven-safe and made from durable, heat-resistant materials like stainless steel. It's also worth noting that some foods may require a light coating of oil to achieve the desired crispiness, and you should avoid overcrowding the rack to ensure proper air circulation.

What are some tips for using an air fryer rack in an oven?

Using an air fryer rack in an oven is a great way to improve your cooking experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:

Choose the Right Rack

Select a rack that fits your oven and air fryer model. Check the list of compatible models, as not all racks are universal. Look for racks made from durable, heat-resistant materials like stainless steel, which are long-lasting and easy to clean.

Maximize Cooking Space

One of the main benefits of using an air fryer rack is the increased cooking capacity. The rack adds an extra level, allowing you to cook more food at once, which is perfect for feeding a large family or meal prepping. Stackable racks can further maximize space without compromising air circulation.

Improve Air Circulation

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. Racks elevate the food, allowing hot air to flow underneath, resulting in more even cooking and crispier results. Ensure there is proper airflow by not overcrowding the rack and leaving space between the items.

Separate Different Foods

With an air fryer rack, you can cook different types of food simultaneously without worrying about flavor mixing. For example, you can cook crispy chicken wings on the bottom rack while roasting vegetables on the top rack.

Recommended Bakeware

When using the air fryer function in your oven, it is recommended to use dark-colored baking sheets or pans. They absorb more heat and promote better browning and crisping. Avoid using shiny foil as it reflects heat, which may affect your results.

Food Preparation

Arrange your food in a single layer on the baking sheet, avoiding overlap if possible. Spritz your food with a light coating of high-heat tolerant oil, such as avocado oil, to help it crisp up. Breaded foods or items with a crumbly texture may require a more liberal coating of oil.

Cooking Tips

With the air fryer function, there is no need to preheat your oven. Simply place your food directly in the cold oven and start cooking. Keep in mind that air frying may cook your food faster, so adjust the temperature or rack position if it is browning too quickly.

Are there any drawbacks to using an air fryer rack in an oven?

There are a few potential drawbacks to using an air fryer rack in an oven, depending on the type of oven and rack you have. Here are some considerations:

• Oven Size: Using an air fryer rack in a conventional oven may not give the same results as using it in a smaller air fryer due to the size difference. The larger chamber of an oven means that hot air may not circulate as evenly or intensely around the food, potentially leading to uneven cooking.
• Cooking Capacity: Air fryer racks tend to have limited cooking capacity, which can be an issue if you're cooking for a large family or preparing a meal for a dinner party. You may need to cook in batches and clean the rack in between, which can be time-consuming.
• Food Limitations: Not all foods are suitable for cooking on an air fryer rack. For example, wet-battered foods, whole chickens, large roasts, pork bacon, cheese, raw grains, leafy greens, and broccoli may not cook well on an air fryer rack due to the forced air circulation.
• Clean-up: Using an air fryer rack in an oven may result in more clean-up compared to simply using an oven rack or tray. You'll need to clean the rack itself, as well as any trays or pans used to catch drips or crumbs.
• Noise: Air fryer racks often require the use of a fan to circulate hot air, which can be noisy. Some air fryers can reach up to 65 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of an average vacuum cleaner or handheld hairdryer.
• Cost: If you don't already have an air fryer rack, purchasing one can be an additional expense. Basic racks can start at $50, but some models can cost well over $1,000.
• Storage: Air fryer racks can be bulky and may not fit neatly in your cabinets or under your counters. If you need to leave it on your countertop, it will take up valuable space and may need to be moved when you're preparing meals or cleaning.

Overall, while using an air fryer rack in an oven can be a convenient option for some, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks and decide if it's the best fit for your cooking needs and kitchen set-up.

Frequently asked questions