Air Fryer Baskets: What To Put In Yours?

Air fryer baskets are a popular kitchen appliance accessory, but some users are unsure about how to use them properly. One common issue is that oil and juices can drip onto the heating filaments, which can be prevented by using parchment paper or a tray underneath the basket. Some people also wonder if it's possible to stack food in the basket to fit more in, but this can make it harder to flip the food halfway through cooking.

Using a tray underneath the basket

Some air fryer models have a wire basket that sits on top of a tray. This tray is designed to catch any oil or juices that may drip from the food in the basket, preventing them from falling onto the heating coils below.

When using a tray underneath the basket, it is recommended to place the tray at the very bottom of the air fryer, below the wire basket and elevated rack. This setup allows for better airflow and heat distribution, ensuring that your food cooks evenly.

It is worth noting that using a tray underneath the basket may require additional setup and can make flipping food halfway through the cooking cycle more challenging. Additionally, some users have reported that the tray and basket can be cleaned in the dishwasher, while others prefer to hand wash these components.

Using parchment paper

You can use parchment paper in your wire air fryer basket to prevent oil and juices from dripping onto the heating filaments. You can buy parchment paper that is the exact size as your fryer basket.

To use parchment paper, place the paper in the basket and then put your food on top. You can stack food on top of each other, but it is recommended to only have one layer of food to make it easier to flip the food halfway through the cooking cycle.

You can also use a crisper plate on top of the metal rack to raise the food and prevent dripping. The crisper tray should always go at the very bottom.

After cooking, you can put the basket and trays in the dishwasher or hand wash them.

Stacking food

To stack food, you can place the crisper plate on top of the metal rack and then put it in the basket so the food is raised. However, it is important to note that the crisper tray should always go at the very bottom.

Flipping food halfway through

To prevent oil and juices from dripping onto the heating filaments, you can use parchment paper. Some users have found parchment paper that is the exact size of their fryer basket, which prevents any mess. However, some are concerned that placing a tray underneath the wire basket will negatively affect the heat distribution and cooking process. Other users have noted that their wire basket is suspended a few inches above the coils on a rack slide, so there is room for a tray underneath.

Cleaning the filaments

To clean the filaments of your air fryer, first unplug the appliance and allow it to cool down. Then, remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water in the sink. You can also soak the basket and tray in soapy water for 30 minutes to an hour to help remove stubborn grease. After washing, wipe the interior and exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge, avoiding abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which may damage the surface. Finally, ensure that everything is completely dry before reassembling.

If your air fryer has a lot of grease or residue on the heating element, you can use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean it. For particularly stubborn grease, make a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush.

It is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use, especially if you see bits of food or grease. To prevent grease and oil from dripping onto the heating filaments, you can place a tray or parchment paper underneath the wire basket.

Frequently asked questions