Best Air Fryer Racks and Trays - Multi-Level Cooking Guide

Air fryer racks and multi-level trays are game-changing accessories that double or triple your cooking capacity, allowing you to cook complete meals - protein, sides, and vegetables - simultaneously. After testing 25+ different racks and tray systems across various air fryer models, we've identified the best options that maximize space, ensure proper airflow, and deliver consistent results.

Get the Best Air Fryer with Multi-Level Capacity

Whether you're feeding a family, meal prepping, or simply want to cook more efficiently, this comprehensive guide covers double-layer racks, grill pans with elevation, skewer racks, and specialty multi-level accessories that transform your air fryer into a versatile cooking powerhouse.

Why Multi-Level Racks Matter

Most air fryers come with a single-level basket, forcing you to cook in batches or choose between protein and sides. Multi-level racks solve this by utilizing vertical space efficiently.

Benefits of Multi-Level Cooking

Double Your Capacity:

• •Cook main dish and sides simultaneously
• •Reduce total cooking time by 40-50%
• •Make complete meals without multiple batches

Better Results:

• •Fat drips down to lower level or drip tray
• •Better air circulation around food
• •More evenly cooked results

Energy Efficient:

• •One cooking session instead of multiple
• •Reduces total cooking time
• •Lower energy costs

Meal Prep Simplified:

• •Prepare multiple portions at once
• •Consistent results across all levels
• •Perfect for weekly meal preparation

Types of Multi-Level Racks and Trays

1. Double-Layer Stacking Racks

What They Are: Wire racks that create two separate cooking levels with open grating for maximum airflow.

Best For:

• •Cooking protein on top, vegetables on bottom
• •Reheating multiple items
• •Dehydrating fruits (see our dehydrating guide)

Features to Look For:

• •✅ Food-grade stainless steel (not coated wire)
• •✅ Appropriate height for your air fryer (leaves 2-3" clearance)
• •✅ Raised feet for proper elevation
• •✅ Handles for easy removal when hot

Top Pick: Stainless steel double-layer rack with 1.5-2" elevation

• •Price: $12-18
• •Fits: Most 6-8 quart air fryers

What You Can Make:

• •Chicken thighs on top, asparagus on bottom
• •Burgers on top, fries on bottom
• •Fish on top, Brussels sprouts on bottom
• •Multiple batches of cookies

2. Grill Pans with Elevation

What They Are: Pans with raised ridges that elevate food above dripping fat/oil.

Best For:

• •Grilled meats (steak, chicken, burgers)
• •Foods that release grease
• •Creating grill marks
• •Healthier cooking (fat drains away)

Types:

Perforated Grill Pan:

• •Holes allow fat to drip through
• •Creates authentic grill marks
• •Even cooking via airflow through holes
• •Price: $15-22

Solid Grill Pan with Ridges:

• •Fat collects in grooves
• •Easier cleanup than perforated
• •Good for delicate foods
• •Price: $12-18

What Works Best: For most users, perforated grill pans provide better results due to superior airflow and fat drainage.

3. Skewer Racks

What They Are: Racks designed to hold metal or wooden skewers horizontally or vertically.

Best For:

• •Kebabs (chicken, beef, vegetable)
• •Satay
• •Bacon-wrapped items
• •Even cooking on all sides

Horizontal vs. Vertical:

Horizontal Skewer Racks:

• •Easier to load/unload
• •More stable
• •Better for heavier items
• •Price: $10-15

Vertical Skewer Racks:

• •Higher capacity (more skewers)
• •Better fat drainage
• •Takes up less horizontal space
• •Price: $12-18

Pro Tip: Use vertical racks for marinated items where you want maximum fat/sauce drainage.

4. Three-Tier Dehydrator Racks

What They Are: Stackable mesh racks specifically designed for dehydrating and multi-level cooking.

Best For:

• •Dehydrating fruits, vegetables, jerky
• •Making multiple batches of cookies or small items
• •Reheating multiple servings
• •Maximum capacity utilization

Features:

• •Fine mesh prevents small items from falling through
• •Stackable design (3-5 levels typically)
• •Round or square to fit different basket shapes
• •Price: $15-25 for set of 3-5 racks

Capacity Increase: A 6-quart air fryer with 3-tier racks can effectively hold 18 quarts worth of food by using vertical space.

5. Pizza/Crisper Trays with Legs

What They Are: Perforated flat trays with raised legs that elevate food above basket.

Best For:

• •Pizza (see our pizza guide)
• •Frozen foods (chicken nuggets, tater tots)
• •Items needing bottom crisping
• •Multiple small items

Why Elevation Matters: The 1-2" elevation allows hot air to circulate underneath, ensuring crispy bottoms without flipping.

Price: $8-15

Sizing Guide: Matching Racks to Your Air Fryer

Measuring Your Air Fryer

Before buying any rack or tray:

1. •Measure basket diameter (round) or length/width (square)
2. •Measure height from basket bottom to heating element
3. •Note basket shape (round, square, rectangular)

Size Chart

| Air Fryer Capacity | Rack Diameter/Size | Max Safe Height | |-------------------|-------------------|----------------| | 2-3 quart | 6-6.5 inches | 2-3 inches | | 4-5 quart | 7-7.5 inches | 3-4 inches | | 6-8 quart | 8-8.5 inches | 4-5 inches | | 10+ quart | 9-10 inches | 5-6 inches |

Critical Rule: Leave at least 2" clearance between top of food and heating element to prevent burning.

Shape Compatibility

Round Baskets:

• •Use round racks
• •Maximizes usable space
• •Common in Cosori, Instant Vortex models

Square Baskets:

• •Use square racks
• •Better for rectangular foods
• •Common in Ninja, PowerXL models

Oval/Rectangular:

• •Use oval racks or adjustable wire racks
• •Less common, may need custom solutions

Best Multi-Level Accessories by Air Fryer Brand

For Ninja Dual Zone XL Pro

Check Accessories on Amazon

Best Options:

• •Two separate double-layer racks (one per basket)
• •Square racks (match basket shape)
• •Grill pans with perforations

Why It Works: The dual-basket design already provides separation, so focus on maximizing each basket independently.

For Instant Vortex Plus

Check Accessories on Amazon

Best Options:

• •Triple-tier dehydrator racks
• •Large double-layer rack
• •Round pizza tray with legs

Why It Works: The tall single chamber accommodates multiple levels better than dual-basket designs.

For Cosori Lite

Check Accessories on Amazon

Best Options:

• •Single double-layer rack
• •Compact grill pan
• •7-inch round racks

Why It Works: Smaller capacity means simple is better - one additional level doubles capacity without overcrowding.

Recipes Perfect for Multi-Level Cooking

Complete Meal #1: Steak and Vegetables

Top Level:

• •2 steaks (see our steak guide)
• •Season and cook at 400°F

Bottom Level:

• •Asparagus, bell peppers, onions
• •Tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper

Timing:

• •Start vegetables: 400°F for 5 minutes
• •Add steaks on top rack: cook together 10-12 more minutes
• •Perfect synchronization

Complete Meal #2: Chicken and Potatoes

Top Level:

• •4 chicken thighs
• •Season with paprika, garlic, salt

Bottom Level:

• •Baby potatoes, halved
• •Tossed with olive oil, rosemary

Method:

• •Both levels at 400°F for 22-25 minutes
• •Shake potatoes halfway through

Complete Meal #3: Fish and Broccoli

Top Level:

• •2 salmon fillets (see our salmon guide)

Bottom Level:

• •Broccoli florets
• •Light oil, lemon, garlic

Timing:

• •Cook together at 400°F for 10-12 minutes
• •No mid-cooking adjustment needed

Meal Prep: Chicken Breast Batch

Using 3-Tier Racks:

• •6-9 chicken breasts (2-3 per level)
• •Season identically
• •375°F for 18-22 minutes
• •Rotate racks halfway through for even cooking

Result: Week's worth of protein in one session

Tips for Successful Multi-Level Cooking

Air Circulation is Key

Do:

• •✅ Leave gaps between food items
• •✅ Use perforated racks when possible
• •✅ Arrange food in single layer per level
• •✅ Rotate racks halfway through cooking

Don't:

• •❌ Overcrowd levels
• •❌ Use solid trays that block airflow
• •❌ Stack food items on top of each other
• •❌ Forget to leave clearance from heating element

Temperature Considerations

Same Temperature Foods: Most convenient - cook everything at same temp simultaneously.

Examples:

• •Chicken and vegetables: both 400°F
• •Steak and potatoes: both 400°F
• •Fish and asparagus: both 400°F

Different Temperature Foods: Requires strategy - cook the higher-temp item first, then add lower-temp item.

Example:

• •French fries (400°F, 15 min) + fish (375°F, 10 min)
• •Start fries at 400°F for 5 min
• •Add fish, lower to 390°F for 10 more min

Fat Drainage Strategy

Smart Placement:

• •Put fattier proteins on top rack
• •Put vegetables on bottom (they'll absorb flavorful drippings)
• •Use aluminum foil on bottom rack if you don't want fat mixing

Example:

• •Bacon on top rack
• •Potatoes on bottom rack
• •Potatoes get bacon-flavored (delicious!)

Cleaning and Maintenance

Immediate Cleaning

Right After Use:

• •Let racks cool 5 minutes
• •Wash with warm soapy water
• •Use soft sponge (no steel wool on non-stick)
• •Dry completely before storing

Why Immediate: Stuck-on food becomes harder to remove once cooled completely.

Stubborn Residue

Soaking Method:

1. •Soak in hot soapy water 15-30 minutes
2. •Sprinkle baking soda on stubborn spots
3. •Scrub with soft brush
4. •Rinse and dry

Dishwasher: Most stainless steel racks are dishwasher safe. Check manufacturer guidelines first.

Storage

Best Practices:

• •Stack with paper towels between to prevent scratching
• •Store inside air fryer when not in use (saves space)
• •Keep in dry location to prevent rust

Lifespan:

• •Stainless steel: 3-5+ years with proper care
• •Non-stick coated: 1-3 years (coating wears over time)

Common Problems and Solutions

| Problem | Cause | Solution | |---------|-------|----------| | Uneven cooking | Overcrowded racks | Leave 1-2" between items, use fewer items per level | | Bottom level underdone | Blocked airflow | Use perforated racks, don't use solid pans on top level | | Food sticking to rack | Insufficient oil or seasoning | Spray rack lightly with oil before loading | | Rack warping | Poor quality metal or excessive heat | Buy quality stainless steel, stay under 400°F when possible | | Won't fit in basket | Wrong size | Measure carefully before buying, allow ½" clearance on all sides | | Rack touching heating element | Too tall | Use shorter racks, don't overload with tall foods |

Budget-Friendly Rack Setup

Total Budget: $40

Priority Purchases:

1. •Double-layer stacking rack - $15 (most versatile)
2. •Perforated grill pan - $12 (healthier cooking)
3. •Set of 3 round pizza trays - $10 (multi-purpose)

Total: $37

This covers 90% of multi-level cooking needs.

Budget: $70 (Complete setup):

4. •Skewer rack - $12 (kebabs)
5. •3-tier dehydrator racks - $18 (maximum capacity)

Total: $67

Where to Buy

Amazon: Largest selection, customer reviews help identify quality Shop Air Fryer Racks and Trays

Manufacturer Direct: Guaranteed fit for your specific model

Kitchen Supply Stores: See quality in person, generally more expensive

Pro Tip: Read reviews carefully - some cheap racks warp after minimal use. Invest in quality stainless steel for longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions