5 Best Air Fryer Baskets: Essential Buying Tips

Ever notice how some air-fried foods come out perfectly crispy while others feel a bit… soggy? The secret ingredient often hiding in plain sight isn’t just the food; it’s the basket it cooks in! These perforated powerhouses are the unsung heroes of your air fryer, yet choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need a solid bottom, or is mesh better? Does size really matter?

If you’ve ever wrestled with sticky food residue, struggled to find a basket that fits your specific model, or just want to unlock that ultimate crunch factor, you are not alone. The wrong basket can lead to uneven cooking and frustrating cleanups. We know you want fast, delicious results without the hassle.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essential features, materials, and sizes you need to consider. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which air fryer basket will transform your cooking, making every batch perfectly golden brown. Ready to upgrade your air frying game from good to absolutely amazing? Let’s dive into the world of the perfect air fryer basket.

Top Air Fryer Basket Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Air Fryer Basket for Oven, OPENICE 15.6" x 11.6" Large Air Fryer Tray and Pan with 30PCS Parchment Papers, Stainless Steel Oven Air Fryer Basket and Tray for Baking Grilling
  • Large Size for Family or Entertaining: OPENICE air fryer basket for oven measuring 15.5x11.6 Inch means you can cook more food at once, saving you time and energy. Whether you're feeding a family or entertaining guests, this oven crisper tray and pan set can handle it all.
  • Eat Heathier with Less Oil: Mesh basket design promotes 360 degree air heat circulation without the needs of flipping food, resulting in crispy and delicious meals.The non-stick surface eliminates the need for adding butter or fats, while the air fryer tray allows excess oil and fat to drip away from your food, help you cook a healthier meals with less oil.
  • Easy Cooking with Less Mess: Our oven air fryer basket and tray set is easy to use, simply place your food in the basket, set the temperature and cooking time, then let the air fryer do the rest. The tray underneath can catch greasy and crumbs so it won't mess your oven. Perfect for busy individuals who want to enjoy tasty and healthy meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.
  • Easy to Clean and Dishwasher-safe: Stainless steel oven air fryer basket ensures safe cooking. The package also comes with 30 pcs pre-cut parchment papers, making cleaning up after cooking a breeze. You can put the air fryer basket and tray set in dishwasher for easy clean-up, saving you time and effort. Or clean by hand.
  • Multi-functional: The air fryer tray set is not just ideal for air frying, baking and roasting, but also for cooking en papillote, to help you make crispy french fries, hash browns, roasting vegetables, juicy steaks and much more.
Bestseller No. 2
Boribim 2 PCS Square Silicone Air Fryer Liners - 8 Inch Reusable Air Fryer Pot - Air Fryer Accessories - Air Fryer Inserts for 4 to 7 QT Oven Microwave Accessories (Red + Blue)
  • [2-PCS Air Fryer Silicone Liners] Our square silicone air fryer liners is thicker, It's about 67mil thick, it's not fragile. 8 inches/ 20.5 cm in side length, 2.2 inches/ 5.5 cm in height, Fits 4 to 7 QT Air Fryer.
  • [Food Grade Silicone Material] Air fryer reusable liners are made from safe, eco-friendly and tasteless highest quality food grade silicone, It's non-toxic, BPA free, Withstands temperatures up to 464 ℉ (240℃), Products have passed FDA testing.
  • [Non-Stick & Easy to Clean] Keeps your air fryer free from food residue, grease, Completely dishwasher safe, Allowing you to avoid the trouble of hand washing. Say goodbye to sticky and burned residue.
  • [Unique Design] The air fryer inserts has many raised lines on the bottom to improve air circulation and heat distribution, Helping to heat food fully and evenly. It also allows excess grease to leave the food, So you can enjoy better tasting, healthier food.
  • [Wide Applicaton] The air fryer liners silicone is a great additional kitchen accessories, Kitchen gadgets for home must haves. Suitable for toaster, steamer, oven, instant pot and microwave, etc. You can also use it for baking, roasting, frying or holding food.
Bestseller No. 3
Air Fryer Basket for Ninja, Original Replacement Tray for Ninja Air Fryer & Toaster Oven, Accessories for Ninja Foodi DT201, DT251, 10-in-1 Smart XL, Stainless Steel Mesh Basket
  • PERFECT FIT FOR NINJA: This air fryer basket is 14.4in x 11.4in x 1.18in. Works seamlessly with your Ninja Foodi models (DT200, DT201, DT251, and others), so it's a hassle-free replacement
  • DURABLE & SAFE: This air fryer basket replacement for oven is made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, BPA-free, FDA compliant, and heat-resistant up to 450°F
  • MESH BASKET DESIGN: The ultra-fine mesh design allows air to circulate evenly around food from all sides, giving you perfectly crispy results for vegetables, fries, and chicken wings and more
  • EASY CLEANUP: This air fryer tray is dishwasher safe. Quick cleanup means more time enjoying your meals instead of scrubbing dishes
  • LONG WARRANTY: This air fryer accessory is a replacement or additional basket/tray for air frying or baking in your Ninja Foodi oven. We offer 1-year warranty with 24-hour customer support.
Bestseller No. 4
Air Fryer Basket, OPENICE 2 Set Air Fryer Pan and Crisper Tray for Oven, Non-stick Oven Air Fryer Basket for Baking and Crispy Foods - Large & Medium
  • 【Great Value with Pack of 6】Package includes 2-pieces Large Air Fryer Basket and Tray Set sized at 15.6×11.6 inches, 2-pieces Medium Set sized at 12.8×9.6 inches, and 2 packs of pacherment papers(30 count/ size), ideal for most regular oven with air fry option or wall oven. Can work perfectly together and superbly apart.
  • 【Eat Heathier with Less Oil】Mesh basket design promotes 360 degree air heat circulation without the needs of flipping food, results in crispy and delicious meals.The non-stick surface eliminates the need for adding butter or fats, while the air fryer tray allows excess oil and fat to drip away from your food, help you cook a healthier meals with less oil.
  • 【Easy Cooking with Less Mess】Our air fryer basket for oven is easy to use, simply place your food in the basket, set the temperature and cooking time, then let the air fryer do the rest. The tray underneath can catch greasy and crumbs so it won't mess your oven. Perfect for people who wants to enjoy tasty and healthy meals but don't have too much time spending in the kitchen.
  • 【Easy to Clean-up and Dishwasher-safe】 Stainless steel air fryer pan and basket with non-stick surface reduces the risk of food-sticking, making cleanup after cooking a breeze. You can put the air fryer rack and tray set in dishwasher or hand wash with soap and water. With the included pacherment papers, the cleaning is even more easier, simply rinsing with water.
  • 【For Family or Entertaining】The air fryer basket for oven with air fry option is not just ideal for air frying, grilling and roasting, but also for baking cookies, or cooking en papillote. It's perfect for making crispy fries, roasted vegetables, juicy steaks, and much more. Whether you're feeding a family or entertaining guests, 2 sizes of oven air fryer basket and tray will save you time and energy, allows you to cook more and delicious food at time.
Bestseller No. 5
COSORI Air Fryer Accessories, Replacement 5.8QT Original Basket For COSORI CP358-AF, CS358-AF Air Fryers, Non-Stick, Dishwasher-Safe, CAF-P582B
  • Fully Certified: This inner basket replacement is BPA free, CA Prop 65 compliant, and ETL listed.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Spend less time cleaning up when you can simply put the nonstick basket in the dishwasher.
  • User Friendly: Place the basket into the air fryer and remove with ease, thanks to the removeable rubber stopper.
  • Perfect Fit: This air fryer basket is specifically designed for the Cosori CS358-AF or CP358-AF air fryer.
  • Twice the Ease: Buy 2 air fryer baskets if you’d like to use one right after the other, when cooking separate dishes, and save yourself an in-between clean.
Bestseller No. 6
Air fryer Basket 8.19 inch Compatible for Instant Vortex,Air Fryer Accessories for COSORI,Mesh Basket
  • Square Air Fryer Basket:The air fryer basket size is 8.19 x 8.19 x 2.8 inches,the mesh basket fit for square air fryer basket inner dimension larger than 8.5 inches,such as compatible for COSORI 5.8QT Air Fryer,compatible for Instant Vortex 6qt air fryer,compatible for Instant Vortex Plus 6qt,compatible for Phillips XXL air fryers HD9650 and HD9630,and more square air fryers
  • The air fryer basket is made of high quality 304 stainless steel,rust-resistant stainless steel
  • Grid designed:The air fryer basket grid designed to offer optimal air circulation make the food uniform heating,food are more crispy
  • Multiple Functions:Must add to your air fryer accessories.You can cook delicious whole chicken,steak,desserts,snacks,fried vegetables ,meat and much more foods. Not only can it be used as a fryer basket, can also serve as a steamer basket
  • Easy to Use:The air fryer replacement basket with handle,basket is easy to take out from air fryer,easy to use and dishwasher safe.If some food sticks to the basket, soak it before washing
Bestseller No. 7
Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Air Fryer Disposable Liners, Non-Stick and Oil Proof for Easy Cleanup, 8” Square for 5-8 qt Basket by Baker's Signature
  • HEALTHY MATERIALS - Our air fryer paper liners are crafted from raw wood with a silicone coating. They are unbleached, BPA-free, PFAs-free, waterproof, oil-proof, non-stick, and can withstand temperatures up to 450°F.
  • EASIER CLEANUP & TIME SAVINGS - Enhance your cooking with our airfryer paper liners. These parchment paper air fryer ensure a swift clean-up, offering more time to savor your dishes!
  • NATURAL UNBLEACHED ASSURANCE - Use our unbleached, natural paper liners for air fryer basket for confident cooking. Keep your food pure and safe with these brown parchment liners, ensuring a clean, healthy meal.
  • SPACE-SAVING STORAGE - Enjoy clutter-free cooking with our air fryer sheets and air fryer disposable paper liner, packed in a convenient, space-saving design for easy storage. Keep your kitchen tidy and organized!
  • VERSATILITY AT ITS BEST - Elevate your cooking with our air fryer inserts, perfect for 5 - 8 QT baskets in Ninja AF100 AF101 AF150 AF161, Cosori, Instant Pot and many more. Not just for air fryers, use them in ovens, microwaves, or as dinner plates. Simplify your kitchen routine!
Bestseller No. 8
DONGULI Air Fryer Basket Oven - 2 Set Large Air Fryer Basket and Tray Stainless Steel Oven Air Fryer Rack Pan Accessories for Baking 15.7"x11.8"
  • 【Extra Large Size for Family or Entertaining】Stainless steel air fryer basket measuring 15.7"x11.8"& 15.7"x11.8" means you can cook more food at once, saving you time and energy. Works well with oven air fryer function, whether you're feeding a family or entertaining guests, this oven crisper tray and pan set can handle it all.
  • 【360° Circulation Heating】The tray pan and air fryer basket With a mesh design, heat the food more evenly and adequately. An elevated mesh basket makes heat circulate 360° around the food evenly, cooking crispy results without burning, reduces the chances of food burning, and helps cook food to a perfectly crispy and brown all around.
  • 【No More Mess in Your Kitchen】Say goodbye to messy kitchens! This oven air fryer basket not only keeps your kitchen clean by preventing oil and grease splatters, but also serves as the perfect cooling rack for fried and grilled foods, a draining basket for fruits and vegetables, and a place for dishes and cups when not in use.
  • 【Easy to Use and Clean】The air fryer basket is made of quality stainless steel, fits most ovens, and is easy to clean with soap and water. The basket simplifies your cooking and cleaning experience. It ensures that cleaning up takes seconds, even after cooking oily foods. You'll have more time to enjoy your delicious meals!
  • 【Give You A Healthier Cooking】 Works well with air fryer ovens and most convection ovens, it opens up the possibility to quickly cook delicious meals without extra butter and oil. It is the perfect kitchen companion for people with low-calorie diets or who need to reduce their cholesterol levels.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Air Fryer Basket

An air fryer basket is a crucial part of your air fryer. It holds your food while hot air cooks it. A good basket makes cooking easier and cleaning simpler. Choosing the right one means better meals! This guide helps you pick the best basket for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, look closely at these important features. They really affect how well the basket works.

Size and Compatibility

  • Measure Twice: Always check the dimensions of your air fryer. The basket must fit perfectly inside. A basket that is too big won’t close the drawer properly.
  • Capacity: Think about how much food you cook. A larger family needs a bigger basket than a single person.

Design and Airflow

  • Hole Pattern: The little holes (or mesh) let hot air circulate. More holes usually mean crispier food. Look for even spacing.
  • Handle Quality: The handle needs to be strong and stay cool. You pull the basket out often, so a sturdy handle prevents accidents.

Ease of Cleaning

  • Non-Stick Coating: A good non-stick surface means food slides right off. This saves you scrubbing time.
  • Dishwasher Safe: If you hate washing dishes, make sure the basket goes safely into your dishwasher.

Important Materials Matter

The material of the basket affects how long it lasts and how safe it is for cooking.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is very strong. It heats up evenly and resists rust. High-quality stainless steel lasts for years, even with daily use.

Non-Stick Coatings

Most baskets use a non-stick coating, often PTFE-based (like Teflon). This coating is great for easy release. However, you must be careful not to scratch it. Scratched coatings can reduce the lifespan of the basket.

Silicone or Metal Inserts

Some people buy separate silicone liners or metal racks to put inside their main basket. Silicone is flexible and very easy to clean. Metal racks can help elevate food for even cooking.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all baskets are made the same. Small details make a big difference in quality.

Quality Boosters

  • Thick Gauge Metal: Thicker metal walls resist warping when they get very hot. This keeps the basket shape true.
  • Riveted Handles: Handles attached with strong rivets (metal pins) are much better than those attached with weak screws.

Quality Reducers

  • Thin Metal: Very thin metal bends easily. This makes it hard to slide the basket in and out.
  • Poor Coating Application: If the non-stick coating looks thin or uneven, it will start peeling quickly.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you plan to use your air fryer basket most often.

Everyday Cooking

For quick weeknight meals, prioritize ease of cleaning. A dishwasher-safe, non-stick basket is your best friend. You want to spend less time scraping burnt cheese.

Baking and Specialty Foods

If you plan to bake small cakes or roast larger pieces of meat, look for baskets that come with racks or dividers. These accessories help you separate food or lift it above grease.

Durability vs. Cost

Cheaper baskets might seem like a good deal. However, if you have to replace them every six months because the coating wears off, they end up costing more. Investing in a durable, stainless steel option often saves money long-term.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryer Baskets

Q: What is the main difference between a basket and a tray?

A: A basket usually has high sides and many holes for maximum air circulation all around the food. A tray is flatter and better for things like pizza or toast.

Q: Can I use a basket from a different brand in my air fryer?

A: Usually, no. Air fryer baskets are made to fit the specific shape and size of their corresponding air fryer drawer. You must buy one made for your model.

Q: How do I stop food from sticking to my non-stick basket?

A: Always use a very light spray of oil before adding food. Also, make sure the basket is fully preheated before you place the food inside.

Q: Is it safe to use aluminum foil in the air fryer basket?

A: You can use foil, but be careful. Make sure the foil is weighted down by food. Loose foil can blow up into the heating element and cause a fire risk.

Q: How often should I replace my air fryer basket?

A: If the non-stick coating is flaking off, or if the metal is heavily warped, it is time for a replacement. This is usually after one to three years of regular use.

Q: Are silicone liners better than standard baskets?

A: Silicone liners are easier to clean and protect the original coating. However, they block some airflow, which might make food slightly less crispy.

Q: Can I wash the basket while it is still hot?

A: No. Let the basket cool down completely before washing. Putting a very hot basket into cold water can cause the metal to warp.

Q: What does “dishwasher safe” really mean for these baskets?

A: It means the manufacturer tested it, and the coating should survive the high heat and strong detergents of a dishwasher cycle.

Q: Why is my basket handle getting loose?

A: This happens when the screws holding the handle loosen over time due to constant heating and cooling. Tighten them carefully with a small screwdriver.

Q: Does the basket material affect cooking time?

A: Yes, slightly. Stainless steel transfers heat very efficiently, sometimes cooking food a tiny bit faster than a basket with a thick non-stick layer.