How To Use Multi Layer Rack In Air Fryer?

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Using Racks in the Air Fryer

If you are having trouble using an air fryer with multiple racks, learn how to use multi layer rack in air fryer and get perfect cooking results.

An air fryer rack enhances convenience. It allows you to add a layer of food above the air fryer basket and cook more food in less time. But do you know the best way to use an air fryer rack?

Today, we will share some self-tested methods to help you produce great cooking results.

How To Use Multi Layer Rack In Air Fryer?

Place the air fryer double layer rack right side up so that its legs touch the basket. Apply some oil on the rack wires to prevent the food from sticking. Also, arrange the food in a single layer to allow even cooking.

Here are some more tips for using an air fryer with multiple shelves or racks.

Add Some Oil to Your Food

How do you use oil in an air fryer

Air fryers are indeed hailed for their ability to cook food without oil. But sometimes, using oil in the air fryer is necessary to get better cooking results.

Before putting food in the air fryer, add a tablespoon or two to grease the food with your favorite oil. You can apply some oil to the rack before putting it in the air fryer basket.

This process will prevent the food from sticking to the air fryer rack. And you will end up having juicy and crispy food in perfect shape. Finally, put the wire stand right side up with its legs touching the air fryer basket base and arrange the food.

Arrange Food on The Rack

Wings on Air Fryer Rack

Putting an additional rack in an air fryer does not mean you can fill it to the brim. Whether using a ninja air fryer rack or other non-branded racks, you can arrange only a certain amount of food on it.

Overfilling the rack with food impedes the airflow, and the food does not cook evenly. So, avoid stacking food in the air fryer. Always place food in a single layer, as in an air fryer basket. Make sure food items have some space among them.

Stir Ingredients Midway

Once you close the air fryer drawer after putting in food, you cannot leave it like that. Pull out the air fryer basket midway through the cooking process to shake and turn the sides of the food. 

You can also interchange the places of food items cooking in various layers. This way, you will let food cook from all sides without burning it.

Impact of Rack in Air Fryer on Cooking Results

cooking food on air fryer racks

Using an air fryer rack improves your cooking results, especially when you cook large food items such as drumsticks and rotisserie chicken.

Without a rack, the food will touch the surface of the air fryer, and heat will only completely touch one side of the food. The other side, touching the basket, will not get as much heat.

When using an air fryer rack, food rises above the basket surface, and heat reaches the food much better, creating a consistently crispy outer layer. However, avoid using two racks in the air fryer, as the space in the basket is not enough to accommodate two racks.

How to Choose the Right Multi-Layer Rack

Using an air fryer rack starts with making the right choice while selecting a rack. A wire stands with the top layer composed of skewers, and the bottom wired layer is an excellent choice.

This type of wire stand is removable and can easily and perfectly cook various dishes at a time. Whether you are air-frying drumsticks or roasting potatoes, a metal skewer rack is always a perfect choice. 

The next important thing is the size of the rack. It should be smaller than the circumference of the air fryer basket bottom so that it can easily fit inside and not touch the walls of the air fryer.

If you got the rack with your air fryer, the size would be according to the basket. But if you are buying it separately, keep in mind the dimensions of your basket when ordering it.

The benefit of a smaller air fryer rack is that it will protect the interior from getting scratched.

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FAQs

Can I use double rack in Airfryer?

Yes, you can use a double-layer rack in an air fryer to make more space and cook more food simultaneously. However, ensure plenty of space in your air fryer to accommodate a double rack without food touching the heating element.

What do you use the rack for in an air fryer?

Air fryer racks are an excellent way to add a second layer of space above your air fryer basket. Some air fryers come with cooking racks; for others, you must buy the rack separately.

Do I need to use the wire rack in an air fryer?

It is not a hard and fast rule to use a wire rack in an air fryer. The purpose of using a wire rack is to add more space in your air fryer to cook food in multiple layers. You can skip the wire rack if you can accommodate all the ingredients on the air fryer basket.

How do you cook 2 things in an air fryer?

If you have an air fryer with two compartments, like a Ninja dual-zone air fryer, you can easily cook two types of foods at a time. But if there is only one cooking chamber in your air fryer, add a wire rack to add another cooking layer. You can also use separators for cooking multiple ingredients by dividing the space in the air fryer basket.  

Can you use the bottom rack of an air fryer?

Yes, you can use the bottom rack of an air fryer. However, when cooking in multiple layers, arrange ingredients so that all the food gets proper airflow for even cooking from all sides. Also, avoid stacking food one above the other. There should be a sufficient amount of space for the air to flow freely between racks.

Wrapping Up!

Using a rack in an air fryer increases the space for cooking more food. A rack adds a cooking layer to the air fryer. When buying an air fryer rack, make sure it is smaller than the air fryer basket so that it does not touch and scratch the walls of the air fryer. Once you have cooked food, wash the rack immediately to make cleaning easier.

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