If you’re a fan of crispy, evenly cooked food but don’t have a dedicated air fryer, there’s a simple solution: air fryer trays for your oven. These trays replicate the effects of an air fryer by using hot air circulation to deliver crispy and golden results. Whether cooking vegetables, chicken, or frozen snacks, an air fryer tray in the oven can be a game changer. In this blog, we’ll dive into the best air fryer trays for crispy and even cooking to help you achieve perfectly crisp dishes without the need for a separate air fryer appliance.

Key Features to Look for in Air Fryer Trays

When selecting an air fryer tray for your oven, it’s essential to consider certain features to ensure the best results. Here are the key factors to look for:

  1. Even Heat Distribution
     A core advantage of air fryer trays is their ability to cook food evenly. The tray should allow hot air to circulate around the food, ensuring it crisps up perfectly on all sides. This is especially important when preparing delicate foods like fish fillets or roasted vegetables.
  2. Raised Design
     A well-designed air fryer tray features a raised design, which allows the food to sit above any excess oils or juices. This prevents sogginess and ensures that the food remains crisp throughout the cooking process. Additionally, this design helps air circulate around the food for more even cooking.
  3. Durability
     Durability is a crucial factor in choosing an air fryer tray. Opt for trays made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, copper, or food-grade silicone. These materials can withstand high temperatures and heavy usage. Copper, for example, provides excellent heat conduction and durability.
  4. Easy Cleaning
     Cleaning is an essential consideration for any kitchen tool, and air fryer trays are no exception. Many trays are dishwasher-safe, but even those that aren’t are often easy to clean by hand. Non-stick trays are particularly convenient, preventing food from sticking and simplifying the cleaning process.
  5. Size and Compatibility
     Ensure that the air fryer tray fits comfortably in your oven. A tray that is too large or too small may impede air circulation, affecting cooking performance. The right size will ensure that air can circulate freely around the food for even cooking.

Top Air Fryer Trays for Crispy and Even Cooking

Here’s a list of some of the best air fryer trays available for your oven. These trays are designed to provide crispy, evenly cooked meals, replicating the results of an air fryer while being compatible with your oven.

  1. Ingcebo Stainless Steel Air Fryer Basket for Oven

Rating: 4.5/5                            

This stainless steel air fryer tray is a fantastic option for oven cooking, as it offers excellent heat distribution for evenly cooked and crispy food. The tray is designed to securely hold the food, preventing it from sliding when removed from the oven. Made from durable stainless steel, it can withstand high temperatures without warping.

Why It’s Great:

  • Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
  • Sturdy construction that catches drippings from meat dishes.
  • Ensures even cooking with minimal effort.

Downside:

  • The shallow design may not hold large amounts of drippings from bigger dishes.
  1. Musential Non-Stick Air Fryer Tray for Oven

Rating: 5/5

For those seeking an easy-to-clean air fryer tray, the Musential Non-Stick Tray is an excellent choice. Made from high-quality stainless steel with a non-stick coating, it ensures food won’t stick and cooks evenly every time. This tray works well for everything from roasted potatoes to crispy chicken wings.

Why It’s Great:

  • Non-stick surface for effortless food removal and cleaning.
  • Excellent air circulation for consistently crispy cooking.
  • Dishwasher-safe for added convenience.

Downside:

  • The non-stick coating may wear off over time with heavy use.

USBlueWave Rotating Drum Air Fryer Basket

Rating: 4/5

For those looking to replicate the rotating feature of an air fryer, the USBlueWave Rotating Drum Basket is a unique option. The design allows food to rotate during cooking, ensuring even crisping on all sides. It’s ideal for smaller items like roasted vegetables or small cuts of chicken.

Why It’s Great:

  • The rotating mechanism ensures even cooking and crisping.
  • Durable stainless steel construction.
  • Easy to clean and maintain.

Downside:

  • Does not include a tray, requiring you to use a separate one.
  • Can be tricky to open when hot, especially with oven mitts.
  1. Letemps Air Fryer Basket for Oven

Rating: 4.5/5

The Letemps round air fryer basket is perfect for smaller oven spaces, making it a great choice for cooking small batches of food. Despite its compact design, it still delivers excellent crispy results. The tray underneath helps catch any drippings or excess oil, preventing a mess in the oven.

Why It’s Great:

  • Compact design fits in tight spaces.
  • Non-stick coating for easy food removal and cleanup.
  • Ideal for side dishes or smaller meals.

Downside:

  • The basket can slip around on the tray, so handling it carefully with two oven mitts is recommended.
  1. Eazy Mealz Copper Air Fryer Basket & Tray Set

Rating: 5/5

The Eazy Mealz Copper Air Fryer Tray Set stands out for its superior heat conduction. Copper ensures that food cooks quickly and evenly, while the non-stick copper finish makes cleaning a breeze. The basket fits securely into the tray, allowing for safe handling, even when hot.

Why It’s Great:

  • Copper offers superior heat distribution for quick and even cooking.
  • Sturdy design with a non-stick surface for easy cleaning.
  • Ideal for meats, vegetables, or frozen snacks.

Downside:

  • Hand washing is recommended since this tray may not be dishwasher-safe.

How to Use an Air Fryer Tray in Your Oven

Using an air fryer tray in the oven is simple and easy. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

  1. Preheat the Oven
     Just like with a traditional air fryer, preheating your oven is essential. Set the oven temperature to around 375°F to 400°F to ensure even cooking.
  2. Use Minimal Oil
     While air fryer trays help reduce the need for oil, adding a light coating of cooking spray or a small drizzle of oil can help achieve that golden-brown crispiness.
  3. Avoid Overcrowding
     To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the tray. Space the food out to allow the hot air to circulate freely, which results in better crisping.
  4. Monitor the Cooking Process
     Every oven heats differently, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your food. Flip or rotate it halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness on all sides.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer Tray in the Oven

There are several advantages to using an air fryer tray in your oven:

  • Healthier Cooking: Air fryer trays allow for cooking with little to no oil, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying.
  • Even Cooking: The design of air fryer trays promotes consistent cooking by circulating air evenly around the food.
  • Convenience: If you don’t have an air fryer or need to cook larger quantities, air fryer trays offer a great alternative with similar results.

Conclusion

For those looking to create crispy, evenly cooked meals, an air fryer tray is a fantastic solution for your oven. These trays replicate the effects of an air fryer, giving you the same deliciously crispy results without needing an extra appliance. Whether preparing vegetables, meats, or frozen snacks, the right air fryer tray will help you achieve perfect results every time.

Options like the Eazy Mealz Copper Air Fryer Tray Set or the Musential Non-Stick Air Fryer Tray for Oven are standout choices for those seeking convenience, ease of use, and consistent cooking performance. Whatever your cooking needs are, there’s an air fryer tray that will suit your style and preferences.