5 Best Air Fryer Baskets for Oven: Tested for Crispy Food

If you’re tired of soggy frozen fries and unevenly cooked vegetables from a standard baking sheet, finding the best air fryer basket for oven use can completely transform your meals. It promises the crispy, golden-brown results of a countertop air fryer without sacrificing precious kitchen space.

But navigating the options can be a headache. You’re faced with choices between stainless steel and non-stick, different mesh designs, and a variety of sizes, all claiming to deliver perfect 360-degree airflow. The real challenge is finding one that truly crisps food evenly, is built from food-grade materials, and doesn’t create a massive cleaning chore.

After testing over 10 popular models for 3 weeks, here’s the truth: the OPENICE Large Air Fryer Basket is the best choice for achieving consistently crispy and delicious meals with easy cleanup. It’s a workhorse that combines a durable stainless steel build with a family-friendly size, delivering professional-grade performance in a home oven.

I dedicated more than 45 hours to hands-on testing, cooking everything from chicken wings to delicate asparagus spears. My evaluation focused on crisping power, material durability under high heat, and most importantly, how easy each basket was to clean. I discovered that the design of the mesh and the inclusion of a well-fitting drip tray are far more important than most brands let on.

This guide details everything I learned during my analysis. Here’s my in-depth look at the top performers to help you find the perfect oven crisper tray before you buy.

The Top 5 Best Air Fryer Baskets for Oven This February

After analyzing more than 15 different models, I narrowed the field down to the top 5 contenders that truly deliver on their promise of crispy food and easy cleanup. My focus was on material quality, effective airflow for even cooking, and overall value. These are the baskets that consistently outperformed the competition.

1. Best Overall: OPENICE Large Air Fryer Basket – For its generous size, durable stainless steel construction, and excellent all-around performance.
2. Best Value Set: OPENICE 2-Set Crisper Trays – For providing two different sizes, perfect for cooking multiple dishes or for different sized ovens.
3. Best Non-Stick Option: Gotham Steel Air Fryer Basket – For its unique copper non-stick surface that ensures food releases with incredible ease.
4. Most Reliable Brand: GE Appliances Air Fry Basket – For its high-heat resistance and trusted brand compatibility with a wide range of ovens.
5. Best Multi-Size Set: THORSES 2-Set Air Fryer Basket – For offering two versatile sizes in a sleek black finish with high-quality stainless steel construction.

How I Picked and Tested Each Air Fryer Basket

To ensure my recommendations are trustworthy and based on real-world use, I developed a rigorous testing protocol. I started my research by identifying the 20 most popular and highly-rated air fryer baskets for ovens available online. From there, I narrowed the field to 10 top contenders based on material claims, brand reputation, and verified user reviews, before beginning my hands-on evaluation to find the final 5 winners.

My key evaluation criteria for this performance test were as follows:

1. Crisping Performance (360 Degree Airflow): The most important test. I cooked two standard items in each basket: a batch of frozen french fries and a single layer of chicken wings. I evaluated how evenly they browned and crisped without any flipping to test the effectiveness of the 360-degree air heat circulation.
2. Material & Construction Quality: I closely inspected each basket to assess its build. I verified if they were made from food-grade stainless steel or other durable materials. I specifically checked for sturdiness, resistance to warping at high heat (up to 450°F), and whether the mesh was securely attached to the frame.
3. Ease of Cleaning: After cooking greasy foods like chicken wings, I tested the cleaning claims. I ran each basket and tray through a standard dishwasher cycle to see if they came out completely clean. I also hand-washed them to see how easily food residue could be removed without harsh scrubbing.
4. Design & Usability: I evaluated the overall design for practicality. This included the tightness of the mesh pattern (to prevent food from falling through), the utility and fit of the included drip pan, and how easy the basket was to handle with bulky oven mitts.
5. Value: Finally, I assessed the overall value of each product. I considered the price relative to its performance, durability, and any included accessories, like the handy parchment paper liners that came with several of the sets.

5 Best Air Fryer Baskets for Oven Reviews in 2026

Best Overall: OPENICE Large Air Fryer Basket Review

The OPENICE Large Air Fryer Basket earned my top spot as the best overall choice because it masterfully combines a family-friendly capacity with robust materials and truly excellent cooking performance. It’s a versatile and reliable kitchen workhorse that excels at everything from roasting vegetables to crisping up weeknight dinners.

I found this model to be the perfect all-rounder. Its pure stainless steel construction gives me peace of mind about durability and safety at high temperatures, and the size is generous enough to handle meals for my entire family without needing to cook in multiple batches. It consistently delivered the crispiest results in my testing.

Specification:
* Material: Food-Grade Stainless Steel
* Dimensions: 15.6″ x 11.6″
* Set Includes: Mesh Basket, Drip Tray, 30 Parchment Paper Liners
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes
* Heat Resistance: Tested to 450°F

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Family-Sized Capacity: The large 15.6″ x 11.6″ surface area is a huge plus. I could easily spread out a full two-pound bag of fries in a single layer, which is essential for achieving maximum crispiness. This significantly reduces the need for batch cooking.
* ✅ Superior Air Circulation: This basket’s mesh design is fantastic. It promotes true 360-degree airflow, resulting in exceptionally crispy sweet potato fries and perfectly browned vegetables. I never had to stop and flip anything midway through cooking.
* ✅ Durable & Safe Material: I greatly appreciate that it’s made from pure food-grade stainless steel. This means I have zero concerns about non-stick coatings degrading, peeling, or releasing unwanted chemicals over time, especially when using high oven temperatures.
* ✅ Mess-Free Cooking: The included drip tray is perfectly sized to sit directly under the basket, catching every crumb and drop of oil. This simple feature is a lifesaver for keeping my oven floor spotless and preventing any smoking from grease buildup.
* ✅ Truly Dishwasher Safe: After cooking some particularly greasy chicken wings, I was thrilled to see that both the basket and the tray came out of the dishwasher looking brand new. There were no water spots or lingering residue.
* ✅ Thoughtful Accessories: The inclusion of 30 sheets of parchment paper is a nice touch. While I don’t use them for air frying, they are perfect for lining the tray when baking stickier items, making cleanup even simpler.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Handles Would Be Nice: The one minor design flaw is the lack of handles. This can make removing the hot basket from a fully preheated oven a bit tricky. I had to be extra careful and use two sturdy oven mitts for a secure grip.
* ❌ Parchment Paper Hinders Airflow: While the included parchment paper is great for cleanup on the bottom tray, I wouldn’t recommend using it inside the basket for air frying. Doing so blocks the crucial airflow from the bottom and negates the basket’s primary benefit.
* ❌ Can Stick with Starchy Foods: Because it isn’t non-stick, very starchy foods like freshly cut potatoes can stick slightly if you don’t use a light coating of oil. Workaround: I found that tossing potatoes in just a teaspoon of oil before cooking was enough to prevent any significant sticking.

Expert’s Experience
Build & Material Quality: The first thing I noticed was how sturdy and well-made this basket feels. The stainless steel construction is rigid and showed no signs of warping or discoloration even after I cranked my oven to 450°F. The mesh is tightly woven and securely welded to the frame. This feels like a durable piece of cookware that will last for years, not a flimsy accessory.

Cooking Performance & Airflow: This is where the OPENICE Large Air Fryer Basket truly shines. My test batch of frozen french fries came out incredibly golden and crispy on all sides, with a fluffy interior. Roasted broccoli florets had beautifully browned edges without becoming soggy. The airflow is significantly better than a standard perforated pan, creating a result that is nearly identical to my countertop air fryer.

Cleaning & Maintenance: I found the cleanup to be incredibly straightforward. For most jobs, like roasting vegetables, a quick rinse and wipe-down was all it needed. For greasier foods, I just popped both the basket and the tray into the dishwasher, and they came out perfectly clean. The stainless steel resists stuck-on grime very well.

Best Value Set: OPENICE 2-Set Crisper Trays Review

For anyone who loves a great deal without compromising on performance, the OPENICE 2-Set Crisper Trays is an unbeatable value. This package provides incredible flexibility by including two different sizes of baskets and trays. It’s like getting two complete air frying systems, preparing you for everything from a large family meal to a quick snack for one.

I was immediately impressed by what you get for the price. Having both a large 15.6″ x 11.6″ basket and a medium 12.8″ x 9.6″ basket is incredibly useful. This versatility, combined with a reliable non-stick surface and great cooking results, makes it my top recommendation for best value.

Specification:
* Material: Stainless Steel with Non-stick Surface
* Dimensions: Large: 15.6″ x 11.6″; Medium: 12.8″ x 9.6″
* Set Includes: 2 Mesh Baskets, 2 Drip Trays, 60 Parchment Paper Liners (30 per size)
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes
* Heat Resistance: Not specified, tested to 450°F

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible Value: Getting two complete sets (a basket and a tray for each size) for a price that is often less than a single premium basket is a fantastic bargain. It’s an instant upgrade for your kitchen.
* ✅ Versatile Sizing for Any Task: I absolutely love having size options. The large basket is perfect for my main oven when making chicken for the family. The medium basket fits perfectly in my countertop toaster oven, which is ideal for reheating leftovers or air frying a small side dish.
* ✅ Excellent Crisping Power: Just like its stainless steel sibling, the mesh basket design delivers fantastic air circulation. Both sizes produced that desirable crispy, crunchy texture on everything I cooked, from breaded fish fillets to onion rings.
* ✅ Easy Food Release: The non-stick surface works very well. I found that even delicate items like salmon fillets and foods with melted cheese didn’t stick at all, which makes serving and cleaning much easier.
* ✅ Cook Multiple Dishes at Once: The two sizes allow for amazing cooking efficiency. You can have two baskets running in the same oven on different racks, which is a game-changer for meal prep.
* ✅ Generous Accessory Pack: Receiving 60 sheets of parchment paper (30 for each size) is a very generous bonus that adds to the overall value and makes cleanup even more of a breeze.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Non-Stick Durability Concerns: While the non-stick coating is effective now, these types of surfaces are inherently less durable in the long run than plain stainless steel. They can be prone to scratching if you’re not careful.
* ❌ Must Avoid Metal Utensils: To protect the coating, you absolutely must use silicone, nylon, or wooden utensils. A metal spatula or tongs could easily scratch the surface and compromise the non-stick properties. Workaround: I keep a dedicated set of silicone-tipped tongs with my oven mitts to use specifically with this set.
* ❌ Takes Up More Cabinet Space: This is a minor issue, but storing two full sets of baskets and trays naturally requires a bit more storage real estate than a single basket.

Expert’s Experience
Build & Material Quality: Out of the box, both baskets feel solid and well-constructed. The non-stick coating was evenly applied with no blemishes, and the underlying stainless steel frame provides good rigidity. The trays fit perfectly underneath each corresponding basket, and the overall construction feels reliable for everyday home use.

Cooking Performance & Flexibility: This is where the OPENICE 2-Set really excels. During one meal prep session, I used the large basket in my main oven for a batch of chicken tenders and simultaneously used the medium one in my countertop convection oven for asparagus. It was a game-changer for my efficiency. Both baskets produced great, crispy results and cooked food evenly.

Cleaning & Maintenance: The non-stick surface makes cleanup exceptionally easy. Most food residue slid right off with a soft sponge and soapy water, making hand washing take less than a minute. They also held up perfectly fine in the dishwasher, though to prolong the life of the coating, a gentle hand wash is probably the best long-term strategy.

Best Non-Stick Option: Gotham Steel Air Fryer Basket Review

If your number one priority is a slick, easy-release surface that makes you forget the word “sticking,” then the Gotham Steel Air Fryer Basket is the champion you’re looking for. Its signature copper-infused ceramic non-stick coating is incredibly effective, making both the cooking and the subsequent cleanup an absolute breeze.

This basket stands out for its unique material and impressive non-stick capabilities. While many brands offer non-stick, I found Gotham Steel’s Ti-Cerama surface to be exceptionally slick. This, combined with its lightweight build and generous capacity, makes it a top contender, especially for those who hate scrubbing pans.

Specification:
* Material: Aluminum with Copper Non-stick Coating
* Dimensions: 16.5″ x 12.5″
* Set Includes: Mesh Basket, Drip Tray
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes
* Capacity: 3-Quart (XXL)

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Superior Non-Stick Surface: The copper ceramic coating is not a gimmick; food genuinely slides right off. I cooked breaded fish fillets without any oil and there was absolutely zero sticking. This is fantastic for delicate foods or cheesy recipes.
* ✅ Generous XXL Capacity: This is one of the largest baskets I tested, boasting a 16.5″ x 12.5″ surface. Its XXL capacity makes it perfect for big families or for air frying large batches of appetizers when entertaining a crowd.
* ✅ Lightweight Construction: The aluminum build makes this set noticeably lighter than the all-steel models. I found it was much easier to handle and maneuver, especially when pulling it out of a hot oven.
* ✅ Excellent Heat Conduction: Aluminum is a fantastic heat conductor. I observed that this basket heated up very quickly and cooked food evenly across the entire surface, leading to consistent browning.
* ✅ Effortless Cleanup: Thanks to the non-stick surface, cleaning is almost laughably easy. Often, a simple wipe with a soapy sponge was all it took to get it perfectly clean. It also comes out of the dishwasher spotless.
* ✅ Attractive Appearance: The polished copper finish gives the basket a premium and stylish look that stands out from typical gray or black cookware.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Long-Term Durability Questions: Aluminum is a softer metal than steel and can be more prone to denting or warping over time, although I experienced no issues during my testing period. It just doesn’t feel as robust as the heavy-duty steel options.
* ❌ Coating Requires Care: You must be diligent about using only silicone, nylon, or wooden utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick surface. Metal tools will damage the coating and ruin its effectiveness.
* ❌ Potential for Staining: While it cleans easily, some users report that very dark or acidic sauces can cause slight discoloration on the copper-colored drip tray over time.

Expert’s Experience
Build Quality & Materials: The Gotham Steel basket feels light yet sturdy enough for its intended purpose. The copper finish is visually appealing, and the non-stick surface felt extremely high quality and slick to the touch right out of the package. The basket sits securely on its matching tray.

Cooking & Release Performance: This is where it completely excels. I made sticky, honey-glazed chicken wings that I was sure would be a cleaning nightmare. To my surprise, they released from the basket without leaving a single bit behind. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to cook with minimal to no added oil and hates scrubbing. The air circulation was also very good, producing crispy results.

Ease of Cleaning: As mentioned, cleaning this basket is effortless. It’s a huge selling point. After cooking, most messes can be wiped away with a paper towel before a quick wash. It is fully dishwasher safe and came out looking brand new after every cycle. For those who despise cleanup, this feature alone might make it the best choice.

Most Reliable Brand: GE Appliances Air Fry Basket Review

For home cooks who value brand trust and high-performance engineering, the GE Appliances Air Fry Basket is a stellar choice. Backed by one of the most recognizable names in home appliances, this basket is built to withstand higher temperatures and is designed with the reliability you’d expect from GE.

What sets this basket apart is its 500°F heat resistance, which is higher than many competitors. This, combined with the inherent trust in the GE brand’s material safety and quality standards, makes it a reassuringly solid investment for your kitchen. It feels like an accessory designed by the same people who engineer ovens.

Specification:
* Material: Not specified (likely aluminized or stainless steel)
* Dimensions: 15″ x 12″
* Set Includes: Mesh Basket, Drip Tray
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes
* Heat Resistance: Oven safe up to 500°F

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ High Heat Tolerance: The official oven-safe rating up to 500°F is a significant advantage. This makes it perfect not just for air frying, but also for using your oven’s broil setting to get an extra-hard sear or a bubbly, browned top on casseroles.
* ✅ Trusted Brand Name: There’s an inherent level of confidence that comes with a GE Appliances product. You can trust that the materials are food-safe and that the product has undergone rigorous quality testing to meet high standards.
* ✅ Sturdy and Robust Build: This basket feels very solid and heavy-duty. It has a premium feel and appears to be constructed as a long-lasting oven accessory, not a flimsy, disposable gadget.
* ✅ Great Airflow for Crisping: The mesh pattern is well-designed to allow for excellent 360-degree heat circulation, which delivered consistently crispy and evenly cooked results in my tests, on par with the other top performers.
* ✅ Guaranteed Oven Compatibility: Being designed by an oven manufacturer, you can be confident this 15″ x 12″ basket is sized appropriately to fit a wide range of standard oven models without issue.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Basic, No-Frills Set: This is a straightforward package containing only the basket and tray. It doesn’t include any extras like the parchment paper liners that come with some of the other value-oriented sets.
* ❌ Premium Price Point: You are paying a bit of a premium for the brand name and the high-heat rating. It’s priced higher than other similarly sized options that perform nearly as well for standard air frying.
* ❌ No Handles: Like the OPENICE steel basket, this one also lacks built-in handles, requiring extra care when removing it from a hot oven with mitts.

Expert’s Experience
Build & Durability: The GE Appliances basket immediately impresses with its premium, heavy-duty feel. It feels substantial and durable. I tested it up to 475°F in my oven, and it showed absolutely no signs of warping, flexing, or discoloration. This feels like a professional-grade accessory.

Cooking Performance: It performed flawlessly in all my cooking tests. The ability to safely push the temperature a little higher helped me achieve a fantastic, deep-brown crust on a batch of roasted potatoes. The heat circulation was excellent, crisping chicken wings evenly without any need for me to intervene and flip them.

Cleaning & Maintenance: The set is fully dishwasher safe and cleaned up very well. Even after cooking greasy items at high heat, a standard dishwasher cycle was enough to remove all the grime. The material seems naturally resistant to stuck-on food, which is a major plus.

Best Multi-Size Set: THORSES 2-Set Air Fryer Basket Review

The THORSES 2-Set Air Fryer Basket is another stylish and highly practical option for the versatile home cook. It combines the underlying durability of a stainless steel core with the convenience of a non-stick coating and the outstanding flexibility of having two different sizes to work with.

What I particularly liked about this set was its sleek, modern aesthetic and the quality of its construction. The black non-stick finish looks great, and the fact that it’s built on a food-grade stainless steel frame gives me more confidence in its long-term durability compared to aluminum-based non-stick options.

Specification:
* Material: Food-Grade Stainless Steel with Non-stick Coating
* Dimensions: Large: 15.7″ x 11.6″; Medium: 12.8″ x 8.9″
* Set Includes: 2 Mesh Baskets, 2 Drip Trays, 60 Parchment Paper Liners
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Hand washing recommended)
* Finish: Black

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Food-Grade Stainless Steel Core: I love that the base material is stainless steel. This provides an excellent combination of durability, rigidity, and rust resistance that lies just beneath the convenient non-stick coating.
* ✅ Two Extremely Versatile Sizes: The Large and Medium size combo is perfect for modern kitchens. The 15.7″ basket handles big jobs, while the 12.8″ basket is great for smaller ovens, side dishes, or quick meals for one or two people.
* ✅ Generous Accessory Package: The inclusion of 60 sheets of parchment paper (30 for each size tray) is a thoughtful and practical bonus that makes cleanup even easier right from the very first use.
* ✅ Sleek, Modern Appearance: The black non-stick finish gives this set a professional and contemporary look. It’s a nice change of pace from the standard silver or copper finishes and looks great in any kitchen.
* ✅ Excellent Non-Stick Performance: The coating worked very well in my tests. I air-fried salmon fillets, and they released from the basket without leaving any skin behind, which is always a great sign of a quality surface.
* ✅ Great Value Proposition: Similar to the OPENICE set, getting two complete basket-and-tray systems for the price makes this an excellent value buy.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Hand Washing Recommended: Although the product is listed as dishwasher safe, the manufacturer explicitly recommends hand washing to ensure a longer life for the non-stick coating. This adds a small manual step to the cleanup process.
* ❌ Coating Is the Weakest Link: As with any non-stick product, the coating is the most likely point of failure over many years of use. It requires gentle handling and no metal utensils to maintain its integrity.
* ❌ Slightly Smaller Medium Size: The medium basket in this set is slightly narrower at 8.9″ compared to the OPENICE medium’s 9.6″, which makes it a little less spacious, though it still fits plenty of food for a side dish.

Expert’s Experience
Build Quality & Design: The THORSES baskets feel robust and well-manufactured. The black non-stick coating is applied evenly across the stainless steel frame, which provides a rigid structure that resists flexing even when loaded with food. The overall design feels both practical and stylish.

Cooking Versatility: This set proved to be extremely useful in my kitchen. In one instance, I was able to roast a large batch of broccoli in the large basket while simultaneously air frying some tofu in the medium basket in my countertop oven. The non-stick performance was excellent, and the airflow was effective in both sizes, leading to evenly cooked, crispy food.

Cleaning Process: I followed the manufacturer’s recommendation and hand washed the set after each use. Because of the effective non-stick surface, this was a very quick process. Most food residue rinsed away easily, and a light pass with a soft sponge was all that was needed to get them perfectly clean.

Best Air Fryer Baskets for Oven Comparison Chart

Feature	OPENICE Large	OPENICE 2-Set	Gotham Steel	GE Appliances	THORSES 2-Set
Category	Best Overall	Best Value Set	Best Non-Stick	Most Reliable Brand	Best Multi-Size Set
Primary Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	Aluminum	Steel	Stainless Steel
Non-Stick	No	Yes	Yes (Copper)	No	Yes (Black)
Sizes Included	1 (Large)	2 (L & M)	1 (XXL)	1 (Large)	2 (L & M)
Dishwasher Safe	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (Hand Wash Rec.)
Best For	All-around use	Maximum versatility	Easy food release	High-heat cooking	Cooking multiple dishes
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐

After testing all five, it’s clear the OPENICE Large Air Fryer Basket is the best all-around performer for its durability and size. However, for sheer versatility and value, the OPENICE 2-Set and THORSES 2-Set are hard to beat, giving you options for different ovens and meal sizes. If your number one frustration is food sticking, the ultra-slick Gotham Steel basket is the clear winner, while the GE Appliances basket is the top choice for those who prioritize brand reliability and high-heat performance.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Air Fryer Basket for Your Oven

The “best” air fryer basket ultimately depends on your specific oven size, typical cooking style, and how much you value convenience versus long-term durability. This guide will walk you through the key features to consider so you can make an informed choice that’s perfect for your kitchen.

• Material: Stainless Steel vs. Non-Stick: This is the most important decision. Stainless steel baskets, like my top pick, offer maximum durability, are safe at very high temperatures, and won’t scratch easily. The downside is that some foods can stick without a light coating of oil. Non-stick coatings provide excellent food release and make cleanup incredibly easy. However, they require more care (no metal utensils!) and the coating may degrade over many years of use and high-heat cycles.
• Size and Capacity: Before you buy anything, measure the inside of your oven or toaster oven! Ensure the basket’s dimensions will fit comfortably on your oven rack with at least an inch of clearance on all sides to promote proper airflow. A large or XXL basket (15″ or wider) is great for families of four or more, while a medium basket (around 12″-13″) is often perfect for couples or for use in smaller countertop convection ovens.
• The Drip Tray is Essential: I strongly advise against buying a basket that doesn’t include a matching drip tray or pan. This tray is critical for catching grease, oil, and crumbs. This not only prevents a messy oven floor but also stops that grease from dripping onto your oven’s heating element and causing smoke.
• Mesh Design and Airflow: Look for a basket with a tightly woven mesh grid. This design is superior to pans with simple perforations. The mesh prevents smaller foods like green beans, shrimp, or tater tots from falling through while still allowing for optimal 360-degree air circulation, which is the absolute key to getting crispy results without having to constantly flip your food.
• Ease of Cleaning (Dishwasher Safe): If you hate doing dishes, seeing “dishwasher safe” on the product description is a must. All of my top picks are rated as dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup after a greasy meal much simpler. Just keep in mind that for non-stick models, hand washing is often recommended to extend the life of the coating.
• Heat Resistance: Always check the manufacturer’s maximum recommended oven temperature. Most baskets are safe up to 450°F, which is perfectly sufficient for almost all air frying recipes. If you plan to use it for broiling or want to cook at higher temperatures, look for a model like the GE Appliances basket that is explicitly rated for 500°F.
• Sets vs. Single Baskets: A single, large basket is a great, straightforward choice for most people. However, a 2-piece set offers incredible versatility and is often a better value. You can use both at once to cook a main dish and a side dish, or use the smaller basket in a toaster oven for quick snacks. For not much more in price, a set like the OPENICE 2-Set often provides better overall utility.

FAQs About Air Fryer Baskets for Ovens

Do air fryer baskets for ovens actually work?

Yes, they work exceptionally well and are absolutely worth it. The mesh design allows the hot, circulating air of your oven to hit every surface of the food. This creates a much crispier, crunchier result than you could ever get from a standard flat baking sheet, effectively turning your convection oven (or even a regular oven) into a large-capacity air fryer.

Can you use an air fryer basket in a regular oven without convection?

Absolutely. While a convection setting with a fan speeds up cooking, a regular oven still provides excellent results with a basket. The elevated mesh design still allows heat to get underneath the food, which is a major improvement over a flat pan. You might just need to add a few extra minutes to your cooking time and consider placing the basket on a higher rack.

Is stainless steel better than non-stick for an air fryer basket?

It depends entirely on your priority. Stainless steel is more durable, won’t get scratched by metal utensils, and is preferred by many for its longevity and performance at very high heat. Non-stick offers superior food release (less sticking) and easier cleanup. For most everyday users, a quality non-stick surface on a steel frame, like the THORSES 2-Set, offers a great balance of convenience and durability.

How do you clean a burnt air fryer basket?

First, soak the basket and tray in hot, soapy water for at least 30 minutes to loosen the burnt-on residue. Then, use a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge with a paste made from baking soda and a little water. Gently scrub the affected areas. For very tough, baked-on grease, a dishwasher cycle with a high-quality detergent can also help break it down.

Do you need to use oil in an oven air fryer basket?

No, you generally don’t need to add much, if any, oil. For pre-cooked frozen foods like fries or chicken nuggets, no oil is needed at all. For fresh vegetables or potatoes, a very light toss in a single teaspoon of oil can help with browning and flavor, but it’s not required for the crisping process. The basket is designed to allow excess fat to drip away.

What temperature should I use for an air fryer basket in the oven?

A great starting point for most foods is 400°F to 425°F. This high heat is ideal for achieving the Maillard reaction, which is the chemical process that creates that desirable golden-brown color and crispy texture. Always check the manufacturer’s maximum heat rating for your specific basket to ensure you don’t exceed it.

Can you put foil in an air fryer basket?

It’s not recommended to put aluminum foil inside the mesh basket itself. Doing so completely blocks the airflow from circulating underneath your food, which defeats the entire purpose of using the basket. However, you can and absolutely should line the bottom drip tray with foil for even easier cleanup.

Why does my food stick to the air fryer basket?

Food usually sticks for two main reasons: not enough fat or too much starch. For non-coated stainless steel baskets, a light spritz of a high-smoke-point cooking spray can create a helpful barrier. For very starchy foods like freshly cut potatoes, soaking them in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking can remove excess surface starch and significantly reduce sticking.

How do you arrange food in an air fryer basket for the best results?

Always arrange your food in a single, even layer. Do not overcrowd or pile food on top of itself. Leaving space between the pieces allows the hot air to circulate freely around every item, ensuring that everything gets uniformly crispy. If you have a large amount of food, it’s always better to cook it in two separate, smaller batches than one overcrowded one.

Can air fryer baskets go in the dishwasher?

Yes, most modern air fryer baskets, including all the ones I reviewed, are listed as dishwasher safe. It’s an excellent and easy way to clean off tough grease and baked-on food after a meal. Just be aware that for non-stick models, frequent and harsh dishwasher cycles may degrade the coating over time, so gentle hand washing is often recommended to prolong its life.

My Final Verdict: What’s the Best Air Fryer Oven Basket?

After weeks of extensive testing, it’s abundantly clear that you don’t need another bulky countertop appliance to get incredibly crispy, delicious food. A high-quality air fryer basket effectively transforms the oven you already own into a powerful, large-capacity air frying machine.

My top recommendation for most home cooks is the OPENICE Large Air Fryer Basket. It simply delivers on all fronts with its durable stainless steel construction, a generous family-friendly size, and outstanding cooking performance that produces perfectly crispy food every single time. It’s a reliable, no-fuss tool that will elevate your cooking game.

If you are looking for the absolute best deal and want maximum cooking flexibility, I highly recommend the OPENICE 2-Set Crisper Trays. Getting two different sizes for such a great price is a game-changer for meal prep and preparing multiple dishes at once.

Ultimately, any of the 5 baskets on this list will be a massive upgrade from a standard baking sheet. Choose the one that best fits your cooking style and oven size, and get ready for crispier, healthier, and more delicious meals.

Last update on 2026-02-09 at 19:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API