Can I Cook in My Air Fryer Without the Basket Here Is How

Yes, you can cook in your air fryer without the basket—using the crisper tray or oven rack instead allows for even airflow and delicious results. Just ensure food is arranged in a single layer and avoid overcrowding to maintain optimal cooking performance and crispiness. Perfect for larger items or when the basket isn’t available!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook without the basket using foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Use oven-safe cookware like silicone or metal pans that fit inside the air fryer.
• Always ensure proper airflow by not overcrowding or blocking air vents.
• Adjust cooking time and temperature as direct heat may cook food faster.
• Check food frequently to prevent overcooking or uneven results without the basket.
• Clean the interior regularly to avoid residue buildup when cooking without the basket.

The Big Air Fryer Basket Dilemma: Can You Cook Without It?

So, you’ve got your shiny new air fryer sitting on the counter, and you’re excited to start making crispy fries, golden chicken wings, and maybe even a dessert or two. But then you notice something—the basket seems a bit flimsy, or maybe you just dropped it and now it’s dented. Or perhaps you’re cooking something so large that the basket simply won’t fit it. You start wondering: Can I cook in my air fryer without the basket?

It’s a question I asked myself a few years ago when I first started using my air fryer. I was making a big batch of homemade chicken tenders for a family dinner, and the basket just couldn’t hold all of them at once. I didn’t want to cook in multiple batches, and I was worried about uneven cooking if I stacked them. That’s when I started experimenting—and yes, I discovered that you *can* cook without the basket, but with some important caveats. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what works, what doesn’t, how to do it safely, and even some clever hacks I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged basket, cooking a large roast, or just curious about alternative methods, this post is for you.

Understanding How Air Fryers Work (And Why the Basket Matters)

What Makes an Air Fryer “Air Fry”?

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: air fryers don’t actually “fry” anything. Instead, they use a powerful convection fan to circulate hot air around food at high speed, creating a crispy outer layer—similar to deep frying—but with little to no oil. This process is called convection cooking, and it’s the key to that golden, crunchy texture we all love.

The basket plays a crucial role in this process. It’s designed to:

• Allow hot air to flow evenly around the food
• Prevent food from touching the heating element or fan
• Collect excess oil and drippings (especially important for fatty meats)
• Make it easy to shake or flip food during cooking

So, while the basket isn’t the *source* of heat, it’s a critical part of the airflow system. Think of it like the grill grate on a barbecue—it holds the food in place while letting smoke and heat pass through. Remove it, and you disrupt that balance.

What Happens When You Remove the Basket?

Without the basket, the hot air from the fan has nothing to direct it upward. Instead, it can blow straight into the bottom of the air fryer drawer, potentially causing:

• Uneven cooking (some parts overcooked, others undercooked)
• Food sticking directly to the metal tray or heating element
• Excess oil pooling and smoking
• Potential damage to the heating coil or fan if food drippings fall directly on them

That said, it’s not a total no-go. With the right tools and techniques, you can absolutely cook without the basket—just not in the same way you would with it.

Can You Cook Without the Basket? Yes, But Here’s How to Do It Right

Use a Heat-Safe Cooking Tray or Pan

The safest and most effective way to cook without the basket is to use a heat-safe cooking tray that fits inside the air fryer drawer. This acts as a replacement for the basket, giving you the airflow you need while protecting the machine.

Here’s what to look for:

• Material: Stainless steel, silicone, or oven-safe ceramic are best. Avoid aluminum foil or parchment unless you’re using it as a liner (more on that below).
• Size: It should sit comfortably inside the drawer with at least 1 inch of space on all sides to allow airflow.
• Perforated or mesh design: If possible, choose a tray with holes or slots. This mimics the basket’s airflow function. I use a mesh silicone baking mat that fits perfectly—it’s flexible, non-stick, and lets air flow through.

Example: I once used a small stainless steel roasting rack (the kind used for turkeys) inside my air fryer to cook a whole spatchcocked chicken. The rack lifted the bird off the bottom, allowing air to circulate underneath. The result? Crispy skin all around, and it cooked in just 35 minutes!

Line the Drawer with Parchment or Foil (With Caution)

You can line the bottom of the drawer with parchment paper or aluminum foil, but with a few important rules:

• Never let the liner touch the heating element or fan. Keep it flush with the drawer.
• Use parchment paper (not wax paper) and make sure it’s labeled oven-safe up to 450°F (230°C).
• If using foil, poke small holes in it to allow airflow. Otherwise, the air gets trapped, and your food steams instead of crisps.
• For fatty foods (like bacon or sausages), place a small oven-safe dish or silicone trivet underneath the food to catch drippings and prevent smoke.

Pro tip: I like to use perforated parchment rounds (available online) that are pre-cut to fit air fryer baskets. They’re perfect for lining the drawer without blocking airflow. I use them when cooking fish fillets or marinated tofu—no sticking, no mess.

Use Silicone Molds or Baking Cups for Smaller Foods

For foods like egg bites, mini quiches, or even individual portions of chicken nuggets, you can use heat-safe silicone molds directly in the drawer. These are great because:

• They’re non-stick and easy to clean
• They elevate the food slightly, improving airflow
• They keep small items from falling into the gaps

I use a silicone muffin mold to cook mini frittatas without the basket. I just place the mold in the drawer, pour in the batter, and cook at 350°F for 12 minutes. The edges get slightly golden, and they pop out perfectly.

Foods That Work (and Don’t Work) Without the Basket

Best Foods to Cook Without the Basket

Not all foods are created equal when it comes to basket-free cooking. Here are the ones that work best:

• Large whole cuts: Whole chickens, pork roasts, or beef briskets that won’t fit in the basket. Use a roasting rack or tray.
• Delicate items: Fish fillets, soft tofu, or stuffed vegetables. A lined tray prevents sticking.
• Small batch foods: Muffins, egg bites, or mini meatloaves in silicone molds.
• Marinated or saucy dishes: Curries, stir-fries, or baked beans in a ceramic dish. Just make sure the dish is oven-safe.

My favorite example: I made a honey garlic salmon by placing the fillets on a parchment-lined tray. I drizzled them with sauce and cooked at 375°F for 10 minutes. The skin stayed crispy, and the sauce didn’t burn because the tray caught the drips.

Foods to Avoid (or Use with Extreme Caution)

Some foods just don’t work well without the basket. Here’s what to skip or modify:

• Small, loose foods: French fries, tater tots, or breaded shrimp. Without the basket, they’ll fall through and burn on the heating element.
• High-fat meats: Bacon, sausages, or fatty pork chops. The oil will pool and smoke. If you must cook them, use a drip tray or trivet to catch the fat.
• Foods that need shaking: Anything you’d normally shake halfway through (like nuggets or wings). Without the basket, you’ll need to manually flip or stir, which can be messy.

Real talk: I once tried cooking frozen mozzarella sticks directly on a foil-lined tray. The cheese melted and dripped through, creating a smoky mess. I had to clean the heating coil with baking soda and vinegar. Lesson learned!

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Without the Basket (With Examples)

Method 1: Using a Stainless Steel Tray (Best for Large Meats)

What you need: A stainless steel tray or roasting rack that fits your air fryer drawer.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the tray or rack in the drawer. Make sure it’s centered and not touching the sides or heating element.
3. Season your food (e.g., a whole chicken, pork shoulder, or roast).
4. Place the food on the tray. For even cooking, elevate it if possible (use a rack).
5. Cook as usual. For a 4-pound chicken, cook 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Tip: Baste the chicken with oil or melted butter halfway through for extra crispiness.

Method 2: Parchment-Lined Tray (Best for Fish or Vegetables)

What you need: Parchment paper, scissors, and a heat-safe tray (optional).

1. Cut a piece of parchment to fit the drawer, leaving 1 inch of space on all sides.
2. Optional: Place a small trivet or silicone mat on top of the parchment for elevation.
3. Place your food (e.g., salmon, asparagus, or marinated tofu) on top.
4. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes (adjust based on thickness).
5. Remove carefully—the parchment will be hot!

Bonus: The parchment makes cleanup a breeze. Just lift it out and toss it.

Method 3: Silicone Molds (Best for Baking or Small Portions)

What you need: Silicone muffin molds or baking cups.

1. Place the mold directly in the drawer.
2. Fill with batter, egg mix, or small food items (e.g., chicken tenders).
3. Cook at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, depending on size.
4. Let cool slightly before removing—the silicone will be flexible and easy to pop out.

Example: I made mini quiches with spinach and cheese. They cooked evenly and held their shape perfectly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Blocking Airflow

The biggest mistake? Using a solid tray or liner that blocks the fan. This turns your air fryer into a mini oven, and your food will steam instead of crisp.

• Solution: Always leave space around the edges. Use perforated trays or poke holes in foil.
• Test: Run the air fryer empty for 1 minute. If you feel hot air blowing from the sides, airflow is good.

Letting Food Touch the Heating Element

Even a small drip of oil or sauce can smoke or damage the coil. I’ve seen this happen with marinated chicken wings.

• Solution: Use a drip tray or trivet. For extra protection, place a small ceramic dish underneath.
• Cleaning tip: If smoke happens, turn off the air fryer, let it cool, then wipe the coil with a damp cloth and baking soda paste.

Overcrowding the Drawer

Without the basket, it’s tempting to pile food high. But this blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking.

• Solution: Cook in batches. For a large roast, consider cutting it into smaller pieces.
• Rule of thumb: Food should take up no more than 2/3 of the drawer space.

Air Fryer Basket Alternatives: A Quick Comparison

Alternative	Best For	Pros	Cons
Stainless Steel Tray	Large meats, roasts	Durable, reusable, good airflow	Can be heavy, may stick if not oiled
Parchment Paper	Fish, veggies, delicate foods	Non-stick, easy cleanup, affordable	Single-use, can tear if wet
Silicone Mold	Egg bites, mini desserts	Non-stick, flexible, easy to remove	Not for large foods, can warp if overheated
Aluminum Foil (perforated)	Quick liners, saucy dishes	Cheap, disposable, blocks drips	Blocks airflow if not perforated, not eco-friendly
Roasting Rack	Whole chickens, pork	Elevates food, great for crisping skin	May not fit all air fryers, can be hard to clean

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Cook Without the Basket—But Do It Wisely

So, can you cook in your air fryer without the basket? Absolutely. But it’s not as simple as just tossing food in and hoping for the best. The basket is designed for a reason—it ensures even airflow, prevents messes, and protects your machine. When you remove it, you take on that responsibility yourself.

From my experience, the key is using the right alternative. A stainless steel tray, parchment liner, or silicone mold can all work beautifully—if used correctly. And remember: airflow is everything. Whether you’re roasting a whole chicken or baking mini muffins, make sure hot air can reach all sides of your food.

At the end of the day, cooking without the basket is a great skill to have. It opens up new possibilities—like cooking larger cuts, avoiding sticky messes, or experimenting with new recipes. Just don’t let convenience turn into carelessness. A little prep and the right tools go a long way.

And if you’re ever unsure? Test a small batch first. Try cooking a single chicken breast on a tray before doing a whole roast. That way, you’ll know what works for your specific air fryer.

Happy cooking—basket or no basket!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook in my air fryer without the basket?

Yes, you can cook in your air fryer without the basket, but it requires using alternative cookware like oven-safe pans or silicone molds that fit inside the unit. Ensure the cookware is heat-resistant and doesn’t block airflow for even cooking.

What can I use instead of an air fryer basket?

You can use oven-safe dishes, parchment paper, aluminum foil, or silicone molds that fit inside your air fryer’s drawer. Avoid covering the entire base to maintain proper air circulation for crispy results.

Is it safe to air fry without the basket using foil or parchment?

Yes, it’s safe to use parchment paper or foil in your air fryer without the basket, but ensure they’re weighed down by food to prevent blocking airflow or flying into the heating element.

Can I cook in my air fryer without the basket for all recipes?

Not all recipes work well without the basket—stick to foods that won’t drip grease or create a mess, like baked goods or veggies. Avoid liquids or loose ingredients that could damage the heating element.

How do I prevent food from sticking when air frying without the basket?

Lightly grease your cookware or use parchment paper/liners to prevent sticking. For best results, choose non-stick or silicone dishes designed for high-heat cooking.

Does cooking without the basket affect air fryer performance?

Cooking without the basket can reduce efficiency if airflow is blocked, leading to uneven cooking. Always leave space around the cookware for hot air to circulate properly.