Upgrade Air Fryer Rack review

Have you ever wished your air fryer could cook several different things at once without mixing flavors or losing crisp?

First Impressions

I unboxed the Upgrade Air Fryer Rack, Three Stackable Dehydrator Racks with spare clip and silicone feet,Stainless Steel Air Fryer Accessories Round Air Fryer Rack (Round) and immediately noticed the solid weight and clean finish. I liked that everything arrived intact and that the set felt like it would withstand regular use in a busy kitchen.

Packaging and Accessories

The package included three stainless steel racks, six silicone foot covers (two for each rack if used in pairs), a spare clip, and a pair of tongs that felt useful for handling hot food. I appreciated the little extras because they made the product feel more complete and ready to use right away.

Build Quality and Materials

Each rack is made from 304 food-grade stainless steel, which I trust for long-term safety and corrosion resistance. The welds and finishes looked tidy to me, and the mesh pattern seemed fine enough to support smaller items without sagging.

Design and Dimensions

The racks measure 8 x 8 x 1.57 inches (LWH) and are circular in shape, so they’re optimized for round air fryers. I always double-check air fryer inner diameters before buying accessories, and these racks require an inner diameter of at least 8.6 inches to fit comfortably.

Stackable Functionality

The three-piece stackable design is the primary selling point for me because it maximizes vertical cooking space inside an air fryer. I like that I can remove layers as needed, making it flexible when I want to cook a single layer or three layers at once.

Silicone Feet and Spare Clip

The set comes with six food-grade silicone foot covers that increase the height of each rack to about 3.14 inches when used, giving more clearance between tiers. The spare clip is a small but handy part; I used it to secure racks during storage and felt reassured by the thoughtful inclusion.

Performance in the Air Fryer

In daily use I found the racks help improve airflow around food, which translated to better crisping and more even browning on multiple items. Using the stackable racks shaved down total cooking time when I prepared several small portions at once, compared to doing multiple single batches.

Crisping and Airflow

Because air can circulate above and below items on each rack, I noticed crisper skins on chicken wings and more evenly dehydrated fruit slices. I recommend rotating items occasionally for the best results, especially if my air fryer has hot spots.

Cooking Multiple Items

I used all three racks for items like fries, chicken nuggets, and vegetable chips and appreciated that flavors did not mix as much as they would on a single tray. Being able to cook breakfast sausages, hash browns, and veggies at once saved me time and reduced clean-up.

Using as a Dehydrator

Beyond frying, the product doubles as a dehydrator rack for things like apple slices, kale chips, and jerky when I set my air fryer to lower temperatures. I found that thinner slices and single-layer placement on each rack yielded the best dehydration results without uneven drying.

Fruit and Jerky Results

When I dried apple slices and mango pieces across the tiers, they dried more evenly than on a single crowded tray and had a nicely concentrated flavor. For jerky, I left good spacing between strips and got chewy, well-dried pieces after several hours at a low temperature.

Temperature and Time Notes

Using these racks for dehydration requires patience: I typically set my air fryer to 140–160°F (60–71°C) for fruit and 160–175°F (71–79°C) for jerky and checked periodically. I learned to check earlier than recipe times when the air fryer model runs hotter, and I recommend using a thermometer to confirm internal temperatures for safety when making jerky.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning was straightforward because the stainless steel racks can go in the dishwasher and the open mesh is easy to rinse. I still scrubbed areas around the welds and used a soft brush for stuck-on bits, but overall maintenance felt minimal.

Dishwasher Safety

The manufacturer lists these as dishwasher safe, and I ran them through my dishwasher several times without discoloration or warping. I did place them on the top rack and spaced them out to ensure water and detergent could reach all surfaces.

Removing Tough Residue

For stubborn grease or burnt-on pieces I soaked the racks in hot water with a degreasing dish soap, then scrubbed with a non-abrasive brush; this restored the finish quickly. I avoided steel wool or harsh abrasives to prevent scratching and maintain the protective stainless steel surface.

Compatibility and Fit

Because each rack measures about 8 inches in diameter, I verified that my air fryer’s inner diameter was at least 8.6 inches before attempting to use them; this is a critical check. If you have a smaller basket-style fryer, these may not fit, so I recommend measuring carefully.

Sizing Guidelines

I measured the inner basket of my air fryer across the widest part to make sure the racks would drop in without catching on the edges. As a rule, anything with inner diameter ≥ 8.6 inches should work, but models with handles or irregular baskets could interfere with a flush fit.

Models That Work Well

I had good results with mid-to-large drawer- and basket-style air fryers that have a round interior and no raised obstructions. Models with slotted or recessed ledges sometimes required me to adjust the silicone foot placement so the racks sat level and stable.

Safety Considerations

I felt safe using the racks because they are made of 304 food-grade stainless steel and the silicone feet are food-grade as well, reducing concerns about hazardous chemicals at cooking temperatures. Still, I used my tongs and oven mitts to handle hot racks and avoided touching the metal with bare hands right after cooking.

Heat and Handling Tips

Because the racks conduct heat, I always use the included tongs or an insulated tool to move food or tiers when hot. I also recommend letting the racks cool slightly before washing to avoid warping from sudden temperature changes.

Food Safety and Materials

For jerky and low-temperature dehydration, I used a thermometer to ensure meat reached safe temperatures before storage, and I stored dehydrated foods in airtight containers. I appreciated that the stainless steel construction avoids reactive metals and should resist staining or imparting flavors.

Pros and Cons

I like the way these racks maximize cooking surface and improve efficiency when preparing multiple small items at once, and I appreciated the durable stainless construction. On the downside, they’re not universal — I had to confirm my air fryer’s inside diameter and accept that very small units won’t accommodate them.

Table: Quick Product Breakdown

Feature	Details
Product name	Upgrade Air Fryer Rack, Three Stackable Dehydrator Racks with spare clip and silicone feet,Stainless Steel Air Fryer Accessories Round Air Fryer Rack (Round)
Material	304 Food-grade stainless steel
Individual rack size	8 x 8 x 1.57 in (LWH)
Increased height with silicone feet	Each rack raised to approx. 3.14 in
Included accessories	3 racks, 6 silicone foot covers, spare clip, tongs
Dishwasher safe	Yes (top rack recommended)
Fit requirement	Air fryer inner diameter ≥8.6 in
Best uses	Crisping, reheating, dehydrating, multi-layer cooking
Limitations	Not suitable for small air fryers; may need occasional rotation for even cooking

How I Use Them (Practical Tips)

I typically load the bottom rack with items that need more direct heat and the top tiers with items that need gentler circulation to avoid overbrowning. I adjust placement based on thickness and density of food, placing thinner items higher and thicker items lower.

Layering Strategy

When I cook mixed batches, I put heavier items like mini meatballs or thicker fries on the bottom rack and lighter items like vegetables or fruit slices on the top racks. This arrangement helped the heavier items receive enough airflow and the lighter items avoid overcooking from direct heat.

What Not to Put on the Racks

I avoid very wet batters that could drip through and create a mess beneath, and I don’t recommend placing tiny loose items that could fall through the mesh unless I use parchment or a silicone liner. I also skip foods that require a solid baking surface for best texture.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared with single-tier rack inserts, these stackable racks give me more cooking capacity without buying multiple accessories, and they’re more versatile than a single oven sheet inside an air fryer. I found them preferable to large solid trays because they promote airflow, which is key for crispness.

Vs Wire Rack Single Layer

A single wire rack is simpler and easier to clean, but it limits quantity and forces multiple batches for large groups; the three-stack system solves that by increasing capacity. In my experience, the trade-off is that stackable tiers sometimes require extra attention to rotation when layers cook at slightly different rates.

Vs Perforated Pans

Perforated pans give a solid platform with holes that prevent small items from falling through, but they reduce vertical stacking flexibility and can limit airflow compared to open mesh racks. I like to keep a perforated pan for delicate or sauced items and use the stackable racks for foods where airflow and crisping matter most.

Value and Who Should Buy

I think these racks are a good value for people who regularly cook multiple small items and want to save time by doing them all at once. If you have a mid-size to large air fryer and you cook for families or small gatherings, I found this set particularly useful.

Final Verdict

Overall, I found the Upgrade Air Fryer Rack set to be a practical, well-made accessory that expands what I can do with my air fryer without a steep learning curve. I recommend it to anyone with a compatible air fryer who wants to increase capacity, improve crisping, or try dehydration without investing in a separate appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these racks fit my air fryer basket?

I always measure the inner diameter of my air fryer before buying accessories, and for these racks you need an inner diameter of at least 8.6 inches. If your basket is smaller than that or has an obstruction, they likely won’t fit properly.

Can I use all three racks at once without affecting crispness?

Yes, I used all three tiers together and found items crispier than on a crowded single tray, provided I space items adequately and rotate them if needed. Thicker items may take longer and might need to be placed on the lower rack for more even cooking.

Are the silicone feet heat resistant and safe?

The silicone feet included are food-grade and handled the temperatures I used in my air fryer without melting or deforming. I still avoid exposing them to direct flame or temperatures above typical air fryer settings to be safe.

How do I prevent flavors from transferring between tiers?

I minimize flavor transfer by spacing items and grouping similar flavors on the same tier; for example, I avoid putting strongly spiced meats above delicate fruit slices. I also use parchment rounds or silicone mats when cooking saucy or heavily seasoned foods.

Can I use these racks in an oven?

I personally used one of the racks briefly in a conventional oven at moderate temperatures with no issue, but I follow manufacturer guidance and limit use to typical air-frying and dehydrating temperature ranges. If you use them in an oven, avoid temperatures above what’s safe for silicone parts if those are attached.

Will the racks rust over time?

Because these are made of 304 stainless steel, I did not see rust develop under normal use and dishwasher cycles. I still dry them thoroughly after washing to extend longevity and prevent water spots or any long-term corrosion in humid environments.

Do I need to season the racks like cast iron?

No, stainless steel doesn’t require seasoning like cast iron, and I found it ready to use out of the box. I sometimes spray a light mist of oil on very lean foods to improve browning, but I don’t rely on a seasoning layer.

Is assembly required?

Assembly is minimal; I simply placed silicone feet where I wanted additional height and stacked the racks as needed. The spare clip and tongs were ready to use without any setup, which I appreciated for convenience.

What should I do if a rack is slightly warped?

I did not experience warping, but if a rack arrives warped, contact the seller for a replacement; slight warping can sometimes be remedied by heating and gently reshaping, though I prefer avoiding that. Always check the manufacturer’s return or warranty policy before attempting repairs.

Are the racks suitable for air frying frozen foods?

I frequently used them for frozen snacks like fries and nuggets with good results, ensuring items were arranged in a single layer per tier for best airflow. I found cooking time similar to a single tray but appreciated the ability to cook more at once without overcrowding.

Tips, Tricks, and My Favorite Recipes

I like to make three small appetizers at once: on the bottom rack I put small meatballs, on the middle I place mini potato wedges, and on the top rack I arrange seasoned veggie sticks. That setup gave me perfectly cooked, hot apps for guests with minimal fuss and only one cycle.

Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken Wings

I coat wings lightly in oil and seasoning, then place them spaced across two racks; I cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 18–22 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. In my trials, wings on the lower rack browned slightly quicker, so I rotate racks once for even crispness.

Apple Chips for Snacking

I slice apples thinly, arrange single layers on each rack, and dehydrate at around 140°F (60°C) for 4–6 hours, checking periodically for desired chewiness or crunch. I sprinkle cinnamon before drying for a fast, healthy snack that stored well in an airtight jar.

Quick Reheat for Leftovers

For reheating pizza slices or fried items, I put each slice on its own tier (if possible) and set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–6 minutes depending on thickness. I prefer this to microwave reheating because it restores crispness much better in my experience.

Closing Thoughts

I found this three-pack of stackable air fryer racks to be a versatile and practical addition to my kitchen gear, giving me more capacity and better airflow for crisp results. If your air fryer meets the sizing requirement and you cook multiple items often, I think you’ll get good use and value out of this set.

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