Multi layer racks can be one of the most useful accessories for your air fryer and allow you to cook several foods at once. Not only does it make your cooking easier, but it helps you with planning meals as well. Imagine having all of your ingredients done in one go!
In this blog post we’ll discuss how to make the most out of your multilayer rack when it comes to preparing quick-yet-delicious fried foods. Read on as we cover all of the essentials that come with choosing and utilizing a top quality appliance accessory like this!
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Types of Multi-layer Rack
As an avid air fryer user, I have tried various types of multi-layer racks that come in different shapes and sizes. Let me share my experience with you.
Stackable multi-layer rack
This type of rack comes with multiple trays that can be stacked on top of each other. The trays are usually removable, allowing you to customize the rack according to your cooking needs. One time, I used a stackable multi-layer rack to cook chicken wings on the bottom tray and sweet potato fries on the top tray. The result? Crispy wings and fries, perfectly cooked at the same time!
Rotisserie multi-layer rack
If you love rotisserie-style cooking, this type of rack is perfect for you. The rack comes with a spit that rotates your food while it cooks, ensuring even cooking on all sides. I once used a rotisserie multi-layer rack to cook a whole chicken, and it turned out to be juicy and delicious. Plus, the rotating spit kept the chicken from sticking to the rack, making it easy to clean.
How to Set Up a Multi-layer Rack in an Air Fryer
Setting up a multi-layer rack in an air fryer may seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s a breeze once you get the hang of it. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1: Safety precautions
Before anything else, make sure that the air fryer is unplugged and completely cool to the touch. Also, be careful when handling the rack and trays as they may be hot from previous use.
Step 2: Installation of the rack
Place the base of the multi-layer rack at the bottom of the air fryer basket, making sure that it’s leveled and stable. Then, stack the trays on top of each other, making sure that they are securely in place. Make sure that there’s enough space between the trays to allow for proper air circulation.
Step 3: Preheating the air fryer with the rack
Set the temperature and cooking time according to the recipe you’re following. Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, it’s ready for use.
Step 4: Recipes for a multi-layer rack in an air fryer
Using a multi-layer rack in your air fryer can open up a world of possibilities when it comes to cooking. Here are some of my favorite recipes that make use of this versatile tool:
Multi-layered nachos
This recipe is perfect for parties or movie nights. Simply layer tortilla chips, cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings on each tray. Cook in the air fryer until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with guacamole and salsa on the side for an extra kick.
- Ingredients: tortilla chips, shredded cheese, canned beans, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, diced onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa
- Time and temperature: 5 minutes at 400°F
Instructions:
- Layer tortilla chips on the first tray of the multi-layer rack.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese, canned beans, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and diced onions on top.
- Repeat steps 1-2 for each tray until all the ingredients are used up.
- Cook in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.
Bacon-wrapped shrimp skewers
Impress your guests with this fancy appetizer that’s easy to make. Thread bacon-wrapped shrimp on skewers and place them on the rack. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
- Ingredients: large shrimp, bacon, lemon, cocktail sauce
- Time and temperature: 8 minutes at 400°F
Instructions:
- Wrap each shrimp with a strip of bacon and thread them onto skewers.
- Place the skewers on the multi-layer rack.
- Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes at 400°F, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
- Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
Air-fried donuts
Who says you can’t have donuts for breakfast? Mix up a simple donut batter and pour it into a donut pan. Place the pan on the rack and cook until the donuts are golden brown. For an extra indulgence, dip the donuts in melted chocolate or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
- Ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, egg, butter, vanilla extract, chocolate chips or powdered sugar (optional)
- Time and temperature: 8 minutes at 350°F
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a donut pan and place the pan on the multi-layer rack.
- Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes at 350°F, or until the donuts are golden brown.
- Optional: dip the donuts in melted chocolate or sprinkle them with powdered sugar before serving.
Pros and Cons of multi-layer rack in an air fryer
Advantages
Cook more food at once
One of the most obvious advantages of a multi-layer rack is that it allows you to cook more food at once. Instead of just one layer of food in the air fryer basket, you can now stack multiple trays of food on top of each other. This is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Save time and energy
By cooking multiple trays of food at once, you can save time and energy. Instead of having to cook in batches, you can now cook everything at once. This not only saves time but also reduces the amount of energy needed to cook your food.
More cooking options
Using a multi-layer rack also opens up more cooking options. You can now cook different types of food at the same time without having to worry about them touching or sticking together. This means you can cook appetizers, entrees, and desserts all at once.
Easy to clean
Finally, cleaning a multi-layer rack is a breeze. Most racks are dishwasher safe and can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water. No more scrubbing or struggling to clean the air fryer basket!
Disadvantages
Uneven cooking
One of the biggest challenges when using a multi-layer rack is achieving even cooking. The food on the top rack may cook faster than the food on the bottom rack, leading to uneven results. This can be mitigated by rotating the trays during cooking, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
Limited space
While a multi-layer rack allows you to cook more food at once, it also takes up more space in your air fryer. This means you may not be able to cook as large of a quantity of food as you would like or that you may need to adjust your cooking times accordingly.
More difficult to flip and toss food
You may need to use tongs or a spatula to maneuver the food around, which can be cumbersome.
FAQs
What is the maximum number of racks I can use in my air fryer?
The maximum number of racks you can use in your air fryer will depend on the size and model of your air fryer. Generally, most air fryers come with two racks, but some larger models may have three or more.
Can I cook different foods on each rack?
Yes, you can cook different foods on each rack when using a multi-layer rack in your air fryer. This is one of the benefits of using a multi-layer rack as you can cook multiple foods at the same time, without the flavors or aromas mixing.
Do I need to adjust the cooking time for each rack?
Yes, you will likely need to adjust the cooking time for each rack when using a multi-layer rack in your air fryer. This is because the heat may not distribute evenly between the racks, resulting in uneven cooking.
Can I use aluminum foil on the racks?
Yes, you can use aluminum foil on the racks when using a multi-layer rack in your air fryer. If you do use foil, make sure to poke holes in it to allow for air circulation and to avoid covering any heating elements.
Conclusion
The multi-layer rack is a great addition to any air fryer. It allows you to cook more food at once, saving both time and energy. Plus, it gives you the ability to cook different types of food at the same time without having to worry about flavors or aromas mixing. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly as the heat may not always distribute evenly between the racks. With a little practice, you can enjoy all the benefits of using a multi-layer rack in your air fryer!
