What Is a Trivet for Air Fryer? Uses & Best Picks

Introduction

Air fryers have taken over home kitchens in the last decade, and for good reason: they deliver crispy, fried-like food with a fraction of the oil of traditional deep frying, and they’re fast enough for busy weeknights. But even the best air fryers have small, common pain points: food gets soggy on the bottom, sticky marinades glue your chicken to the basket, and you can only cook one layer of food at a time, leading to endless batches. If you’ve ever scrolled air fryer recipe forums or watched TikTok cooking hacks, you’ve probably stumbled across the question: What Is a Trivet for Air Fryer? It’s one of the most underrated, low-cost accessories that can completely transform how you use your countertop convection oven, and most home cooks don’t even know it exists. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what an air fryer trivet is, all the ways you can use it, how to pick the right one for your appliance, and our top tested picks for every budget and cooking need.

• Introduction
• What Is a Trivet for Air Fryer?
• Core Design and Material Basics
• Key Uses of an Air Fryer Trivet
• Elevating Food for Even Crisping
• Preventing Food from Sticking to the Basket
• Cooking Multiple Layers of Food at Once
• Reheating Leftovers Without Sogginess
• Making DIY Air Fryer Liners and Accessories
• How to Choose the Right Trivet for Your Air Fryer
• Match the Size to Your Air Fryer Basket
• Prioritize Food-Safe, Heat-Resistant Materials
• Look for Easy-to-Clean Designs
• Step-by-Step: How to Use an Air Fryer Trivet Correctly
• Top 5 Best Air Fryer Trivets of 2024
• Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer Trivet
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What Is a Trivet for Air Fryer?

To answer the question What Is a Trivet for Air Fryer? in simple terms, it’s a small, raised rack designed specifically to fit inside your air fryer’s main cooking basket. Unlike the large trivets you use to set hot pots and pans on your countertop, air fryer trivets are sized to match the interior dimensions of popular air fryer models, with evenly spaced, small perforations that let hot air flow under, over, and around your food. It’s worth noting that air fryer trivets are different from multi-tier air fryer racks, which are designed to hold multiple items at different heights. While some trivets are dual-purpose, most are low-profile, designed solely to elevate food off the basket bottom to improve airflow.

Core Design and Material Basics

Most air fryer trivets are built from one of three materials, each with its own pros and cons:

• Stainless steel: The most durable option, heat-resistant up to 500°F, and scratch-resistant. It’s ideal for high-heat cooking like searing meat or cooking crispy frozen foods, and it’s dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The downside is that it can be prone to hot spots, and food can stick if you don’t use a liner.
• Food-grade silicone: Flexible, non-stick, and heat-resistant up to 450°F, silicone trivets are gentle on non-stick air fryer baskets, so they won’t scratch the coating. They’re also lightweight and often dishwasher safe, making them a great choice for delicate foods like fish, veggies, or cheesy dishes that are prone to sticking.
• BPA-free plastic: The most budget-friendly option, heat-resistant up to 400°F, and lightweight. Plastic trivets are great for low-heat uses like reheating leftovers, but they can warp or release harmful chemicals if used at the max temperature of most air fryers, so they’re not ideal for high-heat cooking.

All air fryer trivets have small, evenly spaced holes that are sized to keep small food items (like diced potatoes or chicken nuggets) from falling through, while still allowing hot air to circulate freely.

Key Uses of an Air Fryer Trivet

Many air fryer owners write trivets off as a unnecessary accessory, but they solve dozens of common air fryer headaches. Below are the most popular uses for an air fryer trivet:

Elevating Food for Even Crisping

The #1 reason to buy an air fryer trivet is to get perfectly crispy food, every time. When food sits directly on the bottom of the air fryer basket, the side touching the basket blocks hot air flow, leading to soft, soggy spots on the bottom of your food. The trivet lifts food up 1-2 inches off the basket bottom, so hot air can circulate under, over, and around every side of your food, resulting in evenly crispy fries, chicken wings, roasted veggies, and more. For example, if you’re cooking frozen mozzarella sticks, placing them directly on the basket bottom will result in a soft, soggy exterior on the side that touches the basket. With a trivet, hot air circulates under the sticks, so every side is golden and crispy, just like you’d get from a restaurant. For high-fat foods like bacon, the trivet also lets excess fat drip down through the holes, so your bacon is crispy instead of greasy.

Preventing Food from Sticking to the Basket

Sticky foods are a common air fryer headache: glazed salmon, honey garlic chicken, and melted cheese can all fuse to the non-stick coating of your basket, leaving you scrubbing for 10 minutes after cooking, and often losing the crispy bottom layer of your food in the process. A trivet creates a barrier between the food and the basket, so even the stickiest marinades won’t leave a residue. Plus, if you use disposable parchment liners, the trivet holds the liner up off the basket bottom, so the air fryer’s high-powered fan doesn’t suck the liner up into the heating element – a common safety hazard when using liners without a trivet.

Cooking Multiple Layers of Food at Once

Most standard air fryer baskets are only 5-6 inches wide, so you can only cook one single layer of food at a time without blocking airflow. This means cooking for a family often requires multiple batches, which adds 20-30 minutes to your cook time. With a trivet, you can place a layer of food on the trivet, and a second layer of food directly on the bottom of the basket (as long as there’s at least 1 inch of space between the two layers) to cook twice as much food in one batch. For example, if you’re cooking dinner for a family of four, you can place a layer of chicken nuggets on the trivet, and a layer of frozen broccoli on the basket bottom. As long as there’s space for air to circulate between the layers, both will cook evenly in the same batch, cutting down on cooking time by 50% or more.

Reheating Leftovers Without Sogginess

Microwaved leftovers are almost always soggy: pizza crust turns chewy, fried chicken skin gets rubbery, and french fries turn into limp, sad sticks. The air fryer is already a better option for reheating, but a trivet takes it to the next level. Place your leftover slice of pizza, piece of fried chicken, or portion of fries on the trivet, set the air fryer to 350°F, and reheat for 2-3 minutes. The elevated design lets hot air flow under the food, so the crust stays crispy, the chicken skin stays crunchy, and your leftovers taste almost as good as they did fresh out of the oven.

Making DIY Air Fryer Liners and Accessories

An air fryer trivet also works as a base for custom DIY accessories that make cooking even easier. Cut a piece of parchment paper or a silicone air fryer liner to fit the trivet, poke holes in it with a fork, and you have a custom non-stick liner that won’t blow around in the air fryer’s fan. You can also place small, heat-proof ramekins or mini baking dishes on the trivet to cook single-serving meals: bake a small portion of mac and cheese, cook a fried egg, or melt cheese for personal nachos, without the food dripping into the basket bottom. The trivet also doubles as a cooling rack for food you just took out of the air fryer: leaving food on the trivet instead of a flat plate lets air circulate under it, so crispy foods stay crunchy for 10-15 minutes longer before they get soggy.

How to Choose the Right Trivet for Your Air Fryer

Not all air fryer trivets are created equal, and the right one for you depends on your air fryer size, cooking habits, and budget. Below are the key factors to consider when shopping:

Match the Size to Your Air Fryer Basket

Air fryer baskets come in a range of sizes, from 2-3 quart personal models for single servings, to 8+ quart large models for families. The trivet you choose needs to fit snugly inside your basket, with 1-2 inches of space around the edges to allow air to circulate. A trivet that’s too big will block the air vents on the basket, leading to uneven cooking, while a trivet that’s too small will slide around the basket and not elevate food properly. Before buying, measure the interior length and width of your empty air fryer basket, and look for a trivet that is 1-2 inches smaller than those dimensions. If you have a dual-basket air fryer (like the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone or COSORI Dual Air Fryer), you can either buy two small trivets that fit each individual basket, or one larger trivet that fits across both baskets for cooking large items like a whole chicken or a sheet of cookies.

Prioritize Food-Safe, Heat-Resistant Materials

Always check the material and heat resistance of a trivet before buying, to make sure it’s safe for your cooking habits. If you frequently cook at high temperatures (above 450°F) for things like searing steak or cooking frozen wings, opt for a stainless steel trivet, which can withstand temps up to 500°F without warping or releasing chemicals. If you mostly cook delicate foods like fish, veggies, or cheesy dishes at lower temperatures, a food-grade silicone trivet is a great choice, as it’s non-stick and gentle on your basket’s coating. Avoid trivets made from unknown plastic materials, or ones that have a strong chemical smell when you first open them, as they may leach harmful chemicals when heated.

Look for Easy-to-Clean Designs

Air fryers can get greasy, so you’ll want a trivet that’s easy to clean after each use. Perforated trivets are easier to clean than solid ones, because food crumbs and grease can fall through the holes into the basket, which you can wipe out in seconds. Silicone and stainless steel trivets are almost always dishwasher safe, while plastic trivets are often hand-wash only, as high dishwasher temperatures can warp the plastic. Avoid trivets with lots of small crevices, hard-to-reach corners, or decorative grooves, where food can get stuck and breed bacteria over time. Some trivets have a non-stick coating, which makes cleanup even easier, but make sure the coating is food-safe and scratch-resistant to avoid peeling over time.

Step-by-Step: How to Use an Air Fryer Trivet Correctly

Using an air fryer trivet is simple, but following these steps will ensure you get the best results and avoid common safety hazards:

1. Prep your air fryer: Unplug the appliance, remove the basket, and wipe down the bottom of the basket to remove any leftover crumbs or grease. If you plan to use a parchment liner or silicone mat, cut it to fit the size of the trivet, and poke 5-10 small holes in it with a fork to allow hot air to flow through (this prevents the liner from being sucked up into the heating element during cooking).
2. Place the trivet in the basket: Set the trivet flat on the bottom of the basket, making sure it is sitting evenly and not tilted. If you have a dual-basket air fryer, place the trivet in the basket you will use for elevated food. Important safety note: Never place the trivet directly into the air fryer cavity without the basket underneath. The trivet can fall into the heating element, causing a fire or permanent damage to your appliance.
3. Add your food: Arrange your food on the trivet in a single layer, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow hot air to circulate freely. If you want to cook two different foods at once, place the second layer of food directly on the bottom of the basket (not on top of the food on the trivet) to avoid blocking airflow. Do not stack food more than two layers high, as this will prevent even cooking.
4. Set the temperature and cook time: Follow your recipe’s instructions for temperature and time. Note that food cooked on a trivet will typically cook 1-2 minutes faster than food cooked directly on the basket bottom, because hot air circulates more efficiently around the elevated food. Check your food 1-2 minutes early to avoid overcooking, and flip or shake the food halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides.
5. Remove and clean: When the cook time is up, use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot basket from the air fryer. Set the basket on a heat-safe surface, then remove the trivet (it will be very hot!) and set it aside to cool completely. Once cool, wash the trivet with warm soapy water, or place it in the dishwasher if the manufacturer marks it as dishwasher safe.

Top 5 Best Air Fryer Trivets of 2024

We tested dozens of air fryer trivets to find the best options for every budget, air fryer size, and cooking need. Below is our curated list of top picks, with a comparison table to help you find the right one for you:

Our top overall pick is the Ninja Air Fryer Silicone Trivet, thanks to its universal fit for most 5-6 quart air fryers (the most common size for home cooks), flexible non-stick surface that won’t scratch your basket, and easy dishwasher-safe cleanup. If you frequently cook at high temperatures above 450°F, the COSORI stainless steel rack is a better choice, as it can withstand temps up to 500°F without warping or releasing chemicals. For budget shoppers, the Yishang plastic trivet is a solid entry-level option, as long as you don’t plan to use it for high-heat cooking above 400°F. When choosing a trivet, prioritize fit first: a trivet that’s too big will block air vents and lead to uneven cooking, while one that’s too small will slide around the basket and not elevate food properly. If you’re unsure of your basket size, measure the interior length and width of your empty basket, and look for a trivet that is 1-2 inches smaller than those dimensions to leave space for air circulation around the edges.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Fryer Trivet

Once you have a trivet, these pro tips will help you get even better results and extend the life of your accessory:

• Preheat the trivet with the basket: For extra crispiness, preheat your air fryer and trivet for 2-3 minutes before adding food. The hot trivet will start cooking the bottom of your food immediately, preventing sogginess.
• Don’t overfill the trivet: Arrange food in a single layer with small gaps between pieces. Overfilling blocks hot air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and soggy spots.
• Use the trivet as a cooling rack: After taking food out of the air fryer, leave it on the trivet instead of moving it to a flat plate. The elevated design lets air circulate under the food, so crispy foods like fries and chicken wings stay crunchy for longer.
• Pair with a liner for zero cleanup: Cut a piece of parchment paper or a silicone air fryer liner to fit the trivet, poke holes in it, and place it on the trivet before adding food. All grease and crumbs will fall through the holes into the basket, so you only have to wipe out the basket and wash the liner/trivet after cooking.
• Avoid using metal utensils on silicone trivets: Sharp metal forks or tongs can tear or scratch silicone trivets, shortening their lifespan. Use silicone or wooden utensils instead.
• Don’t use the trivet for extremely greasy foods without a liner: If you’re cooking bacon, sausage, or other high-fat foods, use a liner on the trivet to catch grease drips. Otherwise, grease can build up in the trivet’s holes, making cleanup difficult and creating a fire hazard if too much grease accumulates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an oven trivet in my air fryer?

Most standard oven trivets are too large for air fryer baskets, and their holes are often too big, so small food items like fries or diced veggies will fall through. They may also be made of materials that aren’t heat-resistant enough for air fryer temperatures, leading to warping or chemical leaching. It’s always best to use a trivet specifically designed for air fryers to ensure a proper fit and safe use.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer trivet?

You don’t have to, but preheating the trivet for 2-3 minutes before adding food will help crisp up the bottom of your food even more. If you’re cooking something like bacon or chicken wings, preheating the trivet will render fat faster and give you a crispier result.

Can I put my air fryer trivet in the dishwasher?

Most silicone and stainless steel air fryer trivets are dishwasher safe, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Plastic trivets are often hand-wash only, as high dishwasher temperatures can warp the plastic. Even if your trivet is dishwasher safe, washing it by hand with warm soapy water will help it last longer.

Will a trivet make my air fryer cook food faster?

Yes, food cooked on a trivet will typically cook 1-2 minutes faster than food cooked directly on the basket bottom, because hot air can circulate more freely around and under the food. Be sure to check your food a minute or two early to avoid overcooking, especially for quick-cooking items like veggies or frozen snacks.

Can I use an air fryer trivet for steaming?

Yes! You can place a heat-proof, small ramekin or steamer basket on top of the trivet, add a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket, and use the trivet to hold the steamer basket above the water. This works great for steaming dumplings, veggies, or fish without submerging them in water.

Can I use an air fryer trivet in the oven?

Most stainless steel and silicone air fryer trivets are oven-safe up to their max heat resistance, so you can use them in the oven as a small cooling rack or to elevate food while roasting. However, plastic trivets are not oven-safe, as high oven temperatures can warp or melt them, releasing harmful chemicals.

Conclusion

If you’re still wondering What Is a Trivet for Air Fryer? and whether it’s worth the small investment, the answer is a resounding yes for almost every air fryer owner. For as little as $10, a trivet solves the most common air fryer pain points: sogginess, sticking, and limited cooking capacity. Whether you’re a casual air fryer user who only reheats pizza, or a meal prep pro who cooks full meals in your air fryer every week, a trivet is an accessory you won’t know how you lived without once you try it. When shopping, prioritize a trivet that fits your basket size, is made from food-safe, heat-resistant materials, and is easy to clean, and you’ll be on your way to perfectly crispy, evenly cooked air fryer meals in no time.