Best Air Fryer Grill Pans & Racks in 2026 — Get That Grilled Taste Indoors
Winter came, my outdoor grill got covered in a tarp, and I still wanted that charred, grill-mark flavor on my chicken. That’s when I discovered air fryer grill pan inserts — and honestly, I was skeptical at first. How good could a plastic basket with ridges actually be at mimicking a real grill?
Turns out, pretty good. Not identical to charcoal, but close enough that I stopped missing outdoor grilling on weeknights. Here’s what actually works, and what to check before you buy — spoiler: most of these aren’t as brand-locked as I expected, but a few very much are.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Accessory | Price | Compatibility | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7Qt Grill Pan (Chefman/Crux/GoWISE) | ~$18 | Chefman, Crux, GoWISE 3.7 Qt | Yes |
| Universal 5Qt Grill Rack | ~$20 | Gourmia, PowerXL, Ninja, GoWise, Chefman, Dash | Yes, safer for multi-brand fit |
| 3-Piece Round Stackable Rack Set | ~$20 | Round baskets, inner size ≥8.6″ | Yes |
| Air Fryer Accessories Set of 12 | ~$25 | 5.3 Qt and larger, multi-brand | Good value |
| Grill Plate for Ninja Foodi DT251/DT201/DT200 | ~$16 | Ninja Foodi DT251/DT201/DT200 specific | Yes, if compatible |
1. 3.7Qt Air Fryer Grill Pan for Chefman, Crux & GoWISE
This is the one that started my whole grill-pan experiment. It’s a straightforward swap for your regular basket — same size, drops right in, ridged surface underneath so the fat drips away while the food gets those sear marks on top.
The double-layer non-stick coating held up better than I expected after a few months of steak and salmon. It’s built for 3.7 quart baskets specifically, and compatible across Chefman, Crux, and GoWISE USA models — so check your basket’s exact quart size before ordering, since “3.7 quart” branding still varies slightly between manufacturers.
2. Universal 5Qt Grill Rack — Worth It (Multi-Brand)
This one’s built to work across several brands at once — Gourmia, PowerXL, Ninja Foodi, GoWISE, Chefman, and Dash all get a mention in the compatibility list. If you’re not 100% sure which grill accessory locks you into one brand, this is the safer bet.
It functions more like a grate/grill plate combo than a pure grill pan — good for getting sear marks on chicken and steak while still allowing decent airflow underneath. Being universal does mean the fit isn’t always as snug as a brand-specific insert, so double-check your basket’s exact dimensions against the listing before ordering.
3. 3-Piece Round Stackable Rack Set — Worth It
This one’s a round stackable rack set made from food-grade stainless steel, designed to fit air fryers with an inner basket size of 8.6 inches or larger. If your basket happens to be round rather than square (many older or budget models are), this fits better than the square racks that dominate this category.
Like other stackable racks, the appeal here isn’t grill marks — it’s extra cooking layers. Good for cooking multiple items at once without waiting for batches.
4. Air Fryer Accessories Set of 12 (5.3Qt+) — Good Value
This bundle is aimed at people who don’t want to hunt for a brand-exact match. It’s built for 5.3 quart and larger air fryers, and includes a skewer rack along with cake pans, a pizza pan, a metal holder, and other extras — a nice bonus if you like doing kebabs on the side.
The skewers included here are the standout feature — I hadn’t thought about air fryer kebabs until I got a set like this, and now it’s a regular Friday night thing. Just don’t expect premium build quality at this price; it does the job without being fancy about it, and you probably won’t use every single piece in the bundle.
5. Grill Plate for Ninja Foodi DT251/DT201/DT200 — Worth It If Compatible
If you specifically own the Ninja Foodi DT251, DT201, or DT200, this is a solid direct replacement/upgrade plate. It’s built to the exact dimensions Ninja uses across these models, so there’s no guessing about fit like with the universal options.
Since it’s so model-specific, this only makes the list because it’s a legitimate, well-reviewed option for these particular models — not something I’d recommend browsing for unless you already know exactly what oven you have.
What Actually Matters Before You Buy
The single biggest mistake people make with an air fryer grill pan is assuming sizing is universal. It’s not. A “5 quart” or “3.7 quart” label from one brand doesn’t guarantee it’ll physically fit the same stated capacity from a different brand — baskets vary in shape (round vs. square) and internal dimensions even when the numbers match.
Before buying any air fryer grill pan, measure your actual basket (length, width, depth) and check the product listing’s exact compatibility list. Also worth checking: material. Stick to 304 stainless steel or PTFE-free non-stick coating— cheaper coatings can flake off after repeated high-heat use.
For food safety guidelines when grilling indoors, check the USDA’s official guide to grilling food safely.
FAQ
Does an air fryer grill pan fit any air fryer?
No — this is the most important thing to know going in. Air fryer grill pan inserts are almost always brand and model specific…
Can I use a grill pan in a dual-basket air fryer?
Some universal options are compatible with dual-basket models, but you’ll want to size it for one basket at a time rather than expecting it to span both.
Is a stackable rack better than a grill pan?
They solve different problems. A grill pan gets you sear marks and better fat drainage. A stackable rack gets you more cooking capacity per batch. If you mainly want to cook more food at once rather than get grill marks, the rack is the better buy.
Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary. Always check current Amazon pricing before purchasing. Some links on this page may be affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Also read: Best Air Fryers Under $50, 7 Best Air Fryers Under $100 in 2026, Best Small Air Fryers for One Person 2026, Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combos 2026, Best Air Fryer Accessories in 2026, Best Air Fryer Meat Thermometers in 2026, Best Air Fryer Accessories for Meal Prep in 2026, Best Electric Vegetable Choppers for Air Fryer Meals 2026, and Best Dual Basket Air Fryers in 2026.