8 Best NuWave Air Fryer Trays of 2026

The NUWAVE Drip Tray is a quiet hero in the kitchen, stepping in where messy splatters and stubborn grease usually take over. Designed specifically for the 14qt and 15.5qt Brio models, this tray catches every drip and crumb before they bake onto the chamber floor—making post-cook cleanup feel almost effortless. It’s not flashy, but its precision fit and seamless integration with the cooking system solve one of the most annoying pain points of large-capacity air frying: lingering residue and stuck-on debris.

In real-world use, this tray proves its worth during high-fat cooking sessions—think bacon-wrapped jalapeños or juicy rib racks. The shallow design ensures it doesn’t interfere with airflow or rack placement, while still offering enough depth to contain generous drippings without overflow. It’s not meant for active cooking, but as a behind-the-scenes protector, it shines. However, it won’t help if you’re using the dehydrate function for long periods—light oils from herbs or veggies can still seep through and stick, requiring a warm, soapy soak.

Compared to generic trays, the NUWAVE original delivers perfect alignment and durability thanks to its USA-engineered design. While some third-party options claim compatibility, they often sit unevenly or warp under heat. This one doesn’t. It’s best suited for Brio owners who cook fatty proteins regularly and want to preserve their unit’s interior. Compared to the stainless steel Bravo XL tray, it’s less versatile but more targeted—a specialist, not a generalist.

When it comes to no-nonsense durability and even heat distribution, the Nuwave 18/8 Stainless Steel Tray stands tall as a workhorse accessory. Crafted from commercial-grade 18/8 stainless steel, this tray resists warping, corrosion, and staining—even after repeated use at high temperatures. Its 1.3-inch depth provides ample room for roasting a 10-pound chicken or baking a full pan of cornbread without spills, making it ideal for family-sized meals and meal prep.

In testing, this tray delivered consistent browning and zero hot spots, thanks to its excellent thermal conductivity. It slides smoothly under the air fry rack or baking tray in the Bravo XL, and its size allows full coverage of the heating zone. We roasted Brussels sprouts, baked sticky buns, and even used it in a conventional convection oven—each time, it performed flawlessly. The only hiccup? It’s heavy when loaded, and the edges can get extremely hot, so oven mitts are a must.

Versus the non-stick enamel pan, this stainless tray wins for long-term resilience and multi-oven use, but lacks the slick release of coated surfaces. It’s the go-to for users who prioritize oven-to-table roasting and want one pan for air frying and traditional baking. Priced higher than basic trays, it justifies its cost through build quality and adaptability—a standout for serious home cooks.

The Nuwave Non-Stick Enamel Pan & Rack Combo is a masterclass in functional pairing—engineered to make roasting not just easy, but effortlessly clean. The porcelain-enamel coating delivers a smooth, non-stick surface that resists chipping and staining, while the raised broiler rack elevates meats for even crisping and automatic fat drainage. This duo is perfect for cooking everything from succulent roast chicken to crispy bacon with minimal hands-on attention.

During real-world testing, the pan handled high-heat searing and slow roasting with equal ease. The rack kept foods elevated without sagging, even under a 6-pound pork shoulder. Cleanup was a breeze—most residue wiped away with a damp cloth, and stubborn bits soaked off quickly. However, metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers can scratch the enamel, so care is needed. It’s not ideal for acidic foods like tomato-based stews over long periods, which can dull the finish over time.

Compared to the stainless steel tray, this combo offers superior food release and easier cleaning, but sacrifices some durability. It’s the best choice for users who roast frequently and hate scrubbing pans. While the stainless option lasts longer, this one delivers daily convenience and kitchen confidence—especially when juggling weeknight dinners. It matches the Bravo XL’s performance but leans into user-friendly practicality over rugged versatility.

For owners of the compact 3QT Brio, this replacement tray and basket set is a game-changer—especially when you want to cook back-to-back meals without cleaning. The perfectly nested design ensures the fry basket sits flush in the base tray, eliminating wobble and maximizing cooking efficiency. Made with durable non-stick coating, both pieces handle daily air frying with ease, from crispy tater tots to golden chicken bites.

In practice, the set shines in small-batch cooking. The base tray catches drippings effectively, while the basket’s mesh pattern allows uniform airflow for consistent crispiness on all sides. We appreciated that both are dishwasher-safe, and after multiple cycles, the coating held up without peeling. However, the tray’s shallow depth means it can overflow with very greasy foods—like bacon—if not monitored. It’s not designed for roasting large items, but that’s expected at this size.

Compared to single replacements, this duo offers double the convenience and long-term value. While pricier than buying one piece, it’s a smart investment for frequent users or families relying on the 3QT model daily. It doesn’t expand functionality, but it eliminates downtime between meals—a subtle but powerful upgrade. For compact air fryer owners, it’s the most practical way to maintain momentum in the kitchen.

The NUWAVE 9-Piece Ultimate Baking Kit isn’t just an accessory—it’s a complete kitchen transformation for Bravo XL owners. With a deep stainless steel tray, four dehydrating racks, and four high-heat silicone mats, it turns your air fryer into a multi-functional powerhouse for baking, roasting, and preserving. The silicone mats are a standout—non-stick, odor-resistant, and perfect for cookies or delicate fish—while the mesh racks deliver crisp dehydration results for apple chips or beef jerky.

In testing, the kit handled everything from double batches of chocolate chip cookies to a weekend-long fruit dehydrate session. The stainless tray doubled as a roasting pan, and the racks allowed for multi-level cooking without flavor transfer. Everything fits perfectly in the Bravo XL, and cleanup was minimal—especially with the mats, which wiped clean or went straight into the dishwasher. The only downside? The racks can be tricky to stack evenly if overloaded, slightly disrupting airflow.

Compared to individual purchases, this kit offers unmatched value and synergy. It outperforms single-purpose trays by enabling true culinary versatility. While the grill pan is better for searing, this set wins for bakers, meal preppers, and health-focused cooks. It’s the most comprehensive upgrade available for the Bravo XL—justifying its premium cost through sheer utility and smart design.

The Air Fryer Grill Pan for Nuwave Bravo 21 Qt brings a sizzle of outdoor grilling into your countertop oven. With its ridged surface and food-grade stainless steel construction, it creates perfect sear marks on chicken breasts, burgers, and vegetables—while letting excess fat drip away for healthier meals. The pan heats evenly up to 480°F, but requires preheating at 300°F for 10 minutes before first use to prevent warping, a crucial step many overlook.

In real-world tests, the grill pan delivered restaurant-style grill marks and smoky texture without the backyard hassle. It handled thick steaks and skewered veggies with confidence, and the raised edges kept juices contained. However, skipping the preheat step led to slight bending in one test unit after repeated high-heat use. Once properly seasoned, it developed a natural non-stick surface, but acidic marinades can degrade it over time. Cleaning is easy—just soak and wipe—but avoid steel wool.

Compared to the standard roasting tray, this pan excels in texture and presentation, but demands more care. It’s ideal for users who crave grilled flavor and don’t mind a small prep ritual. While the 9-piece kit offers more versatility, this pan dominates in one specialty: grilling. It’s a high-performance upgrade for flavor-focused cooks who want to maximize their 21 Qt Bravo’s potential.

The Nuwave Air Fry Basket is a crispiness catalyst—engineered to maximize airflow and deliver golden, evenly fried results every time. Its fine mesh construction and raised edges keep small items like tater tots or onion rings from falling through, while allowing 360-degree hot air circulation for uniform browning. At 10”D x 12”W x 3”H, it offers generous space for family-sized portions of fries, wings, or frozen nuggets.

In testing, the basket produced consistently crispy exteriors and tender interiors, outperforming solid pans for fried textures. The mesh heats quickly and retains temperature well, even when the oven door is opened mid-cycle. It’s also compatible with many convection ovens, adding unexpected flexibility. However, fine crumbs can get stuck in the mesh, requiring a quick brush or soak. And while it’s dishwasher-safe, food particles may bake on if left too long.

Compared to the baking pan, this basket is unbeatable for air-fried favorites, but not ideal for wet batters or delicate foods that might stick. It’s the go-to for families and snack lovers who want fast, crispy results with minimal mess. While the 9-piece kit includes more tools, this basket does one job exceptionally well—making it a must-have for Bravo XL owners who air fry daily.