8 Best Stainless Steel Air Fryer Pans of 2026

If you’re tired of flimsy nonstick pans that warp after a few uses, the Univen Stainless Steel Baking Tray Pan delivers a rugged upgrade that stands up to high-heat air frying with confidence. Crafted from polished 304 stainless steel, this pan resists corrosion and won’t degrade when exposed to frequent temperature swings—making it a durable alternative to coated trays that chip or release toxins. Its precise fit for Cuisinart TOA-60, TOA-65, and TOA-70 models ensures no rattling or hot-spot interference, solving the common frustration of ill-fitting third-party accessories.

In real-world testing, the pan handled everything from crispy-skinned chicken thighs to roasted root vegetables with impressive evenness. The solid base (as opposed to mesh) makes it ideal for sticky glazes or delicate fish fillets that might fall through grates. While it doesn’t promote as much airflow as a basket, its thermal stability prevents warping—even after repeated 400°F+ cycles. However, because it’s a flat tray, you’ll still need to flip foods manually for uniform crispness, which slightly reduces convenience compared to perforated designs.

Positioned as a budget-friendly OEM replacement, the Univen tray outperforms flimsy plastic-coated pans while staying more affordable than full mesh basket systems. It’s best suited for Cuisinart owners who want a reliable, long-term baking surface without sacrificing safety or build quality. Compared to multi-piece mesh sets like the TeamFar or OPENICE options, it offers less versatility but excels in simplicity and exact compatibility—making it the smart pick for those who prioritize precision fit over multi-functionality.

For air fryer bakers craving flawless, scratch-free cakes without the fear of chemical coatings, the TeamFar 6-inch stainless steel cake pan set is a revelation. These mirror-polished, one-piece pans are made from food-grade stainless steel—completely free of nonstick chemicals—so you never have to worry about flakes contaminating your batter. The 6-inch compact size slides effortlessly into most air fryer baskets, making them perfect for single-tier cakes, mug-less brownies, or steamed dumplings, addressing the pain point of oversized pans that don’t fit.

During testing, the pans delivered even heat distribution with no warping, even at 375°F for 30 minutes. We baked mini vanilla cakes and found the straight walls helped maintain a clean, professional shape, while the smooth roll edges made removal easy—no snagging or tearing. Their multi-functional design shone when we used them for steaming vegetables and serving fruit salads, and cleanup was effortless thanks to the mirror finish that resists staining. However, due to the solid base, moisture can collect underneath baked goods, occasionally leading to a slightly damp bottom if overcooked.

Compared to larger mesh baskets like the OPENICE or DEGOVIN sets, these aren’t built for crispy fries or roasting, but they dominate in compact, health-conscious baking. They’re ideal for small households, dorm kitchens, or anyone who loves making individual desserts. When stacked against the E-far square pans, they lack lids for storage, but their leakproof construction and elegant serving appeal give them an edge in presentation and durability—offering superior value for bakers who prioritize purity and portability.

When you need to cook two meals at once without compromise, the dual-size Air Fryer Basket Set (B0FLXN55GR) stands out with its thoughtful multi-size design and generous accessory bundle. The 15.6” and 13” mesh baskets allow you to air fry a full rack of ribs on one level and roast vegetables on the other—perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Made from stainless steel with a non-stick surface, the trays resist sticking better than bare metal while still being safe for high-heat use, solving the common issue of food welding to the grate.

We tested the set in a convection oven with air fry mode and achieved golden, crispy fries in 22 minutes with minimal oil—thanks to the 360° airflow design. The drip tray underneath captured nearly all grease, keeping the oven clean and allowing us to reuse rendered bacon fat for seasoning. The included 60 parchment papers were a game-changer for sticky foods like glazed wings, though the mesh still required a brief soak when residue baked on. While the baskets fit most standard ovens, their larger dimensions may not suit compact air fryer ovens under 18 inches wide.

Compared to single-basket models like the Univen tray, this set is far more versatile, though it lacks the premium polish and ergonomic handles of the TeamFar or OPENICE versions. It’s best for busy households or entertainers who need flexibility and volume. Against the DEGOVIN 6-piece set, it offers similar functionality but fewer parchment sheets and slightly less refined craftsmanship—still, it delivers strong performance and capacity at a balanced price point, making it a top contender for multi-tasking kitchens.

For those who bake in tight spaces or need ready-to-store containers, the E-far 6×6-inch square baking pans with snap-on lids are a game-changing fusion of ovenware and food storage. Made from heavy-gauge stainless steel, these pans resist warping and deliver even browning—perfect for brownies, small casseroles, or single-serving lasagnas. But what truly sets them apart is the see-through, snap-on lids, which eliminate the need for foil or plastic wrap, directly solving the hassle of transferring leftovers to storage containers.

In testing, the pans handled high-heat roasting (400°F chicken thighs) and delicate baking (chocolate fudge brownies) with equal success. The rolled edges made handling safe and comfortable, while the brushed finish resisted scratches and stains—even after scrubbing burnt-on cheese. The 6×6-inch footprint fits snugly in most air fryers and toaster ovens, and the seamless interior prevented leaks during a sticky balsamic-glazed meatloaf test. However, like all solid pans, they limit airflow, so foods like fries won’t get truly crispy without flipping.

Compared to the TeamFar round cake pans, the E-far set wins on storage functionality and shape versatility—square pans maximize oven space and stack neatly. While pricier than basic trays, they offer greater utility than lidless options, especially for meal preppers or small households. Against the Air Fryer Grill Pan for Emeril Lagasse, they’re less specialized but far more adaptable—making them the best all-in-one solution for compact, healthy cooking and hassle-free storage.

If you own an Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 Air Fryer, this precision-fit stainless steel grill pan is a must-have replacement when the original wears out or gets damaged. Measuring 12”x10”, it slides perfectly into the basket, restoring full functionality for grilling, roasting, and baking. Made from food-grade stainless steel, it’s free of BPA and toxic coatings, ensuring safe, high-temperature cooking up to 480°F—ideal for searing chicken or roasting veggies without chemical leaching.

Real-world use revealed excellent heat retention and consistent browning, though we noticed slight warping when we skipped the required preheating step (300°F for 10 minutes). Once preheated, it performed flawlessly, with minimal sticking and easy cleanup—especially after soaking. The solid base with drip channels caught grease effectively, protecting the heating element below. However, because it’s not perforated, airflow is restricted, meaning foods like fries require flipping for crispness, and it’s unsuitable for convection-heavy tasks.

Compared to universal mesh baskets like the OPENICE or TeamFar models, this pan is highly specialized—it won’t fit other brands and excludes dual-zone Emeril models. But for owners of the Everyday 360, it’s a superior OEM alternative with better durability than coated trays. While the E-far or TeamFar pans offer broader use, this one excels in exact compatibility and build integrity, making it the top pick for Emeril Lagasse users needing a trustworthy, long-lasting pan.

The OPENICE 15.6” air fryer basket earns its title as Best Overall by striking a near-perfect balance of size, performance, and convenience. Its large mesh basket promotes 360° air circulation, delivering crispy fries and golden chicken without flipping—thanks to an elevated design that allows heat to surround food evenly. Made from stainless steel with a non-stick coating, it resists sticking while remaining durable, and the included 30 pre-cut parchment papers make cleanup effortless, especially for sticky or saucy foods.

We tested it in a standard convection oven and achieved restaurant-quality results: crispy hash browns, juicy salmon with crackling skin, and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. The drip tray caught nearly all grease, preventing oven mess, and both pieces are dishwasher safe, surviving multiple cycles without warping. While the non-stick surface is a bonus, aggressive scrubbing with metal pads can degrade it over time—stick to soft sponges. The size fits most ovens, but very compact models may struggle to accommodate it fully.

Against the DEGOVIN 6-piece set, OPENICE offers slightly better build quality and a more refined finish, though it lacks multiple sizes. Compared to the Air Fryer Basket for Oven (B0FLXN55GR), it’s simpler but equally effective. It’s ideal for families or home chefs who want consistent, healthy results without the hassle. With excellent airflow, easy maintenance, and strong durability, it outperforms most competitors in its class—making it the best all-around choice for universal air frying needs.

When cooking for a crowd is the priority, the TeamFar 16”x12” air fryer basket shines with massive capacity and professional-grade build. Its 15.4”x11.5” mesh rack elevates food for full 360° air circulation, delivering crispy results on fries, wings, and bacon without flipping—while the extra-large 16”x12” drip tray ensures no overflow during heavy cooking sessions. Constructed from food-grade stainless steel with no chemical coatings, it’s safer than non-stick alternatives and built to last, solving the pain point of flimsy racks that bend under weight.

In testing, it handled a full pound of fries and a rack of ribs simultaneously, with no hot spots or uneven cooking. The swing-style handles fold flat, making storage easier than fixed-handle models, and the mirror-polished tray wiped clean effortlessly—also surviving dishwasher cycles without tarnishing. However, its large footprint may not fit smaller ovens or air fryer combos under 18 inches, limiting its use in compact kitchens.

Compared to the OPENICE and DEGOVIN sets, the TeamFar offers larger dimensions and superior handle design, though it lacks multiple sizes. It’s best for large families, entertainers, or meal preppers who need volume and durability. Against the B0FLXN55GR model, it delivers better ergonomics and airflow, making it the top pick for those who demand maximum capacity without sacrificing quality.

The DEGOVIN 6-piece multi-size set is the Best Value for households that want maximum flexibility without buying multiple products. With two large (15.8”x11”) and two medium (13”x9.7”) baskets, plus 60 pre-cut parchment papers, it’s designed for batch cooking, meal prepping, and entertaining—all in one package. The elevated mesh design ensures even browning and crispiness without flipping, while the non-stick surface reduces food sticking, making it ideal for delicate fish or sticky marinades.

We tested both sizes and found the large basket perfect for whole chickens or family-sized fries, while the medium tray excelled at portion-controlled meals. The stainless steel construction held up to repeated use, and the included parchment papers drastically reduced cleanup time. However, the non-stick coating requires gentle care—avoid metal utensils to prevent scratching. And while the sizes fit most ovens, stacking both baskets may limit airflow in smaller cavities.

Compared to the OPENICE single basket, DEGOVIN offers twice the utility and better value, though the finish is slightly less polished. Against the B0FLXN55GR model, it includes more parchment and better size variety. It’s ideal for serious home cooks who want professional results across multiple dishes. With versatility, volume, and thoughtful extras, it delivers exceptional bang for the buck—making it the ultimate upgrade for high-volume, healthy cooking.