Updated 19 July 2026 · Written by Daniel Wright
Yes, you can run an air fryer without the crisper plate, and it will not damage the unit. But the plate lifts food so hot air flows underneath, so without it food sits in grease and juices and crisps less evenly. Keep the plate in for fries and wings; you can skip it for cakes, liquids and delicate bakes.
An air fryer works without the crisper plate but food will be less crisp because air cannot reach the underside. Leave the plate in for crispy foods like fries and wings, and remove it for batters, liquids or delicate items that would fall through.
What the Crisper Plate Actually Does
It lifts food for airflow
The raised plate holds food above the drawer floor so hot air circulates underneath as well as on top. That all-around airflow is what makes an air fryer crisp evenly, so removing it means less crisp bottoms.
It drains grease and moisture
Fat and juices drip through the plate to the drawer below, keeping food out of the pooling liquid. Without it, food sits in its own grease and steams rather than crisps.
When removing it helps
For thin batters, cakes, egg dishes, saucy foods or anything that would fall through or run, removing the plate and using an oven-safe dish or liner is the right call.
When to Keep It In or Take It Out
- Keep the plate in for fries, wings, nuggets, roasted vegetables and anything you want crisp all over.
- Remove it for cakes, muffins, frittatas and other batters that need a solid base.
- Remove it when using an oven-safe ramekin or dish, which sits better on the flat drawer.
- If you remove it, expect softer bottoms and turn food more often for even cooking.
- Never block all the airflow with foil or a solid liner covering the whole base.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lining the entire drawer with foil, which blocks airflow and defeats the air fryer.
- Removing the plate for fries and wings, then wondering why the bottoms are soggy.
- Leaving the plate in for thin batter, which drips through into the drawer.
When to Consider a Replacement
If your crisper plate is warped, its non-stick coating is peeling, or it has gone missing, most manufacturers sell a replacement plate for your model, which is cheaper than a new unit. If the whole air fryer is aging, compare current models in our guide to the best air fryers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an air fryer work without the crisper tray?
Yes, it will run and cook safely without the tray. Food just crisps less on the underside because hot air cannot circulate beneath it.
Can I put a dish directly in the air fryer drawer?
Yes. Removing the crisper plate and using an oven-safe ramekin or dish works well for cakes, eggs and saucy foods that need a solid base.
Is it safe to use foil instead of the crisper plate?
A small piece of foil under food is fine, but never line the whole base, as it blocks the airflow the air fryer relies on to cook and crisp.
