Is the once-beloved air fryer facing obsolescence? A surge in kitchen consolidation and a clever, affordable product are making a strong case for it. For those who never bought into the trend or were never fully satisfied, a simple two-piece tray is emerging as the new favourite for achieving that coveted crispy texture without the countertop clutter.
The $20 Space-Saving Solution
The product at the centre of this shift is the Gotham Steel two-piece copper crisper tray, available for under $20. This set promises to transform any standard or convection oven into an instant air fryer, eliminating the need for an extra appliance. The design features a copper baking sheet and a matching three-quart perforated basket that sits on top.
This setup is engineered to maximize air circulation around food, ensuring even cooking and a crispy finish without the use of oils, mirroring the core function of a traditional air fryer. It effectively turns the oven you already own into a multi-purpose powerhouse.
Why Consumers Are Making the Switch
Several key factors are driving people away from standalone air fryers and toward versatile tools like this crisper tray. The primary motivator is a widespread desire to reduce kitchen countertop and cabinet clutter. Consumers are questioning the need for a single-purpose plug-in device when their oven can achieve similar results.
This trend is further supported by the fact that many new oven models now come with a built-in 'Air Fryer' setting. Even for older ovens, the crisper tray operates on the same principle, providing the necessary oil-free air circulation for perfect results.
Beyond saving space, reviewers highlight significant advantages:
- Ease of Use: It works with any oven, anytime.
- Easy Cleanup: Most users report simply wiping it clean, and the set is dishwasher-safe for thorough washing.
- Superior Food Quality: Many attest to achieving "perfectly crispy" and "no grease" results that rival or surpass their air fryer.
One converted skeptic shared a powerful testimonial: "The clincher came when I used this air fryer basket to make CHICKEN WINGS. Holy moly! That’s the key―best. chicken. wings. ever. And they are not fried. A game-changer."
Practical Benefits and Versatility
Practicality is a major selling point. The tray holds three quarts of food and is lauded for being extremely easy to clean. A reviewer noted, "Food barely sticks and cleans off with some liquid soap and only a paper towel... it comes out looking like new."
Interestingly, the tray isn't just for oven users. It can also be used inside existing air fryer models or multi-cookers like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer, offering enhanced functionality and easier cleanup for those not ready to part with their appliance entirely.
The overwhelmingly positive response highlights a broader shift in kitchen habits. As one reviewer, Fran, summed it up after using it with her new stove's air fryer setting: "I am really resentful that I didn't know enough to buy this BEFORE... this set can be used in 'any ole oven' for much better results."
For under $20, this copper crisper tray presents a compelling, low-risk alternative for home cooks looking to declutter, simplify, and still enjoy the crispy, healthier foods that made air fryers a phenomenon.
