If you specifically want an air fryer with a food-contact basket made of stainless steel, check the basket material carefully: a stainless-steel exterior or finish does not mean the basket is stainless steel. In this group, the OPENICE basket is explicitly described as stainless steel, but it is an oven accessory rather than a countertop air fryer. The other picks are complete air fryers or oven-style appliances; their supplied details describe nonstick baskets or do not specify the basket material.
Use the comparison below to find the right format for your kitchen, then verify the basket material and care instructions before buying if avoiding a nonstick basket is your priority.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Capacity or Size | Basket Material Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chefman TurboFry 6-Qt 5-in-1 | Basket-style air fryer | 6 quarts | Basket is described as nonstick; stainless-steel finish | Everyday air frying with simple digital controls |
| OPENICE Stainless Steel Oven Air Fryer Basket and Tray | Oven accessory | 15.3 × 11 inches | Basket is described as stainless steel | Adding a mesh air-frying surface to a compatible oven |
| Instant Pot VORTEX Plus 6QT XL | Basket-style air fryer | 6 quarts | Basket is described as nonstick; product details also list stainless steel | Several cooking functions in one compact appliance |
| Gourmia French Door Air Fryer Oven | Countertop oven | 25 quarts | Air-fry basket material is not specified | Cooking on multiple racks and replacing several appliances |
| Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven | Countertop oven and grill combo | 30 quarts | Basket material is not specified | Large meals and a wide range of cooking modes |
Our Picks: Best Stainless Steel Air Fryer With Stainless Steel Basket reviews
1. Chefman TurboFry 6-Qt: A Compact Everyday Air Fryer
The Chefman TurboFry is a self-contained, 6-quart air fryer with a touchscreen and five cooking functions: air fry, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and a frozen-food setting. Its temperature range starts at 90°F and goes up to 400°F, with a Hi-Fry option that raises the heat to 450°F during the last two minutes of cooking.
The stainless-steel finish gives the appliance a metal look, but the supplied product details describe its removable basket as nonstick, not stainless steel. That distinction matters if the cooking surface itself is the reason you are shopping for stainless steel. The basket is top-rack dishwasher safe, and the appliance sends an alert to remind you to shake food partway through cooking.
At 6 quarts, it offers a practical middle ground for everyday meals without the larger footprint of an oven-style model. Some owners describe it as easy to operate and a useful size for a small household or family. One practical detail to keep in mind is that small parts, such as the basket’s feet, may be easy to misplace.
Pros:
- Six-quart capacity in a compact basket-style design
- Five cooking functions, including a frozen-food setting
- Hi-Fry option reaches 450°F for the final cooking stage
- Dishwasher-safe basket and automatic shake alerts
Cons:
- The basket is described as nonstick, not stainless steel
- The exterior finish should not be confused with the basket material
Verdict: Choose the Chefman if you want a straightforward 6-quart air fryer with useful presets and easy cleanup, but skip it if a stainless-steel food-contact basket is essential.
2. OPENICE Stainless Steel Oven Basket and Tray: The Direct Basket-Material Match
Unlike the other picks, the OPENICE product is specifically described as a stainless-steel air fryer basket. It is a mesh basket and tray set designed to sit inside a compatible oven—not a countertop air fryer with its own heating element or controls. The set includes a tray to catch drips and crumbs, plus pre-cut parchment papers.
The basket measures 15.3 by 10.2 inches, and the tray measures 15 by 11 inches. The manufacturer says the mesh design allows hot air to circulate around food, which may help cook items such as fries and vegetables without turning them. Measure your oven’s usable interior before ordering, since the set’s full dimensions may not fit every oven or rack.
This is the most direct option for someone focused on a stainless-steel cooking basket, but it requires an oven that can provide the heat and airflow. The product details describe the set as dishwasher safe and also allow for hand washing. Unlike a dedicated air fryer, it does not provide a separate appliance, built-in programs, or a stated capacity in quarts.
Pros:
- The basket is explicitly described as stainless steel
- Mesh basket and drip-catching tray come as a set
- Large surface area can hold a batch of food at once
- Dishwasher-safe parts and included parchment papers
Cons:
- It is an oven accessory, not a standalone air fryer
- You must check your oven dimensions before buying
Verdict: Pick OPENICE if you already own a compatible oven and want the clearest match for a stainless-steel basket; choose a complete appliance if you need air-frying controls and heating in one unit.
3. Instant Pot VORTEX Plus 6QT XL: A Versatile Basket-Style Model
The Instant Pot VORTEX Plus is a 6-quart air fryer with six functions: air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. Its temperature range is listed as 95°F to 400°F, and the touchscreen provides one-touch settings. The size is intended to handle up to six portions, making it a useful choice for family meals or batch cooking.
The product information lists stainless steel among its materials and describes a stainless-steel finish. However, it also specifically calls the removable cooking basket nonstick. Since the supplied details do not clearly establish that the food-contact basket is stainless steel, shoppers seeking that material should confirm the exact basket construction before buying.
The basket is described as dishwasher safe, and the appliance includes overheat protection and automatic shutoff. Compared with the Chefman, the VORTEX adds roast and broil modes but does not list a 450°F Hi-Fry setting. Its 6-quart capacity is similar, so the choice is more about cooking modes and controls than a major size difference.
Pros:
- Six cooking functions in one appliance
- Six-quart capacity for family meals or meal prep
- Touchscreen controls and one-touch settings
- Dishwasher-safe basket and listed safety features
Cons:
- The basket is described as nonstick, not clearly as stainless steel
- Temperature tops out at 400°F in the supplied specifications
Verdict: The VORTEX Plus is a strong fit if you want a versatile 6-quart appliance, but verify the basket material if stainless steel is a firm requirement.
4. Gourmia French Door Air Fryer Oven: A Roomier Multi-Function Choice
The Gourmia is a 25-quart countertop oven with French doors, three rack positions, and 19 listed cooking functions. Along with air frying, it can bake, roast, broil, toast, dehydrate, reheat, and more. The controls let you adjust time and temperature, with a stated range of 90°F to 450°F.
Its larger interior and included air-fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, and crumb tray make it more like a small oven than a traditional pull-out-basket fryer. The product details describe the trays as dishwasher safe, but they do not specify the air-fry basket’s material. The stainless-steel label refers to the appliance’s material or finish and is not enough to confirm a stainless-steel food-contact basket.
Owners have described the interior as roomy for its countertop footprint and appreciated having air frying, baking, and toasting in one appliance. It does take more counter space than a compact basket fryer, and the top can become hot during use, so leave appropriate clearance and avoid placing items on it.
Pros:
- Large 25-quart interior with three rack positions
- Wide range of cooking functions
- French doors open to the side rather than down in front
- Includes an air-fry basket and other oven accessories
Cons:
- The air-fry basket material is not specified
- Larger than a typical basket-style air fryer
Verdict: Choose the Gourmia if you want an oven-style appliance with room for varied cooking tasks, but look elsewhere or confirm the basket material if stainless steel is a must.
5. Nuwave Bravo XL Pro: A Large Oven and Grill Combo
The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro is a 30-quart countertop oven and grill combo. Its listed functions include air frying, toasting, grilling, baking, roasting, slow cooking, and dehydrating, with one-touch presets and memory slots. The temperature range is 50°F to 500°F, and the controls allow adjustments to the fan speed and the balance between the top and bottom heating elements.
This model is designed for larger cooking jobs: the supplied description says it can accommodate two 13-inch pizzas or a 10-pound chicken. It also comes with a grill plate that can be reversed for grilling or griddling. The product information does not state that the air-fry basket is stainless steel, so the appliance should not be treated as a confirmed stainless-basket option based on the supplied details.
The extra capacity and adjustable settings may suit cooks who want one appliance for several tasks, but the larger body needs more counter space than a 6-quart fryer. Its many settings also make it a more involved choice than a basic air fryer. If you are considering it for the basket material rather than its oven functions, check the exact accessory specifications first.
Pros:
- Large 30-quart capacity for family meals and gatherings
- Multiple cooking functions, including air fry and grill
- Wide temperature range and adjustable heating controls
- Includes a reversible grill and griddle plate
Cons:
- The basket material is not specified
- Its size and number of settings may be more than some kitchens need
Verdict: The Nuwave is the better fit for shoppers who want a large, flexible countertop oven and grill combo; do not choose it specifically for a stainless-steel basket without confirming that accessory’s material.
How to Choose a Stainless Steel Air Fryer With a Stainless Steel Basket
Confirm the material of the food-contact basket
Look for a clear statement about the removable basket itself. “Stainless-steel finish” usually describes the appliance’s exterior, not necessarily the cooking surface. A product listing may also mention stainless steel as a general material while separately describing the basket as nonstick. If the basket material is not stated plainly, contact the manufacturer or check the included-part specifications before buying.
Choose between a standalone fryer and an oven accessory
A basket-style air fryer has its own heating system, controls, and removable cooking drawer. An oven basket set, such as the OPENICE, is only a cooking accessory; you need an oven that can fit it and cook with it. Decide whether you want a complete appliance or simply a stainless-steel mesh basket for equipment you already own.
Measure your counter or oven before ordering
Check the appliance’s outside dimensions if counter space is limited. For an oven basket, measure the usable rack area and account for room to slide the set in and out. A large cooking surface can be helpful, but only if it fits safely and leaves enough room for airflow.
Match capacity to the meals you make
A 6-quart basket-style model can suit everyday meals for a household, while a 25- or 30-quart oven offers more room and multiple rack positions. Capacity figures do not tell the whole story: the shape of the basket or oven affects how much food can sit in a single layer. If you often cook crisp foods, avoid crowding the cooking surface.
Consider cooking functions and temperature range
Basic air frying may be enough for fries, vegetables, or wings. Bake, roast, reheat, dehydrate, toast, and grill functions can make a larger appliance more useful, but they may add controls you do not need. Compare the listed temperature range with your recipes, especially if you want high-heat finishing or low-temperature dehydrating.
Review cleanup and care instructions
Check whether the basket and tray are dishwasher safe or need hand washing, and follow the care directions for the exact material and finish. A removable tray can catch drips, while a nonstick coating may call for gentler tools and cleaning methods. Do not assume an accessory is dishwasher safe just because another part of the appliance is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a stainless-steel air fryer finish the same as a stainless-steel basket?
No. A stainless-steel finish describes the outside appearance or construction of the appliance. The food-contact basket may have a different material or a nonstick coating. Check the basket specification separately.
Which product in this list explicitly has a stainless-steel basket?
The OPENICE oven basket and tray set is explicitly described as stainless steel. It is an oven accessory, not a standalone air fryer. The supplied details for the other models do not clearly confirm a stainless-steel air-fry basket.
Can the OPENICE basket work in any oven?
Not necessarily. Its basket measures 15.3 by 10.2 inches, so measure your oven’s usable interior and rack space before ordering. The oven must also be suitable for the cooking method you plan to use.
Are the Chefman and Instant Pot baskets stainless steel?
The supplied details describe both baskets as nonstick. They also mention stainless-steel finishes or materials, but that does not establish that the removable food-contact baskets are stainless steel.
Should I choose a basket-style fryer or an air fryer oven?
A basket-style model is often simpler if you mainly want to air fry smaller batches. An oven-style model offers more interior room and may include more cooking functions, but it takes up more counter space. Choose based on your kitchen, typical batch size, and cooking habits.
What should I do if the basket material is not listed?
Do not assume it is stainless steel based on the product title or exterior finish. Ask the manufacturer to identify the material and any coating on the removable basket, and confirm the information applies to the exact model and included accessory.
Final Recommendation
If a stainless-steel food-contact basket is your main requirement, the OPENICE set is the clearest material match in this group, provided you have a compatible oven. If you want a complete countertop appliance, the Chefman and Instant Pot offer convenient 6-quart formats, while the Gourmia and Nuwave provide larger oven-style designs. For those complete appliances, confirm the basket material directly before buying: the supplied product details either describe a nonstick basket or leave the basket material unspecified.
