How to Replace an Air Fry Microwave Basket

Start With the Model Number

An air fry basket is not a universal accessory. Combination microwaves differ in cavity shape, door opening, turntable layout, and the position of the hot air components, so the safest starting point is the exact model number. That number is printed on the rating plate, which is usually on the back or inside the door, and it also appears in the owner's manual. It tells the maker which accessories were designed for your unit. If the characters are hard to read, look for the sticker on the back or the printed label near the door latch. See how to read microwave model numbers to decode what those characters mean.

The model number matters because makers sometimes use different names for the same accessory. A crisper tray, air fry basket, or baking rack may all fit inside the same cavity, but only the part number from your model's parts list guarantees that fit. Using a part meant for a different model can leave too little clearance around the hot air fan, block the turntable, or keep the door from closing cleanly. That is why the model number comes before any purchase. To understand how the air fry mode works inside a microwave, read air fryer microwave explained.

Find the Part Through the Maker

Once you have the model number, go to the manufacturer's owner support or parts and accessories page. Most appliance makers keep these pages for small parts such as shelves, racks, filters, and trays. The page may ask for your model number before showing compatible parts. If you enter it exactly, the original basket or tray should appear with its part number. If the part is not listed, check the related accessories section for the model family, because a basket may be shared across several models within one maker's lineup.

Ordering the maker's replacement is usually the most direct route. That part was designed for the cavity dimensions and clearances of your model. If you cannot find the part on the public page, use the parts page to look up the part number, then contact a local authorized service center with that number. Authorized services can often order parts that are not shown on the main site. Write down the part number before contacting anyone, and keep the model number handy.

• Write down the full model number from the rating plate.
• Open the maker's support site and find the parts and accessories page.
• Search by model and look for the basket, tray, or crisper pan.
• Record the exact part number before ordering or service.

Check the Fit Before You Commit

Before ordering or accepting a substitute, compare the replacement against the space where it will sit. Measure the interior width, depth, and height, and note whether the oven has a turntable or a flatbed floor. The basket must clear the turntable, the door, and any interior shelf or rack, and it must not block the air fry fan or vents. For more details on cavity measurement, see microwave interior dimensions and plate size.

Also check the accessory's intended position. Some baskets sit directly on the turntable, while others rest on side rails or a rack. A crisper pan, by contrast, usually sits flat on the turntable or a rack and is not designed to suspend food. If your microwave has multiple rack slots, confirm which slot the original basket used before assuming a new part belongs in the same place. See microwave rack positions for more about how accessories attach.

• Interior width and depth: the basket must sit flat without touching the walls.
• Height clearance: the handle or basket rim must clear the ceiling of the cavity and the door opening.
• Turntable or flatbed: a basket on a turntable needs a smaller footprint than one that rests on a flat floor.
• Rack positions: confirm which slot the original accessory used.
• Vents and airflow: leave open space around the basket so hot air can circulate.

Basket, Tray, or Rack: Know the Difference

Air fry microwaves combine microwave energy with hot air circulation. The accessory you replace has to work in both cooking modes. A basket usually has perforated sides and a raised floor so hot air reaches more of the food. A tray or crisper pan is a flat or ridged surface meant to catch drips and encourage browning on the side touching the metal. Both can be called air fry accessories, so use the name in your model's manual rather than a generic term. If you are unsure whether your microwave uses a basket or a pan, read air fry basket vs tray microwave and microwave crisp mode and crisper pan.

Keep the manual's part name in mind when searching. If the maker calls the accessory a crisper pan and you search for a basket, you may miss the correct listing. Similarly, a replacement basket from another model can look the same in photos but differ in handle length, side height, or support leg width. Those differences matter because a basket that tips or scrapes the interior is not safe to use. For general guidance on racks, see microwave cooking rack explained.

Recycle the Old Basket Properly

Old air fry baskets and trays are usually metal or metal with a nonstick coating. They are not the same as the whole microwave, but you should still keep them out of the ordinary trash if your community offers separate metal recycling. Many appliance makers and local recycling programs accept small metal cooking accessories as part of their broader collection efforts. Before drop-off, remove any loose food residue so the part does not create odors or attract pests. Check your state or community recycling website for the correct location and any rules about coated cookware.

When Replacement Is Not Worth It

Sometimes the original basket is discontinued, or the maker no longer lists parts for your model. Before buying a generic accessory, consider whether it is worth keeping the microwave. If the rest of the oven works well and the basket is the only missing piece, a correct replacement is usually the best outcome. If you cannot find one, the practical choice may be to replace the microwave. See air fry microwave repair vs replace for signs that replacement makes more sense, and compare current models in our best air fry microwaves guide if you decide to switch.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I use any air fry basket in my microwave?

No. Air fry baskets are designed for a specific cavity shape, turntable layout, and airflow path. A basket from another model may block the turntable, leave too little clearance for the fan, or sit at the wrong height. Always check the model number and the part number before buying.

How do I find the correct part number?

Look for the model number on the rating plate or in the owner's manual, then go to the maker's parts and accessories page. Enter the model number and find the basket, tray, or crisper pan listed for that unit. Write down the part number before ordering or contacting an authorized service center.

Is a crisper tray the same as an air fry basket?

Not always. A basket usually has a raised, perforated floor for airflow around food, while a crisper tray is flatter and intended for browning and catching drips. Some makers use the names interchangeably, so rely on the part name and part number in your model's manual. See air fry basket vs tray microwave for a closer comparison.

What if the manufacturer no longer sells the basket?

Check the related accessories section for the same model family, because parts are sometimes shared across models. If the original part is truly gone, consider whether the microwave is still worth keeping. If you decide to replace it, use our best air fry microwave guide to compare current models.

Can I use an aftermarket universal basket?

It can work if the dimensions, clearances, and materials match your cavity, but there is no guarantee. Universal accessories are not tested for your model's exact airflow or turntable behavior. The safest option is a replacement listed by the maker. If you try an aftermarket part, verify the fit carefully before relying on it for hot air cooking.

How should I cook with a replacement basket?

Follow the air fry directions in your manual and position food in a single layer when the recipe calls for it. As with any microwave cooking, cover food when needed, stir or rotate for even heating, and let food stand after cooking before checking the temperature.