Abstract: The specification discloses a system for frying food items including a fry basket and an insert which functions to maintain the food items in the fry basket in a separated condition. The insert is dimensioned to fit at least partially within the fry basket and is removably disposed therein. The insert includes two longitudinal support members, a plurality of elongate transverse support members extending between the longitudinal support members and a plurality of separators extending from the transverse support members. The insert may be used in at least two positions, a downwardly facing position or an upwardly facing position and it may be used with or without clips to secure it to the basket.