So, you’ve welcomed an air fryer into your kitchen. Congratulations! You’re already on the fast track to crispier veggies, juicier chicken, and reheating pizza in a way that feels like magic. But let’s be real: if you’re only using the standard basket that came with it, you’re just scratching the surface of its incredible potential.
Think of your air fryer as a new smartphone. It’s amazing out of the box, but the right apps (or in this case, accessories) are what truly unlock its power.
Ready to transform your air fryer from a great appliance into your kitchen’s MVP? We’ve sorted through the clutter to bring you the ultimate guide to the must-have accessories that will revolutionize your cooking, simplify cleanup, and make you fall in love with your air fryer all over again.
1. Silicone Liners: The Cleanup King
If you dread the post-dinner scrub-down, this is your number one purchase. A reusable silicone liner fits snugly inside your air fryer basket, catching all the grease, crumbs, and sticky sauces.
- MULTIPLE SHAPES & COLORFUL – Square, Rectangle and Round. Vibrant colors and different shapes silicone cupcake cups brig…
- NON-STICK,EASY CLEANING – Never become a silent killer of the nature, use“Easy to Wash, Easy to Release, Non-stick”silic…
- SAFE & REUSABLE – With BPA,PVC free and eco-friendly 100% food-grade silicone, have no chemical coatings or fillers and …
What it is: A flexible, food-grade silicone pot or mat that sits in your air fryer basket.
Why you need it: It essentially eliminates the need to clean the metal basket after most meals. Just lift the liner out, wash it with soap and water (or pop it in the dishwasher), and you’re done.
Pros:
- Effortless Cleanup: Drastically reduces cleaning time.
- Reusable & Eco-Friendly: A one-time purchase that replaces countless sheets of parchment paper.
- Protects Your Basket: Prevents scratches and wear-and-tear on your basket’s non-stick coating.
- Flexible: Can be used for baking small cakes or brownies, too.
Cons:
- Can Hinder Airflow: Some designs with solid bottoms can slightly reduce crispiness compared to a bare basket. Look for ones with raised ridges to help air circulate underneath.
- Can Stain: Can get discolored over time from certain foods and oils.
Best for: Messy, saucy foods like BBQ wings, marinated salmon, or cheesy dishes.
2. Perforated Parchment Paper Liners: The Quick & Easy Solution
For those who want zero cleanup without the commitment of washing a silicone liner, disposable parchment paper liners are the answer. But not just any parchment paper will do!
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- EXTRA GRILLING MAT: The black reusable grilling mat makes clean-up a breeze by protecting the bottom of your air fryer b…
What it is: Pre-cut rounds or squares of parchment paper with holes punched in them.
Why you need it: The perforations are the key. They allow hot air to circulate freely underneath your food, ensuring that signature air-fried crispiness isn’t compromised. They catch drips and prevent food from sticking.
Crucial Tip: NEVER preheat your air fryer with a parchment liner inside by itself. The fan can blow it up into the heating element, creating a fire hazard. Always place food on top to weigh it down.
Pros:
- Maximum Airflow: The holes ensure your food gets crispy on all sides.
- Zero Cleanup: Simply toss it in the trash when you’re done.
- Prevents Sticking: Perfect for delicate items like fish fillets or breaded foods.
Cons:
- One-Time Use: Not environmentally friendly and creates an ongoing cost.
- Safety Risk if Used Improperly: Must be weighed down with food.
Best for: Battered foods, cookies, reheating pizza, and anything you want to be extra crispy without sticking.
3. Multi-Layer Rack: The Space Maximizer
Ever wish your air fryer was just a little bit bigger? A multi-layer rack is the next best thing. This simple accessory instantly doubles your cooking surface.
- Food Grade Material: Made of 304 food grade stainless steel for long lasting use and dishwasher safe,no worry about any …
- Three Stackable Layers Rack :There are 3 removable trays provide plenty of room to drying anything from fruits and meats…
- Dehydrate food:Every stackable rack features a mesh basket design ensures that even your most delicate fruits and meats …
What it is: A small, stainless steel rack that creates a second level inside your air fryer basket.
Why you need it: Imagine cooking your salmon and asparagus at the same time. Or making a double batch of wings for your Super Bowl party. This rack allows you to cook entire meals at once or cook for a larger crowd without doing multiple batches. It’s also great for dehydrating fruits or making jerky.
Pros:
- Doubles Cooking Capacity: The most efficient way to cook more food at once.
- Promotes Even Cooking: Elevating food brings it closer to the heating element for a better crisp.
- Versatile: Often comes with skewers for making kebabs.
Cons:
- Can Be Tricky to Clean: Food can get stuck in the wire grates.
- The Bottom Layer Cooks Slower: You may need to rotate the food halfway through cooking.
Best for: Families, meal preppers, and anyone cooking for more than one person.
4. Oil Spritzer/Mister: The Healthy-Fat Friend
To get that perfect golden-brown finish, you need a little bit of oil. But those aerosol cooking sprays you buy at the store can be a problem—the chemical propellants and additives can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time.
- Oil Control: Our olive oil sprayer delivers a consistent, ultra-fine spray with an advanced fan-spray atomizing nozzle t…
- Versatile Oil Sprayer: Works with all types of cooking liquids such as olive oil, avocado oil, soy sauce, wine, canola o…
- Design: The oil spray bottle built-in filter system to avoid clogging the nozzle and is leakproof with an anti-drip trig…
What it is: A refillable spray bottle designed to create a fine, even mist of oil.
Why you need it: It gives you complete control over how much oil you use, and you can fill it with your favorite high-quality oil (like avocado, olive, or grapeseed oil). A light, even mist is all you need for fantastic results.
Pros:
- Protects Your Air Fryer: Contains no harmful propellants that ruin non-stick coatings.
- Healthier: You control the amount and type of oil.
- Cost-Effective & Eco-Friendly: Reusable and cheaper in the long run than disposable cans.
Cons:
- Nozzle Can Clog: Requires occasional cleaning to maintain a fine mist.
Best for: Everyone! This is a fundamental accessory for achieving great results with everything from French fries to roasted vegetables.
5. Small Baking Pan / Cake Barrel: The Sweet Treat Enabler
Yes, you can bake in your air fryer! From brownies and small cakes to cornbread and frittatas, a dedicated pan opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
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What it is: A small, round metal pan that fits inside your air fryer basket, often with a handle for easy removal.
Why you need it: You can’t exactly pour cake batter or scrambled eggs directly into the perforated basket. This accessory contains liquid and semi-liquid foods, turning your air fryer into a mini-convection oven.
Pros:
- Unlocks Baking Potential: Make desserts, casseroles, and egg dishes with ease.
- Fast & Efficient: Perfect for small-batch baking without heating up your whole oven.
- Easy to Clean: Usually has a non-stick coating.
Cons:
- Size-Specific: You MUST buy one that fits your model with room for air to circulate around it.
Best for: Small families, couples, or anyone wanting to bake a quick dessert or breakfast dish.
6. Silicone Tongs: The Nimble Navigator
You need a way to flip, turn, and remove food from that hot basket. Using a metal fork or tongs is a cardinal sin—it will scratch and destroy your non-stick coating.
- TOP QUALITY: Hotec kitchen tongs are constructed with high quality stainless steel, sturdy, heat resistance, anti-rust, …
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- ENGINEERING FOR SAFETY: Updated new design pattern for the handle, better protects your hands from cutting by the edge w…
What it is: Tongs with silicone tips that are gentle on non-stick surfaces.
Why you need it: They provide a secure grip on your food without damaging your expensive appliance. A good pair of short-to-medium length tongs gives you the perfect amount of control.
Pros:
- Protects Your Basket: Prevents scratches 100%.
- Heat-Resistant: Safe to use at high air frying temperatures.
- Precise Control: Makes flipping small items like shrimp or chicken nuggets a breeze.
Cons:
- Honestly, there are no significant cons. This is a kitchen essential.
Best for: Literally every air fryer owner.
7. Grill Pan Insert: The Searing Superstar
Miss those gorgeous grill marks on your steak or chicken? There’s an accessory for that.
- Fits For Ninja:The size of replacement crisper pan size is 8.2 x 8.2 inch.Compatible for Ninja AF100 to AF161 air fryer
- Food Grade Material:The grill tray is made from hight quality food grade material.Non-stick,ceramic-coated,food easy to …
- Easy To Use:The crisper plate feature a handle design to ensure easy to take out from the frying basket while cooking,th…
What it is: A perforated or ridged plate that sits at the bottom of your basket, designed to mimic a grill.
Why you need it: The raised ridges create authentic sear marks and allow fat to drip away from your food, resulting in a leaner, tastier meal. It’s perfect for burgers, steaks, chicken breasts, and fish.
Pros:
- Authentic Grill Marks: Adds a professional, BBQ-like look to your food.
- Excellent Searing: The direct contact with the hot, raised surface provides a great crust.
- Drains Fat: Healthier than pan-frying.
Cons:
- Can Be Hard to Clean: Getting into the grooves can require some extra scrubbing.
- Size and Fit are Crucial: Must be compatible with your air fryer model.
Best for: Anyone who loves grilled food but wants the speed and convenience of an air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I really need accessories for my air fryer?
A: “Need” is a strong word, but to get the most out of your investment, yes! Accessories expand your air fryer’s capabilities from a simple crisper to a versatile multi-cooker, all while making cleanup infinitely easier.
Q: Are silicone air fryer accessories safe?
A: Absolutely, as long as you buy from a reputable brand. Look for liners and molds made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone that is rated for high temperatures (typically up to 450°F).
Q: What’s the most important thing to check before buying an accessory?
A: SIZE AND COMPATIBILITY! Air fryers come in all shapes and sizes. Measure the inside of your basket and carefully check the accessory’s dimensions before you click “buy.” You need to leave about a half-inch of space around the accessory for proper air circulation.
Q: Can I just use regular foil or parchment paper?
A: You can, but with caution. Foil can work, but it can also block airflow if not used correctly. Regular parchment paper (without holes) will seriously inhibit airflow, leading to steamed, soggy food—the opposite of what you want.
The Takeaway
Your air fryer is so much more than a French fry machine. By investing in a few key accessories—like a silicone liner for cleanup, a rack for capacity, and an oil mister for that perfect finish—you can unlock a universe of culinary potential.
Start with one or two that solve your biggest pain points, and get ready to cook faster, cleaner, and more deliciously than ever before.
What’s your favorite air fryer accessory? Share your top pick in the comments below!
