Air Fryer Accessories

What Actually Helps vs What You Can Skip

Air fryers work great on their own, but the right accessories can make cooking easier, cleaner, and more consistent. The key is knowing which accessories actually improve results and which ones just take up cabinet space.

Below are the air fryer accessories worth having, why they matter, and who they are best for.

1. Air Fryer Basket or Stackable Racks

Best for: Cooking multiple foods at once, larger households

Stackable racks let you cook more food without overcrowding the basket. They improve airflow compared to piling food in a single layer.

Why it’s useful

*  Cooks more food per cycle
*  Reduces soggy results
*  Great for wings, vegetables, and dehydrating

Skip it if

*  You mostly cook small portions
*  Your air fryer basket is very small

👉 See stackable air fryer racks for cooking multiple foods

2. Silicone Air Fryer Liners

Best for: Easy cleanup and sticky foods

Reusable silicone liners catch grease and crumbs while protecting the basket coating.

Why it’s useful

*  Dishwasher safe
*  Reduces scrubbing
*  Ideal for marinated or saucy foods

What to watch for

*  Make sure the liner is perforated or shallow so airflow is not blocked

👉 See perforated silicone liners that make cleanup simple

3. Parchment Paper Liners (Perforated)

Best for: Convenience and quick cleanup

Disposable parchment liners are great when you want zero mess.

Why it’s useful

*  No washing required
*  Prevents sticking
*  Perfect for frozen foods and reheating

Important tip

*  Only use liners designed for air fryers
*  Never use parchment during preheating without food weighing it down

👉 View perforated parchment liners built for air fryer baskets

👉 Complete Comparison – Parchment vs Silicone Air Fryer Liners

4. Baking Pan or Cake Pan

Best for: Baking, casseroles, and moist foods

A small air fryer-safe baking pan opens the door to cakes, brownies, lasagna, and egg dishes.

Why it’s useful

*  Expands what your air fryer can cook
*  Keeps batters from dripping
*  Creates more even results for baked foods

Size matters

*  Always match the pan to your basket size

👉 Explore air fryer baking pans and cake molds that fit most baskets

5. Digital Meat Thermometer

Best for: Meat, poultry, and seafood

Air fryers cook fast, which makes overcooking easy. A thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why it’s useful

*  Prevents dry chicken and overdone steak
*  Ensures food safety
*  Improves consistency every time

This is one accessory that improves results immediately.

👉 See a reliable instant-read meat thermometer

6. Grill Pan or Crisper Plate Upgrade

Best for: Steaks, burgers, and vegetables

A grill-style pan adds grill marks and improves browning while keeping food elevated.

Why it’s useful

*  Better airflow under food
*  More even crisping
*  Helps fat drip away

Not all air fryers include a good crisper plate, so this can be a smart upgrade.

👉 View air fryer grill pans and crisper plates to improve browning

7. Oil Sprayer (Refillable)

Best for: Even oil coverage without excess

A refillable oil sprayer gives better control than pouring oil or using aerosol sprays.

Why it’s useful

*  Uses less oil
*  Prevents smoke
*  Protects non-stick coatings

Avoid pressurized cooking sprays, which can damage air fryer baskets over time.

👉 View refillable oil sprayers designed for air fryer cooking

8. Heat-Resistant Tongs

Best for: Flipping, shaking, and removing hot food

Tongs make it easier and safer to handle food inside a hot air fryer basket.

Why it’s useful

*  Prevents burns
*  Makes flipping food easier
*  Safer than forks or spatulas

👉 View heat-resistant tongs that make handling food easier

9. Air Fryer Cooking Guide

Best for: Beginners and quick reference

A simple cooking guide or magnet provides temperature and time reminders without guessing.

Why it’s useful

*  Helps avoid undercooked or burnt food
*  Saves time looking up cook times
*  Builds confidence for beginners

👉 See a simple air fryer cooking guide to improve results

Accessories You Can Usually Skip

Not every air fryer accessory is worth buying.

You can usually skip:

*  Bulky accessory kits with dozens of pieces
*  Non-perforated liners that block airflow
*  Cheap racks that rust or warp
*  Accessories that do not fit your exact model

Fewer quality accessories work better than large kits

How To Choose The Right Accessories

Before buying, ask yourself:

*  What foods do I cook most often?
*  Do I want easier cleanup or better cooking results?
*  Does this accessory fit my air fryer size and shape?

Accessories should solve a problem, not create new ones.

Related Guides

• How To Clean Your Air Fryer
• Common Air Fryer Mistakes and How To Fix Them
• How To Use An Air Fryer (Beginner Guide)

Final Thoughts

The best air fryer accessories improve airflow, temperature control, and cleanup. You do not need many, but the right few can make a noticeable difference in daily use.

If you cook often, start with a thermometer, liners, and a rack. From there, add accessories that match your cooking style.