Air fryers are the ultimate kitchen companions, but to truly unlock their potential, you need the right accessories. Whether you’re an air fryer newbie or a seasoned pro, investing in handy air fryer tools can elevate your cooking game, simplify meal prep, and help you create a wider range of dishes.
From must-have silicone liners to specialized cooking racks, this guide covers the best air fryer accessories every cook needs to make the most out of this versatile kitchen gadget. These tools aren’t just about convenience—they’re about turning your air fryer into a multi-functional powerhouse.
Why Air Fryer Accessories Matter
You’ve got the air fryer, so why bother with accessories? Here’s the deal: while air fryers can handle plenty on their own, their functionality is often limited by the size and shape of the basket or tray. Accessories expand the possibilities.
Think about cooking multiple layers at once, preventing sticky messes, or even baking muffins. With the right add-ons, you can make recipes that rival those of ovens, stovetops, or deep fryers—but without the excess oil and hassle.
Must-Have Air Fryer Accessories
1. Silicone Liners
Perfect For: Mess-Free Cooking and Easy Cleanup
Air fryer baskets can get greasy, sticky, and downright tough to clean, especially if you’re cooking fatty foods like wings or burgers. Silicone liners, or reusable parchment paper, act as a protective layer for your basket. These non-stick accessories keep the basket clean, reduce food residue, and make cleanup a breeze.
- Why You Need It: Cuts down scrubbing time and prevents small foods like fries or veggies from sticking to the basket.
- Pro Tip: Look for dishwasher-safe liners for even more convenience.
2. Multipurpose Racks with Skewers
Perfect For: Cooking Multiple Dishes at Once
If you’re short on time but need to cook multiple items simultaneously, multipurpose racks are a game-changer. These racks allow you to layer your food, effectively doubling your air fryer’s capacity. Skewers, on the other hand, are ideal for kebabs, grilled vegetables, or even fruit skewers for a fun dessert.
- Why You Need It: Increases your cooking capacity, making it great for families or entertaining guests.
- Pro Tip: Choose stainless steel racks for durability and easy cleaning.
3. Air Fryer Baking Pan
Perfect For: Baking Cakes, Quiches, and Casseroles
Want to bake a cake or whip up a fluffy quiche in your air fryer? Enter the air fryer baking pan. These pans are specifically designed to fit snugly inside your fryer basket, allowing you to bake, roast, or even reheat meals that need to contain liquid or batter.
- Why You Need It: Turns your air fryer into a mini oven for baking and roasting.
- Pro Tip: Look for pans with a non-stick coating to avoid sticking and breaking delicate baked goods.
4. Silicone Tongs
Perfect For: Flipping and Removing Food Without Scratches
Tongs might not seem like a big deal—until you accidentally scratch your air fryer basket. Silicone-coated tongs are heat-resistant, gentle on non-stick surfaces, and perfect for handling food like chicken wings, veggies, or fries.
- Why You Need It: Prevents scratches on your air fryer’s non-stick coating while making food handling safer and easier.
- Pro Tip: Get tongs with a locking mechanism for easy storage.
5. Pizza Pan
Perfect For: Making Personal Pizzas or Heating Leftovers
If homemade pizza sounds like a dream, a pizza pan is your must-have air fryer accessory. These pans allow you to create crispy, golden pizza crusts in minutes, without the sogginess you might get from reheating in a microwave.
- Why You Need It: Designed for air fryers, these pans evenly crisp the base while cooking the toppings to perfection.
- Pro Tip: Also works well for reheating leftover lasagna or shepherd’s pie.
6. Meat Thermometer
Perfect For: Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Meat Every Time
Overcooked chicken? Underdone steak? Fear no more. A meat thermometer is an essential tool for any cook, and it’s especially useful with air fryers. With the high-speed cooking action of air fryers, food can be done quicker than expected. A thermometer ensures your meats reach the right internal temperature without guessing.
- Why You Need It: Guarantees safety and perfectly cooked meals, every time.
- Pro Tip: Opt for a digital instant-read thermometer for accuracy and ease.
7. Cake and Muffin Cups
Perfect For: Baking Cupcakes, Muffins, and Single-Serve Desserts
Cupcakes in an air fryer? Absolutely. Silicone muffin cups fit snugly in most air fryer baskets, allowing you to bake sweet treats or even egg cups without a full-sized oven.
- Why You Need It: They’re reusable, easy to clean, and make portioned desserts a breeze.
- Pro Tip: Use these cups to make mini meatloafs or breakfast frittatas, too.
8. Oil Mister or Sprayer
Perfect For: Lightly Coating Food with Oil
One of the biggest advantages of air frying is the ability to cook with very little oil. An oil mister or sprayer lets you evenly coat your food with a thin layer of oil without overdoing it. This helps achieve that golden, crispy finish without excessive grease.
- Why You Need It: Ensures even browning while keeping meals light and healthy.
- Pro Tip: Refill it with your favorite high-heat oils like avocado or sunflower oil.
9. Grill Pan Insert
Perfect For: Searing Steaks or Burgers
Take your air fryer to the next level with a grill pan insert. These pans are designed to create those coveted grill marks while evenly cooking your meat, vegetables, or seafood.
- Why You Need It: Adds flavor and visual appeal to your food, much like an outdoor grill.
- Pro Tip: Preheat the grill pan insert for a few minutes before cooking for the best results.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Accessories
Investing in the right air fryer accessories can take your cooking experience from good to incredible. These tools allow you to explore new recipes, cook more efficiently, and even reduce kitchen cleanup time. Whether you’re baking, grilling, or just looking for an easier way to manage messes, there’s an accessory tailored to your needs.
Ready to upgrade your air fryer game? Add these must-have accessories to your arsenal today and discover all the delicious possibilities waiting to be explored!