Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, offering a healthier and faster way to cook just about anything—from crispy fries to tender roasted vegetables. But did you know that the right air fryer accessories can elevate your cooking experience even further?
If you’ve been wondering how to get more out of your air fryer, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the must-have accessories, why they matter, and how to use them safely and efficiently. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to add to your air fryer toolkit to unlock its full potential. Let’s dive in!
Why Air Fryer Accessories Matter
Air fryers are already incredibly versatile, but the right accessories can transform them from a simple kitchen appliance into a true culinary powerhouse. So, why do air fryer accessories matter so much? Let’s break it down!
Maximize Cooking Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of using air fryer accessories is that they help you cook more food at once without compromising quality. An additional rack, for example, allows you to layer ingredients, doubling your cooking capacity while maintaining even heat circulation. This is a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re cooking for a crowd.
Improve Food Texture and Flavor
Accessories like perforated parchment paper, grill pans, and skewers ensure hot air flows around your food, creating that irresistible crispiness air fryers are known for. Without these tools, some foods may cook unevenly, leaving you with crispy tops but soggy bottoms.
Expand Your Recipe Repertoire
Air fryers aren’t just for fries and chicken wings. With the right accessories—such as baking pans, cake barrels, and silicone molds—you can whip up casseroles, muffins, pizzas, and even breads. The possibilities are endless, and having the right tools encourages you to try new recipes you might not have thought possible with an air fryer.
Save Time and Energy
Cooking multiple dishes at once, thanks to stackable racks or skewers, means fewer rounds of cooking and less energy usage. This not only speeds up meal prep but also reduces your electricity bill—a win-win for your kitchen and your wallet.
Simplify Cleanup
Accessories like silicone liners and reusable parchment paper make cleaning up a breeze. They catch grease and crumbs, preventing food from sticking to the basket and saving you time scrubbing after every meal.
In short, air fryer accessories matter because they elevate your cooking experience, making it faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Up next, we’ll dive into what you need to get started with these handy tools!
What You Need to Get Started with Air Fryer Accessories
If you’re ready to take your air fryer cooking to the next level, building the right collection of accessories is the perfect place to start. But with so many options out there, knowing what you actually need can make a big difference. Let’s break down the essentials!
1. Air Fryer Racks
A multi-layer rack is one of the most versatile accessories you can have. It allows you to cook different foods at the same time—think crispy fries on top and juicy chicken below—without flavors mixing or airflow being blocked. Look for a stainless steel rack designed for high-heat cooking.
2. Baking Pan or Cake Barrel
Love baking? A cake barrel is perfect for making cakes, brownies, and even casseroles. These pans are usually non-stick and fit neatly into most air fryer baskets, giving you the flexibility to cook more than just fried foods.
3. Silicone Liners and Mats
Reusable, eco-friendly, and incredibly easy to clean, silicone liners prevent food from sticking while catching crumbs and grease. They’re a must-have if you want to avoid scrubbing the basket after every use.
4. Grill Pan with Raised Ridges
A grill pan lets you achieve that delightful sear and grill marks on your meats and vegetables. It’s especially useful for steaks, burgers, and kebabs, giving you that outdoor BBQ feel—right in your kitchen.
5. Skewers and Skewer Racks
Make perfect kebabs with metal skewers and a skewer rack that fits your air fryer. These allow hot air to circulate evenly around your food, ensuring that meats and veggies cook to perfection.
6. Perforated Parchment Paper
This accessory is a small but mighty addition. The holes allow for proper airflow while preventing delicate foods, like fish or baked goods, from sticking to the basket. It also makes cleanup a breeze.
7. Food Thermometer
Though not exclusive to air fryers, a quick-read thermometer is essential for ensuring your proteins are cooked to safe internal temperatures. No more guessing—just perfectly cooked chicken, steak, and seafood every time.
8. Tongs and Silicone Brushes
Air fryer baskets get hot, and metal utensils can damage non-stick coatings. A pair of silicone-tipped tongs and a heat-resistant brush for applying marinades or oil are simple tools that make cooking safer and easier.
9. Pizza Pan
A pizza pan designed for air fryers lets you create crispy, restaurant-style pizzas at home. It’s also great for reheating leftovers, keeping crusts crispy instead of soggy.
10. Oil Sprayer
While air frying requires less oil than traditional frying, a good oil sprayer helps evenly coat food for extra crispiness without overdoing it. Look for a high-quality mister rather than an aerosol cooking spray, which can damage the air fryer basket’s coating.
Getting started with air fryer accessories doesn’t mean you need to buy everything at once. Begin with a few basics—like a rack, a baking pan, and some silicone liners—and build your collection as you discover what works best for your cooking style. Up next, we’ll go through a step-by-step guide on how to use these accessories efficiently!
How to Use Air Fryer Accessories (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ready to unlock the full potential of your air fryer? Let’s go through a simple, step-by-step guide on how to use your air fryer accessories safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Choose the Right Accessories for Your Air Fryer
Not all accessories are universal, so the first step is making sure what you buy fits your specific air fryer model. Check the dimensions of your air fryer basket and compare them to the accessories before purchasing. Many manufacturers offer accessory kits designed for their own models, which takes the guesswork out of finding a perfect fit.
If you have a smaller air fryer, opt for compact racks and pans to avoid blocking airflow. For larger models, multi-layer racks or skewer sets can help you cook more food at once without overcrowding.
Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer (When Needed)
Some accessories, like baking pans or grill plates, work best when preheated along with the air fryer. This helps food cook evenly and speeds up the cooking process.
To do this, simply place the accessory (such as a cake barrel or grill pan) in the basket and set your air fryer to the desired temperature for 3–5 minutes before adding your food. This is especially helpful for achieving a crispy, golden exterior on baked goods or meats.
Step 3: Arrange Food for Proper Air Circulation
When using racks, skewer sets, or baking pans, it’s important to leave space around your food to allow hot air to circulate. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, soggy spots, or undercooked centers.
For racks, place items in a single layer, leaving a little gap between each piece. When using skewers, space them evenly to ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
Step 4: Adjust Cooking Times and Temperatures
Air fryer accessories can slightly change cooking times, especially if they reduce airflow or retain heat differently than the standard basket. As a rule of thumb, check your food a few minutes earlier than usual to avoid overcooking.
For example, when using a baking pan for cakes or casseroles, you might need to add a few extra minutes, while cooking with a grill pan could shorten the time due to more direct heat contact.
Step 5: Use Heat-Resistant Tools
Air fryer accessories get hot—really hot! To avoid burns, always use oven mitts, silicone tongs, or heat-resistant spatulas when removing hot racks, pans, or skewers from your air fryer.
Avoid using metal utensils on non-stick accessories, as this can damage the coating over time. Stick to silicone, plastic, or wooden tools for flipping, stirring, or serving.
Step 6: Clean Accessories Properly
After cooking, allow your accessories to cool completely before cleaning. Most air fryer accessories are dishwasher-safe, but for longer-lasting performance, handwashing with warm, soapy water is often the best option.
Avoid abrasive sponges, which can scratch non-stick surfaces, and be sure to dry everything thoroughly before storing to prevent rust or mold buildup. Silicone liners and parchment paper are especially easy to clean—often requiring just a quick rinse.
Step 7: Store Accessories for Easy Access
Keeping your air fryer accessories organized makes cooking more efficient. Consider storing them in a dedicated drawer or basket near your air fryer, so you don’t have to search for them every time you cook.
If you have multiple accessories, stacking racks or nesting pans can save space while keeping everything within easy reach.
Using air fryer accessories doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to cook more efficiently, expand your recipe options, and keep your kitchen organized—all while enjoying perfectly crisp, delicious meals every time. Up next, we’ll cover some common mistakes to avoid when using air fryer accessories!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best air fryer accessories, small mistakes can lead to uneven cooking, soggy food, or even damage to your appliance. Let’s go through some of the most common missteps and how to avoid them!
Overcrowding the Basket
One of the biggest mistakes people make is loading up the air fryer basket or accessory rack with too much food. Even though accessories like stackable racks allow you to cook more at once, there still needs to be enough space for proper air circulation.
When food is packed too tightly, the hot air can’t reach every surface, leading to undercooked or soggy results. To fix this, cook in batches if needed—it’s worth the extra time for crispier, more even cooking.
Skipping the Preheat
While some air fryer models don’t require preheating, many recipes and accessories work best with a hot cooking environment. Baking pans and grill plates, in particular, benefit from a quick preheat to ensure even cooking and a nice sear.
If you jump right in without preheating, you might find that your food takes longer to cook or doesn’t achieve that crispy exterior.
Using the Wrong-Sized Accessories
Not all air fryer accessories are universal. A common mistake is buying accessories that don’t fit properly in your air fryer basket—either they’re too small, wasting space, or too large, blocking airflow.
Always measure your basket and check compatibility before purchasing. If the accessory prevents the basket from closing smoothly or restricts airflow, it’s not the right fit.
Neglecting to Adjust Cooking Times
Air fryer accessories can change how your food cooks. For example, a baking pan might take longer than the standard basket, while a grill plate could cook food faster.
A mistake many people make is following air fryer recipes without adjusting for the accessory in use. The solution? Check your food a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests and adjust accordingly.
Using Aerosol Cooking Sprays
Non-stick air fryer baskets and accessories can be damaged by aerosol cooking sprays, which often contain additives that degrade the coating over time. A healthier and safer alternative is to use a manual oil sprayer with your choice of cooking oil. This not only protects your accessories but also gives you more control over how much oil you’re using.
Forgetting to Clean Accessories Properly
After a delicious meal, it’s tempting to leave the cleanup for later—but air fryer accessories need a little care to stay in great shape. A common mistake is putting everything in the dishwasher without checking whether the accessory is dishwasher-safe. Some non-stick coatings last longer with gentle handwashing.
Let accessories cool down before washing, and avoid using abrasive pads that could scratch surfaces.
Using Metal Utensils on Non-Stick Surfaces
Scraping or flipping food with metal utensils can quickly damage non-stick accessories like baking barrels or pizza pans. Stick to silicone, plastic, or wooden tools to protect the surface and extend the lifespan of your accessories.
Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions
Every air fryer brand is a little different, and their accessories often come with specific care instructions. Skipping over the manual can lead to misuse, overheating, or even voiding your warranty. Take a few minutes to read the care and usage tips—it could save you time and frustration in the long run.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll keep your air fryer accessories in great shape and ensure every meal comes out crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Up next, let’s wrap things up with a quick conclusion and some encouragement to get creative with your air fryer!
Conclusion: Accessorize for Air Fryer Success
Investing in the right air fryer accessories can transform your cooking experience, making your meals more efficient, flavorful, and fun. Whether you’re baking, grilling, or air-frying multiple dishes at once, these handy tools allow you to get creative in the kitchen while making cleanup a breeze.
So, if you haven’t explored air fryer accessories yet, now’s the perfect time to start. Once you experience the convenience and versatility they offer, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without them!
FAQs: Your Air Fryer Accessories Questions Answered
1. Are air fryer accessories universal?
Not always. Air fryer accessories come in different sizes, so it’s important to measure your basket and check compatibility before purchasing.
2. Can I use regular baking pans in my air fryer?
Yes, as long as they’re oven-safe and fit in your air fryer. However, air fryer-specific baking pans often allow for better airflow and faster cooking times.
3. Do I need to adjust cooking times when using accessories?
Sometimes! Pans and racks can alter airflow, so it’s a good idea to check your food a few minutes early and adjust as needed.
4. How do I clean air fryer accessories?
Most accessories are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing with warm, soapy water is often the best way to preserve non-stick coatings.
5. Are silicone accessories safe for air fryers?
Absolutely! Silicone liners and baking cups are heat-resistant and perfect for preventing food from sticking while simplifying cleanup.
