Top Air Fryer Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by delivering crispy, delicious meals using less oil and in much less time. But did you know that the true potential of your air fryer can be unlocked with just a few clever accessories? From expanding cooking capacity and versatility to simplifying cleanup and enabling new recipes, the right air fryer accessories transform your kitchen gadget into a multi-functional culinary powerhouse.

Why Air Fryer Accessories Matter

Many home cooks initially purchase an air fryer for its convenience and health benefits. However, without the proper tools and add-ons, you might only be scratching the surface. Accessories not only increase cooking flexibility but also help you tackle those common pain points like overcrowding, uneven cooking, and limited recipe variety.

Proper accessories help maintain your air fryer, streamline meal prep, and improve results, ensuring you get long-lasting value from your investment. For example, using compatible racks or multi-tier baskets can triple your cooking capacity, while specially designed pans and trays adapt your air fryer for baking, roasting, or even grilling.

For a deeper dive into maximizing your air fryer’s lifespan and performance, explore our comprehensive Cleaning and Maintenance Guide.

Essential Air Fryer Accessories Everyone Should Have

1. Multi-Tier Racks and Skewers

Multi-tier racks effectively double or triple the cooking surface inside your air fryer basket. This means you can prepare complete meals simultaneously—think chicken on one tier, veggies on the other. The elevated design promotes better air circulation for even cooking. Skewer racks pair well with these, allowing you to grill kebabs and satays effortlessly.

Choose stainless steel or non-toxic coated racks that fit your model. To avoid overcrowding (a frequent air fryer misuse), measure the basket interior and select stackers that optimize space without restricting airflow.

2. Silicone Baking Mats and Liners

Non-stick silicone mats designed to fit your air fryer basket save cleanup time and prevent food from sticking. They’re excellent when cooking sticky or delicate foods such as marinated chicken wings or baked goods. Mats also protect your basket from grease and burnt drips.

Silicone’s heat resistance means they hold up well up to 450°F, making them reusable and dishwasher safe. For detailed safety and care tips, see our cleaning tips article.

3. Air Fryer-Specific Baking Pans and Cake Molds

If you’ve wondered whether you can bake cakes, brownies, or even bread in your air fryer, the answer is a resounding yes! Air fryer baking pans come with the right dimensions and heat properties tailored for your appliance’s compact space and airflow.

From round cake pans to square brownie trays and even silicone muffin molds, these accessories expand your cooking horizons far beyond frying. Experiment with unique desserts or homemade bread without occupying your conventional oven.

Creative Accessories to Expand Versatility

4. Pizza Pans and Pizza Screens

Craving perfectly crisp pizza? Pizza pans, which usually have perforations for air flow, allow the hot air to crisp the crust thoroughly while cooking toppings evenly. Pizza screens enable you to bake mini pizzas, flatbreads, or even reheat pizza slices to a fresh-baked texture.

These pans fit most air fryer baskets and are often multi-functional for other foods like flatbreads and cookies.

5. Dehydrator Trays

Transform your air fryer into a dehydrator for making fruit chips, jerky, or dried herbs. Special stackable dehydrator trays have fine mesh bottoms that allow moisture to evaporate while holding small items securely.

This accessory turns your gadget into an all-season tool for snack enthusiasts and gardeners alike, delivering homemade, preservative-free treats with ease.

6. Grill Pans and Grates

Getting grill marks and that charred flavor indoors is possible with grill pans made for air fryers. These pans lift food from the basket base, letting fat drip away while creating the perfect sear on meats, vegetables, or seafood.

With these, you emulate outdoor grilling without the smoke or hassle—ideal for year-round use.

Specialized Accessories for Effortless Cooking and Cleaning

7. Splatter Screens and Lids

Some air fryer recipes (like saucy wings or sticky glazes) can cause splattering. A splatter screen or lid designed for air fryers keeps mess contained inside while allowing steam to escape, ensuring your oven stays cleaner longer.

These also help maintain consistent cooking temperature and prevent drying out foods.

8. Silicone Tongs and Utensils

Handling hot food safely while protecting your air fryer’s non-stick coating requires the right tools. Silicone-tipped tongs, spatulas, and brushes resist high heat and avoid scratching surfaces. They give you precise control when turning or removing food, especially useful for smaller items or layered cooking with racks.

9. Basket Liners and Paper Sheets

Disposable paper liners simplify cleanup and reduce odors, particularly useful for fatty foods like bacon or sausages. Choose perforated designs that maintain airflow while protecting your basket.

Comparing Popular Air Fryer Accessories: Features and Compatibility

Pro Tip: Before purchasing any accessory, measure your air fryer basket dimensions carefully and check manufacturer compatibility to avoid size mismatches and damage.

How to Choose the Right Accessories for Your Air Fryer

With a sea of options available, picking the perfect accessories starts with understanding your model and cooking style. Ask yourself:

• What types of recipes do you want to explore? (baking, grilling, dehydrating)
• Do you usually cook for one, or want to batch cook for family meals?
• Is cleaning efficiency important to you?

Our ultimate buying guide details how to evaluate air fryer size and features, helping you select compatible accessories for maximum versatility.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Air Fryer Accessories

To safeguard your accessories and your appliance:

• Hand wash or use dishwasher-safe accessories per manufacturer instructions.
• Avoid using metal utensils that scratch non-stick coatings.
• Regularly inspect for wear and replace when coatings peel or deform.

Keeping everything in great condition extends your air fryer’s life and food quality. For more on troubleshooting and upkeep, see our expert Maintenance Guide.

Where to Find Quality Air Fryer Accessories and Top Deals

Reliable accessories come from trusted retailers and brands specializing in kitchen gadgets. Look for verified reviews and certifications to avoid counterfeit or low-quality items. Additionally, you can find discounts through promotional bundles or seasonal sales. We track the best offers on air fryer parts in our current deals roundup, saving you money without sacrificing quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Related Reading

• Air Fryer Recipes & Meal Ideas - Discover delicious dishes tailored for your air fryer’s capabilities.
• How to Clean and Maintain Your Air Fryer - Tips for longevity and performance.
• Choosing the Best Air Fryer for Your Kitchen - A detailed buying guide.
• Finding the Best Deals on Air Fryers and Accessories - Save on your next purchase.
• Air Fryer vs Convection Oven: Which Is Right for You? - Explore pros and cons of popular appliances.