Air fryers have revolutionized modern kitchens, offering healthier cooking alternatives without sacrificing taste or texture. The right air fryer accessories can make the difference between good meals and extraordinary culinary experiences.
Whether you’re a beginner cook experimenting with your first air fryer or a seasoned chef looking to expand your repertoire, these 14 essential accessories will elevate your cooking game while saving time and enhancing results.
Why Air Fryer Accessories Matter
While air fryers excel at creating crispy, delicious food with minimal oil, many users only scratch the surface of their appliance’s capabilities.
The right accessories can expand your air fryer’s functionality, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously, create more complex dishes, and achieve professional-level results. From baking desserts to grilling proteins and steaming vegetables, accessories transform your air fryer from a simple reheating device into a comprehensive cooking station.
Understanding which accessories provide genuine value versus those that merely clutter your kitchen requires careful consideration of your cooking habits, air fryer model, and available storage space. This guide focuses on accessories that deliver measurable improvements to your cooking experience while offering excellent return on investment.
15 Must Have Air Fryer Accessories for Kitchen
A kitchen should have essential air fryer accessories for safe and healthy cooking. Not all accessories deserve space in your kitchen.
I have listed15 air fryer accessories for your kitchen, collection of which will provide genuine value to your cooking experience.
1. Silicone-Tipped Tongs
Air fryers operate at temperatures up to 400°F, making proper food handling tools crucial for safety and precision. Quality tongs with silicone tips protect both your hands and your air fryer’s non-stick coating.
Key Features to Look For:
- Stainless steel construction with heat-resistant silicone tips (up to 480°F)
- Locking mechanism for compact storage
- 9-inch length for standard baskets, 12-inch for deeper models
- Dishwasher-safe design
Best Practices:
- Use the 9-inch size for precision work in smaller baskets
- Choose 12-inch tongs for deeper air fryers or when cooking larger items
- Always grip food firmly but gently to avoid puncturing delicate items
- Clean immediately after use to prevent odor retention
2. Heat-Resistant Silicone Liners
These reusable liners eliminate the tedious scrubbing that often follows air frying, especially with sticky marinades or cheese-topped dishes. Unlike disposable parchment liners, silicone versions offer superior durability and environmental benefits.
Sizing Guide:
- Round liners: 6.5″, 7″, 8″, 8.5″, 9″ diameters
- Square liners: 7″x7″, 8″x8″, 8.5″x8.5″
- Rectangular liners: For dual-basket models
Safety Considerations:
- Never preheat your air fryer with an empty liner inside
- Ensure food covers at least 70% of the liner surface to prevent lifting
- Choose liners with raised edges (0.5-1 inch) for better containment
- Verify temperature rating matches your cooking needs (450°F minimum)
Cleaning Tips:
- Rinse with warm water immediately after use
- For stubborn residue, soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes
- Use soft sponges only—avoid abrasive scrubbers
- Air dry completely before storage
3. Multi-Level Cooking Rack
Space optimization transforms your air fryer from a single-layer cooker into a multi-story cooking powerhouse. Quality racks allow simultaneous cooking of different foods or larger quantities of the same item by doubling the capacity.
Design Variations:
| Rack Type | Best Use | Capacity Increase | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-layer stackable | Different cook times | 80-100% | Varied meals |
| Triple-layer fixed | Same cook time | 150-200% | Batch cooking |
| Adjustable height | Flexible cooking | 60-120% | Mixed food sizes |
Optimal Usage Strategies:
- Place foods requiring longer cook times on the bottom rack
- Use top rack for items needing lighter cooking or reheating
- Ensure 1-inch clearance between food and air fryer ceiling
- Rotate racks halfway through cooking for even results
Construction Quality Indicators:
- 304 stainless steel construction (rust-resistant)
- Smooth, rounded edges (prevents scratching)
- Stable base design (prevents tipping)
- Easy-grip handles (safe removal when hot)
4. Instant-Read Digital Thermometer
A good air fryer cooks food rapidly, making it easy to overcook proteins or undercook thicker items. A quality thermometer eliminates guesswork and ensures food safety while achieving perfect doneness.
Critical Features:
- Response Time: 2-3 seconds for instant readings
- Temperature Range: -40°F to 450°F minimum
- Accuracy: ±1°F precision
- Display: Large, backlit screen for easy reading
- Probe Length: 4-5 inches for deep penetration
Food Safety Temperature Guide:
| Protein Type | Safe Internal Temperature | Recommended Doneness |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken (whole/pieces) | 165°F | Juices run clear |
| Ground poultry | 165°F | No pink visible |
| Beef/Pork steaks | 145°F (medium-rare) | Personal preference |
| Ground beef/pork | 160°F | No pink visible |
| Fish fillets | 145°F | Flakes easily |
| Pork chops/roasts | 145°F | Slight pink acceptable |
Professional Tips:
- Insert probe into thickest part of meat, avoiding bone contact
- For whole chickens, check both thigh and breast temperatures
- Clean probe with alcohol wipe after each use
- Calibrate monthly using ice water (32°F) for accuracy verification
5. Perforated Pizza Pan & Grill Plate
Transform your air fryer into a compact grill with these versatile cooking surfaces. The perforated design ensures optimal air circulation while creating authentic grill marks and allowing excess fats to drain away.
Amazon Top Picks:
Perforation Science:
- Hole Size: 3-5mm diameter for optimal airflow
- Hole Spacing: 8-10mm apart for even heat distribution
- Material Thickness: 1-2mm for durability without heat retention
- Edge Design: Raised edges prevent food spillage
Maintenance Tips:
- Soak in warm soapy water immediately after use
- Use soft brush to clear perforations of food debris
- Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots
- Store flat to maintain shape integrity
6. Silicone Baking Cups & Molds
These versatile molds unlock your air fryer’s baking potential, enabling everything from individual cupcakes to perfectly shaped egg bites. High-quality silicone withstands air fryer temperatures while providing natural non-stick properties.
Amazon Bestsellers:
- OXO Good Grips Silicone Baking Cups (12-pack with tabs)
- Silicone Kitchen Reusable Baking Cups (24-pack, multiple sizes)
- Walfos Muffin Pan Set (12 Cups Regular Silicone Cupcake Pan)
Size Optimization Guide:
- Standard cupcake molds: 2.75″ diameter, 1.25″ deep
- Mini muffin cups: 2″ diameter, 0.75″ deep
- Egg bite molds: 2.5″ diameter, 1.5″ deep
- Individual cake pans: 4″ diameter, 2″ deep
Creative Applications:
- Breakfast Innovations:
- Individual egg scrambles with vegetables
- Mini frittatas with cheese and herbs
- Personal-sized pancakes or French toast cups
- Breakfast quinoa bowls with fruits
- Dessert Mastery:
- Molten chocolate lava cakes
- Individual cheesecakes with graham crust
- Mini apple crisps with oat topping
- Personal bread puddings
- Savory Solutions:
- Individual meatloaf portions
- Stuffed bell pepper cups
- Personal lasagna servings
- Mini quiches with various fillings
Pro Baking Tips:
- Fill molds only 2/3 full to prevent overflow
- Place molds on air fryer rack for better air circulation
- Reduce baking temperature by 25°F from conventional oven recipes
- Check doneness 5 minutes earlier than recipe suggests
7. Comprehensive Air Fryer Accessories Kit
For new air fryer owners or those wanting to establish a complete accessory collection quickly, quality multi-piece kits offer excellent value and convenience. Look for kits that include essential items while avoiding unnecessary duplicates.
Essential Kit Components Checklist:
| Must-Have Items | Nice-to-Have Items | Avoid These Duplicates |
|---|---|---|
| Cake/pizza pan | Skewer rack with 4+ skewers | Multiple silicone mats |
| Silicone mat | Egg bite molds | Excessive small tools |
| Cooking rack | Oil spray bottle | Redundant tong sets |
| Heat-resistant gloves | Recipe booklet | Multiple measuring cups |
Value Assessment Criteria:
- Cost per piece: Should be 30-50% less than individual purchases
- Quality consistency: All pieces should meet same standards
- Compatibility: 100% of items should fit your air fryer model
- Storage solutions: Look for kits with organizational containers
8. Oil Spray Bottle/Mister – Achieve Perfect Crisping
While air fryers require minimal oil, strategic oil application makes the difference between good and exceptional results. Quality oil misters provide controlled application while allowing you to use your preferred oils.
Oil Selection Guide:
| Oil Type | Smoke Point | Best For | Air Fryer Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avocado Oil | 520°F | High-heat cooking | Excellent |
| Light Olive Oil | 468°F | General cooking | Very Good |
| Canola Oil | 400°F | Neutral flavor needs | Good |
| Coconut Oil | 350°F | Sweet applications | Limited |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 375°F | Flavor enhancement | Limited |
Optimal Spraying Techniques:
- Hold bottle 6-8 inches from food surface
- Apply light, even coating rather than heavy saturation
- Spray food items before placing in air fryer for best adhesion
- Reapply halfway through cooking for extra crispiness
- Clean nozzle after each use to prevent clogging
Maintenance Protocol:
- Rinse with warm water after each use
- Weekly deep clean with warm soapy water
- Monthly disassembly for thorough component cleaning
- Store in cool, dry place to prevent oil rancidity
9. Air Fryer Double Layer Toast Rack
This specialized rack transforms your air fryer into a high-capacity toaster, allowing you to prepare multiple pieces of bread, bagels, or English muffins simultaneously. Perfect for families or meal prep enthusiasts.
Capacity Optimization:
| Air Fryer Size | Toast Capacity | Optimal Rack Design | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 Quarts | 4-6 slices | Single tier, close spacing | Small households |
| 5-6 Quarts | 6-8 slices | Double tier, adjustable | Standard families |
| 7+ Quarts | 8-12 slices | Triple tier, removable levels | Large families, entertaining |
Beyond Toast Applications:
- Reheating pizza slices vertically for crispier crust
- Drying herbs and small vegetables
- Warming tortillas or flatbreads
- Creating crispy bacon strips without curling
- Dehydrating fruit slices for healthy snacks
10. Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners
While reusable silicone liners excel for regular use, disposable parchment liners offer unmatched convenience for messy foods, meal prep, or when you need multiple cooking sessions without washing breaks. Premium air fryer parchment papers feature perforations that maintain optimal airflow.
Amazon Best Sellers:
- Tripho Air Fryer Paper Liners (360 Pieces, 8” Square Unbleached Heavy Duty Disposable )
- Vailnd Air Fryer Paper Liners (125Pcs, 8″ disposable liners in a see-thru package)
- Ctizne Air Fryer Disposable Paper Liners (150Pcs, 8″ Square Parchment Paper )
Perfect Applications:
- Messy marinades: BBQ chicken, teriyaki salmon, sticky glazed items
- Delicate foods: Fish fillets, soft vegetables, items prone to breaking
- Meal prep batches: Multiple different seasonings without cross-contamination
- Party cooking: High-volume cooking without constant cleaning breaks
- Cheese-heavy dishes: Prevents stubborn cheese cleanup
Safety Protocol:
- Never preheat air fryer with empty parchment inside
- Ensure food covers at least 80% of paper surface
- Trim excess paper that might touch heating elements
- Use only when cooking temperature stays below 428°F
- Check for curling during cooking and adjust if necessary
Cost Analysis:
- Per-use cost: $0.08-0.15 per liner
- Time savings: 5-10 minutes cleaning per use
- Best value: Bulk packs for frequent users
- Environmental consideration: Compostable options available
11. Plate Grippers Tools
Traditional oven mitts are clunky for precise air fryer work. Plate grippers provide secure, controlled handling of hot dishes, pans, and accessories with restaurant-level precision and safety.
Design Engineering Features:
- Grip Surface: Textured silicone pads for secure hold on various materials
- Handle Length: 6-8 inches for safe distance from heat
- Opening Width: Adjustable 0.5-4 inches to accommodate different dish thicknesses
- Material: Heat-resistant up to 500°F
- Storage: Compact design with hanging loops
Versatility Applications:
| Use Case | Benefit | Safety Advantage | Efficiency Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot pan removal | Secure grip on edges | No bulky gloves | Precise placement |
| Plate handling | Even weight distribution | Stable control | Professional presentation |
| Accessory management | Multiple item handling | One-handed operation | Faster cooking workflow |
| Serving transition | Direct table service | No intermediate cooling | Maintains food temperature |
Professional Techniques:
- Two-gripper method: Use paired grippers for extra-heavy or awkward items
- Edge positioning: Grip opposite edges for balanced weight distribution
- Cooling strategy: Set items on heat-resistant surface using grippers for controlled placement
- Cleaning workflow: Remove and clean accessories immediately while grippers maintain safe handling
Maintenance Excellence:
- Rinse immediately after contact with greasy foods
- Dishwasher safe for deep cleaning
- Check grip surfaces monthly for wear signs
- Store in easily accessible drawer location
- Replace when silicone shows cracking or hardening
12. Heat-Resistant Silicone Gloves
Traditional oven mitts are bulky and limit dexterity when handling air fryer components. Heat-resistant silicone gloves provide finger-level control while protecting against temperatures up to 500°F, making them essential for serious air fryer enthusiasts.
Amazon Premium Options:
- Comsmart BBQ Gloves (1472 Degree F Heat Resistant Grilling Gloves)
- GRILL HEAT AID Extreme Heat Resistant BBQ Gloves (EN407 certified)
- KUWANI BBQ Gloves (1472°F Heat Resistant Fireproof Mitts)
Technical Specifications to Prioritize:
- Heat resistance: Minimum 450°F, ideally 500°F+
- Grip texture: Raised patterns or textured surfaces for secure handling
- Length options: 12-14 inches for extended forearm protection
- Cleaning compatibility: Dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance
- Certification: Look for EN407 or similar safety standards
Safety Applications:
- Removing hot air fryer baskets without fumbling
- Handling multiple accessories simultaneously
- Transferring food directly from air fryer to serving dishes
- Cleaning air fryer components while still warm
- Emergency protection when dealing with oil splatters
Care Instructions:
- Rinse immediately after use to prevent odor absorption
- Machine wash weekly with regular laundry
- Air dry completely before storage
- Inspect regularly for cuts or thin spots that compromise protection
13. Air Fryer Cooking Time & Temperature Guide
Air fryer cooking requires different time and temperature combinations compared to conventional ovens. A comprehensive magnetic reference chart eliminates guesswork and ensures consistent results across hundreds of food types.
Comprehensive Food Categories Covered:
| Food Category | Temperature Range | Time Range | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Vegetables | 350-400°F | 5-15 minutes | Cut size affects timing |
| Frozen Vegetables | 375-400°F | 8-20 minutes | No thawing required |
| Fresh Proteins | 360-400°F | 8-25 minutes | Internal temp critical |
| Frozen Proteins | 380-400°F | 12-30 minutes | Add 3-5 minutes |
| Baked Goods | 300-350°F | 10-20 minutes | Lower temp prevents burning |
| Reheating | 300-350°F | 2-8 minutes | Short bursts prevent drying |
Advanced Information Features:
- Flip timing indicators: Shows when to turn food for even cooking
- Batch cooking multipliers: Adjustments for larger quantities
- Altitude corrections: Temperature/time modifications for high elevations
- Food safety temperatures: Internal temperature requirements for proteins
- Troubleshooting tips: Solutions for common cooking issues
Placement Strategies:
- Position at eye level for quick reference while cooking
- Ensure strong magnetic backing for secure refrigerator attachment
- Keep backup copy in kitchen drawer for non-magnetic surfaces
- Consider waterproof versions for easy cleaning
14. Mandoline Food Slicer
Consistent slice thickness is crucial for even air frying results. A quality mandoline slicer ensures uniform cooking times and professional presentation, especially important for vegetables, potatoes, and fruits.
Amazon Popular Options:
- OXO Good Grips Mandoline Slicer
- Gramercy Adjustable Mandoline Food Slicer
- SupMaKin Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen
Thickness Settings for Optimal Air Frying:
| Food Type | Recommended Thickness | Cook Time | Temperature | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potato chips | 1-2mm | 8-12 minutes | 380°F | Restaurant-quality crispiness |
| Sweet potato fries | 6-8mm | 12-15 minutes | 400°F | Crispy exterior, fluffy interior |
| Zucchini rounds | 4-6mm | 6-8 minutes | 375°F | Tender but not mushy |
| Apple slices | 3-4mm | 5-7 minutes | 350°F | Perfect for healthy snacks |
| Onion rings | 8-10mm | 8-10 minutes | 375°F | Maintains structure while cooking |
Safety Protocol:
- Always use hand guard – no exceptions
- Cut away from your body with controlled motions
- Clean immediately after use to prevent food residue buildup
- Store blade guards properly to prevent accidental cuts
- Keep blades sharp for safest operation (counterintuitively, dull blades are more dangerous)
Maintenance Excellence:
- Hand wash components separately
- Dry thoroughly before reassembly
- Apply food-safe lubricant to adjustment mechanisms monthly
- Replace blades when they show signs of dulling or damage
- Store in protective case if provided
15. Digital Kitchen Scale with Bowl
Consistent results in air frying depend heavily on accurate ingredient measurements, especially for breading, seasoning ratios, and portion control. A quality digital scale with tare function eliminates guesswork and ensures reproducible results every time.
Essential Features Breakdown:
- Capacity Range: 11-22 lbs covers all air fryer cooking needs
- Precision: 0.1 oz (1g) accuracy for detailed measurements
- Tare Function: Reset to zero with bowl for net ingredient weight
- Unit Conversion: grams, ounces, pounds, milliliters switching
- Auto-off Feature: Battery preservation with 2-3 minute delay
Professional Portioning Techniques:
- Protein standardization: 4-6 oz portions cook more evenly than varied sizes
- Vegetable uniformity: Equal weights ensure simultaneous doneness
- Breading consistency: Measure flour, egg, breadcrumb ratios for professional results
- Batch cooking: Identical portions for meal prep efficiency
- Recipe scaling: Accurate measurements when doubling or halving recipes
Calibration and Maintenance:
- Test monthly with known weights (coins work: 5 pennies = 0.44 oz)
- Clean platform after each use to prevent buildup affecting accuracy
- Store in dry location to protect electronic components
- Replace batteries when display dims or readings become inconsistent
- Keep user manual for troubleshooting and recalibration procedures
Conclusion
The true power of air fryer accessories emerges when you combine them strategically for complex meals or efficient batch cooking.
I have listed and described features of all the essential air fryer accessories needed for your kitchen to facilitate your cooking experience. You can easily prepare tasty air fryer meals by using your air fryer and proper uses of the accessories.