Introduction
Buying an air fryer can make everyday cooking faster and more convenient, but the appliance itself isn’t always enough for every type of food. Once you start experimenting with different recipes, you may find that simple tools such as silicone liners, cooking tongs, thermometers, racks, baking dishes and cleaning brushes can make cooking and cleanup much easier. However, beginners often face another problem: there are so many accessories available that it can be difficult to know which ones are genuinely useful and which ones are simply unnecessary kitchen gadgets.
The good news is that you don’t need to purchase a huge accessory kit immediately. The best air fryer accessories for beginners are the ones that solve practical problems, fit your particular appliance and match the foods you actually prepare. In this guide, we’ll look at 15 useful accessories, explain what each one does, discuss what to check before buying and separate essential tools from accessories that are only useful for specific cooking tasks.
What to Look for in Air Fryer Accessories
Before buying an accessory, don’t simply choose the product with the most pieces or the lowest price. The accessory needs to be safe, compatible, appropriately sized and genuinely useful for your cooking habits.
Size and Compatibility
Air fryers aren’t all the same size or shape. Some have round baskets, while others use square or rectangular cooking drawers. Even air fryers with similar capacities can have different internal dimensions.
Before buying an accessory, measure the available cooking space in your air fryer. Pay attention to its width, depth, diameter and height. An accessory that is slightly too large may prevent the basket from closing correctly, while one that is too small may move around during cooking.
Heat Resistance
Anything placed inside an air fryer must be designed to withstand the temperatures involved in cooking. Check the manufacturer’s temperature rating before using silicone, glass, ceramic, metal or other accessories.
Never assume that an ordinary household container is automatically suitable for an air fryer just because it fits inside.
Material and Food Safety
Choose accessories made from materials intended for food preparation and high-temperature cooking. Good-quality accessories should also be free from unpleasant odors, excessive discoloration or coatings that aren’t intended for high heat.
Airflow
Air circulation is central to how an air fryer cooks food. Accessories should not unnecessarily block the holes or prevent hot air from reaching the food.
An accessory can be perfectly sized but still affect cooking if it covers too much of the basket.
Cleaning
Think about how an accessory will be cleaned before buying it. A tool that saves five minutes of cooking time but takes twenty minutes to clean may not be particularly useful for everyday cooking.
15 Best Air Fryer Accessories for Beginners
1. Air Fryer Liners
Air fryer liners are one of the first accessories many beginners consider because they can make cleanup easier. Liners create a barrier between certain foods and the cooking basket, helping reduce food residue and grease buildup.
There are generally two common types: disposable parchment-style liners and reusable silicone liners. Disposable liners are convenient when you want quick cleanup, while reusable silicone liners can be used repeatedly and may be more economical over time.
However, liners aren’t necessary for every recipe. If you’re cooking food that needs maximum airflow and direct exposure to circulating hot air, using a liner may change the cooking result.
If you use a paper liner, follow the product instructions carefully. It should be appropriately sized and positioned so it doesn’t interfere with safe operation or come into contact with the heating element.
Best for: Sticky, greasy or messy foods and easier cleanup.
2. Silicone Air Fryer Basket or Pot
A reusable silicone basket or pot can be useful if you want to reduce food residue in the main air-fryer basket. Silicone accessories are available in different shapes and sizes, so choosing one that fits your appliance properly is important.
A good silicone accessory should be food-safe, heat-resistant, flexible, and easy to clean. Some designs include perforations or raised patterns to help hot air circulate around the food.
Don’t assume that every silicone basket will produce the same cooking results. If it completely covers the bottom and sides of your original basket, airflow may be affected.
Before buying one, compare its dimensions with the interior of your air fryer.
Best for: Frequent air-fryer users who want reusable protection and easier cleanup.
3. Silicone-Tipped Kitchen Tongs
Kitchen tongs are simple but extremely useful for air-fryer cooking. They allow you to turn, remove, and rearrange food without putting your hands close to a hot basket.
Silicone-tipped tongs are particularly useful for air fryers with coated cooking surfaces because they can be gentler than metal utensils.
Look for tongs with a comfortable grip and a locking mechanism if you prefer compact storage. A slightly longer pair can also provide more distance from hot food.
Tongs are useful for foods such as chicken pieces, vegetables, sausages, fish and larger snacks.
Best for: Turning, flipping, rearranging and removing food.
4. Instant-Read Cooking Thermometer
A cooking thermometer is one of the most practical accessories for anyone who regularly prepares meat, poultry or fish.
Cooking time alone doesn’t always tell you whether food has reached a safe internal temperature. The thickness of the food, starting temperature, quantity and air fryer model can all affect how quickly it cooks.
An instant-read thermometer lets you check the center of the food directly. For example, USDA guidance recommends 165°F (74°C) as the minimum internal temperature for poultry.
A digital thermometer with a quick reading is especially convenient because you don’t need to leave it in the food throughout cooking.
Best for: Chicken, meat, fish and checking food safety.
5. Oil Sprayer or Mister
Air frying usually requires much less oil than traditional deep frying, but some foods benefit from a light coating.
An oil sprayer can help distribute a thin layer of oil over potatoes, vegetables or breaded foods. This can be more controlled than pouring oil directly over the food.
A refillable mister is convenient if you regularly use oils such as olive, avocado, or other cooking oils. However, always follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your air fryer and avoid excessive oil.
Too much oil can make food greasy and may contribute to smoke or residue.
Best for: Lightly coating vegetables, potatoes and foods that need additional browning.
6. Heat-Resistant Oven Mitts
Air-fryer baskets and accessories can become extremely hot during cooking. A pair of heat-resistant oven mitts can make removing hot baskets and cookware safer and more comfortable.
Look for mitts that provide both heat protection and a secure grip. A non-slip silicone surface can be useful when you’re handling a hot basket.
Remember that heat-resistant doesn’t mean heat-proof. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and handling instructions.
Best for: Handling hot baskets, trays, pans, and accessories.
7. Air Fryer-Safe Baking Dish
If you want to do more than fry or roast food, a small baking dish can expand what you can prepare in an air fryer.
Depending on the size and design of your appliance, an appropriately sized dish can be useful for casseroles, baked pasta, desserts, small portions of vegetables or other foods that need a container.
The dish must be suitable for high-temperature cooking and should fit comfortably inside the air fryer.
Avoid choosing a dish that completely fills the cooking area and prevents hot air from circulating.
Best for: Casseroles, baked foods, desserts, and foods requiring a container.
8. Small Heat-Safe Ramekins
Ramekins are small containers that can be surprisingly useful in an air fryer.
Depending on the recipe, they can hold small desserts, dips, sauces, egg-based dishes, or individual portions.
Their compact size makes them especially useful for people with smaller air fryers who don’t want to use a large baking dish.
Before using a ramekin, verify that it is designed for high-temperature cooking and that it fits safely inside your particular air fryer.
Best for: Small portions, desserts, sauces and contained foods.
9. Air Fryer Skewers
Skewers can be useful for preparing kebabs, vegetables, shrimp, or small pieces of meat.
Some air-fryer accessory sets include skewers with a rack that keeps the food elevated. If you purchase skewers separately, check their length carefully.
Metal skewers can become extremely hot, so they should be handled carefully after cooking.
Avoid packing too much food onto the skewer because overcrowding can interfere with proper cooking.
Best for: Kebabs, shrimp, vegetables and bite-sized foods.
10. Air Fryer Rack or Grill Insert
A rack or grill insert can create another cooking level inside some air fryers.
This can be useful when you want to cook several smaller pieces of food or separate food from the bottom of the basket.
For example, a rack may allow you to arrange chicken pieces on one level while placing vegetables below, depending on the design and capacity of your air fryer.
However, additional levels aren’t automatically better. If a rack makes the basket too crowded, it can interfere with airflow and result in uneven cooking.
Always check that the rack is designed for your model and doesn’t prevent the basket from closing correctly.
Best for: Multi-level cooking and additional cooking space.
11. Silicone Basting Brush
A silicone basting brush is useful when you want to apply a thin layer of oil, marinade, sauce, or seasoning mixture.
Instead of pouring a large amount over the food, you can brush a controlled amount across the surface.
Silicone brushes are generally easy to clean and can be useful for foods that need a light coating before or during cooking.
Choose a brush that is heat-resistant if you plan to use it near hot food.
Best for: Marinades, sauces, butter and light oil application.
12. Small Pizza Pan
Air-fryer pizza has become popular because the appliance can cook small pizzas quickly.
A pizza pan can help contain the dough and make it easier to transfer a pizza into and out of the appliance.
However, size is especially important here. A pan that’s too large can prevent the basket from closing or interfere with airflow.
Before purchasing one, measure the usable space inside your air fryer.
A pizza pan can also be useful for flatbreads and other baked foods.
Best for: Small pizzas, flatbreads and similar baked foods.
13. Food Storage Containers
Food storage containers aren’t used inside the air fryer, but they can be valuable if you use your appliance for meal preparation.
For example, you might cook several portions of chicken or vegetables at once and store the leftovers for later meals.
Choose containers according to how you plan to store and reheat the food. Airtight containers can be useful for refrigeration, while freezer-safe options are better for longer storage.
This accessory is especially useful for people who prepare meals in advance.
Best for: Meal preparation, leftovers and portioning cooked food.
14. Air Fryer Cleaning Brush
Regular cleaning helps prevent food residue and grease from accumulating.
A small cleaning brush can reach corners and areas that are difficult to clean with a regular sponge.
When choosing one, look for suitable bristles and a comfortable handle. Avoid extremely abrasive materials that could damage a coated basket.
Always follow your air fryer’s cleaning instructions, particularly for heating elements and electrical components.
Best for: Removing crumbs, grease and food residue.
15. Kitchen Scissors
Kitchen scissors might not seem like a specific air-fryer accessory, but they can be useful during preparation.
They can help cut herbs, vegetables, parchment paper, cooked foods and food packaging.
A sturdy pair designed specifically for kitchen use should be easy to clean and comfortable to handle.
This is one accessory you may already have, so there is no need to purchase another pair solely for your air fryer.
Best for: Food preparation, cutting parchment, herbs and packaging.
Which Air Fryer Accessories Are Actually Essential?
You don’t need all 15 accessories to start using an air fryer. In fact, buying everything at once can be unnecessary.
Essential for Most Beginners
Kitchen tongs: Useful for turning and removing food.
Cooking thermometer: Particularly valuable for checking meat and poultry.
Heat-resistant oven mitts: Helpful when handling hot baskets and cookware.
Oil sprayer: Useful if you regularly prepare foods that benefit from a light oil coating.
Liners: Helpful if easy cleanup is a priority, although they aren’t necessary for every recipe.
Useful but Optional
A silicone basket, cleaning brush, baking dish, rack and basting brush can be worthwhile depending on your cooking habits.
Specialized Accessories
Skewers, ramekins, pizza pans and additional baking accessories are better purchased when you actually have recipes that require them.
How to Choose Accessories for Your Specific Air Fryer
Before purchasing any accessory, take a few minutes to understand your appliance.
Check the Air Fryer’s Capacity
A 3-liter air fryer and a 7-liter air fryer have very different amounts of usable cooking space. Don’t buy an accessory based only on the stated capacity.
Measure the Basket
Measure the actual inside dimensions of the basket or cooking chamber. This is particularly important for baking dishes, pizza pans, racks and silicone baskets.
Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Your air fryer’s manual may specify which types of cookware and accessories are suitable.
If the manual says a particular material or accessory should not be used, follow that instruction even if another source says it is generally safe.
Consider Your Cooking Style
Think about the foods you prepare most frequently.
If you mostly cook frozen fries and chicken, tongs, a thermometer and oven mitts may be enough.
If you enjoy baking, a suitable baking dish and pizza pan may be more useful.
If cleaning is your biggest concern, liners and a cleaning brush may provide more value.
Should You Buy a Complete Air Fryer Accessory Kit?
Complete accessory kits can be convenient because they combine several tools into one package. They may include racks, skewers, pans, silicone molds, tongs and other items.
However, more accessories don’t automatically mean better value.
A large kit can contain several pieces you never use. Some kits also include accessories that aren’t the right size for your particular air fryer.
For a beginner, purchasing a few high-quality tools individually can sometimes be a better approach.
Start with the accessories that solve your immediate needs. You can add specialized accessories later as you experiment with more recipes.
Common Mistakes When Buying Air Fryer Accessories
Buying Without Measuring
This is probably the easiest mistake to avoid. Always check the accessory dimensions against your air fryer.
Choosing the Cheapest Option
Price isn’t the only factor. Extremely cheap accessories may have poor construction, unpleasant odors, weak handles or unclear temperature ratings.
Buying Too Many Accessories
A 20-piece kit may look like a bargain, but you may only regularly use three or four pieces.
Ignoring Airflow
An accessory should not unnecessarily block the air circulation your appliance needs for effective cooking.
Forgetting About Cleaning
Complicated accessories can be difficult to wash. Choose designs that you can realistically clean after every use.
Safety Tips When Using Air Fryer Accessories
Accessories should make air-fryer cooking easier, but they must be used correctly.
- Always check whether an accessory is suitable for high-temperature cooking.
- Make sure accessories fit securely inside your appliance.
- Don’t block ventilation openings.
- Don’t place accessories directly against heating elements.
- Avoid overcrowding the cooking chamber.
- Use oven mitts when handling hot accessories.
- Be careful with metal accessories because they can become extremely hot.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air fryer.
- Don’t immerse the electrical portion of the air fryer in water.
- Inspect silicone, plastic and coated accessories regularly for damage.
- Replace accessories that become cracked, warped or damaged.
Remember that an accessory being advertised as “air fryer compatible” doesn’t necessarily mean it will fit every air fryer.
A Simple Starter Set for Air Fryer Beginners
If you’re buying accessories for the first time, you don’t need to purchase everything on this list.
A practical beginner’s starter set could include:
1. Silicone-tipped tongs — for turning and removing food.
2. Instant-read thermometer — for checking internal food temperature.
3. Heat-resistant oven mitts — for safely handling hot components.
4. Oil sprayer — for applying a controlled amount of oil.
5. Air fryer liner — if you want to make cleanup easier.
After using your air fryer for a while, you can decide whether you need additional accessories.
For example, someone who enjoys baking might add a baking dish and pizza pan, while someone who mainly cooks meat and vegetables might prefer a rack or additional cooking tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryer accessories necessary?
No. You can use an air fryer without most accessories. Accessories are optional tools that can make particular cooking tasks, food preparation or cleaning easier.
Can I use silicone accessories in an air fryer?
Yes, if the silicone accessory is specifically designed for high-temperature cooking and is compatible with your appliance. Always check its temperature rating and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are air fryer liners worth buying?
They can be useful for reducing food residue and making cleanup easier. However, they aren’t essential for every recipe and you should use them in a way that doesn’t interfere with safe airflow or contact the heating element.
Do all air fryer accessories fit every air fryer?
No. Air fryer baskets vary considerably in size and shape. Always check the dimensions of both the accessory and your appliance before purchasing.
Can I use an oven-safe dish in an air fryer?
Some oven-safe dishes can be used in an air fryer, but the dish must fit properly and be suitable for the temperatures involved. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for both the dish and air fryer.
What is the most useful air fryer accessory for beginners?
There isn’t one accessory that is best for everyone. However, silicone-tipped tongs, a cooking thermometer and heat-resistant mitts are practical choices for most beginners.
Are air fryer accessory kits worth it?
They can be useful if the included accessories fit your appliance and match your cooking habits. However, buying a smaller number of high-quality accessories individually can be more practical than purchasing a large kit containing items you may never use.
Conclusion
The best air fryer accessories for beginners aren’t necessarily the ones included in the biggest accessory bundle. The most useful tools are the ones that solve everyday problems, such as turning food safely, checking internal temperature, controlling oil, handling hot cookware, reducing cleanup or expanding the types of food you can prepare. Before buying anything, check your air fryer’s dimensions, temperature requirements, manufacturer’s recommendations and your own cooking habits.
If you’re just getting started, a few basic accessories such as silicone-tipped tongs, an instant-read thermometer, heat-resistant mitts and an appropriate liner or oil sprayer can be a practical starting point. As you become more comfortable with your air fryer, you can add specialized tools such as racks, baking dishes, skewers or pizza pans when you actually need them. This approach keeps your kitchen organized, saves money and helps you build an air-fryer setup that works for you.
If you’re still learning about air fryers, start with our What Is an Air Fryer? Complete Beginner’s Guide and How To Use an Air Fryer, to understand the appliance, its components, benefits, and how it works.
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