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✅ Must-Have Accessories
These accessories genuinely improve your air frying experience and are worth every penny.
Instant-Read Meat Thermometer (~$15)
The single most important air fryer accessory. Takes the guesswork out of cooking meat to the right temperature. Chicken to 165°F, pork to 145°F, steak to your preferred doneness. Pay for a digital instant-read model — the cheap dial thermometers are too slow and inaccurate. This one tool prevents both undercooked and overcooked meat.
Shop meat thermometers on Amazon →
Perforated Parchment Liners (~$8 for 100)
Pre-cut parchment rounds with holes for airflow. Drop one in the basket before cooking for effortless cleanup. They prevent sticking, make the basket dramatically easier to clean, and are especially useful for sticky marinades, cheese, and breaded foods. Buy the size that matches your basket diameter.
Shop parchment liners on Amazon →
Oil Mister / Sprayer (~$10)
A refillable oil sprayer lets you apply a fine, even mist of oil for browning and crispiness. Far better than pouring oil (too much) or using aerosol sprays (damages non-stick coating). Fill with avocado oil for high-heat cooking or olive oil for vegetables. One fill lasts weeks.
Silicone Tongs (~$10)
Heat-resistant silicone-tipped tongs let you flip and rearrange food without scratching the non-stick coating. Essential for flipping chicken, burgers, and anything too large to shake. Spring-loaded tongs with a silicone tip are the best design — they grip food securely without damaging the basket.
👍 Nice to Have
These are not essential but genuinely useful if you cook specific types of food frequently.
Silicone Pot / Liner (~$12)
A reusable silicone insert that fits inside your air fryer basket. It catches drips, prevents sticking, and is dishwasher safe. More environmentally friendly than disposable parchment liners since it is reusable. The slight downside is that it can reduce crispiness slightly on the bottom of food since air does not circulate through the silicone like it does through perforated parchment.
Shop silicone liners on Amazon →
Multi-Layer Rack (~$15)
A metal rack that fits inside the basket and adds a second cooking level. Useful for cooking bacon on top while catching drips in a tray below, or for cooking two types of food simultaneously. Most useful for larger air fryers (6+ quart) where the rack does not crowd the food too much.
Shop air fryer racks on Amazon →
Skewer Rack (~$12)
A rack that holds metal or bamboo skewers upright in the air fryer. Great for kebabs, satay, and chicken skewers. The vertical position means air circulates around every side of the food. Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
Small Oven-Safe Pans (~$10-15)
Small round cake pans, ramekins, or loaf pans that fit inside the air fryer. These let you bake cakes, brownies, frittatas, and egg bites. Make sure they fit with clearance around the edges for air circulation. Silicone baking cups work great for muffins and egg cups.
❌ Skip These
Aerosol Cooking Sprays (PAM, etc.)
The propellants and additives in aerosol sprays create a sticky residue that builds up on non-stick coatings and is extremely difficult to remove. Over time, this residue makes the basket sticky and degrades the coating. A refillable oil mister does the same job without the damage.
Massive Accessory Kits
Those 20-piece air fryer accessory kits on Amazon look like a great deal, but most of the pieces go unused. The pizza pan does not fit right, the cake barrel is too small, and the silicone mats block airflow. Buy individual accessories as you need them rather than a bundle of items you will never use.
Paper Towel Liners
Some people place paper towels in the basket to catch grease. This is a fire hazard — paper towels can blow into the heating element and ignite. Use parchment paper or silicone liners instead, which are designed for high-heat cooking.
💡 Accessory Tips
- An instant-read thermometer is the #1 accessory for better cooking results
- Measure your basket before buying accessories — sizes vary by model
- Parchment liners make cleanup effortless for about 8 cents each
- Use a refillable oil mister, never aerosol sprays
- Buy accessories individually as needed, not in bulk kits
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessories do I actually need for my air fryer?
An instant-read meat thermometer, perforated parchment liners, a refillable oil mister, and silicone-tipped tongs. These four items cover 95% of air frying needs. The thermometer ensures safe, perfectly cooked meat. Parchment liners make cleanup easy. The oil mister promotes browning. Tongs let you flip food without scratching the basket. Everything else is optional.
Are air fryer liners worth it?
Yes. Perforated parchment liners (about $8 for 100) prevent food from sticking and make cleanup as easy as lifting out the liner and tossing it. They are especially valuable for cheese-topped items, sticky marinades, and breaded foods. The holes in the parchment allow air to circulate so food still gets crispy. They are one of the cheapest and most impactful accessories you can buy.
Can I use regular parchment paper instead of air fryer liners?
Yes, you can cut regular parchment paper to fit your basket and poke holes in it with a fork or hole punch. This works just as well as pre-cut liners and is cheaper if you already have a roll of parchment paper. Just make sure to weigh the parchment down with food before turning on the air fryer so it does not blow into the heating element.