Air Fryer Accessories Worth Buying (and 3 to Skip)

Let’s be honest, the internet is absolutely flooded with “must-have” air fryer accessories. But the harsh truth? Most of them are just going to gather dust in the back of your kitchen drawer.

There are a few, however, that genuinely make your machine so much easier and more versatile to use. Here is exactly what is worth your hard-earned money—and what you should definitely leave on the shelf.

Air Fryer Accessories Worth Buying

1. Perforated Parchment Liners

Those pre-cut parchment rounds with the little holes punched in them are an absolute game-changer. They make cleanup completely painless when you are cooking sticky or saucy foods. The best part? The holes keep the hot air flowing so your food still gets that perfect, golden crunch. They are cheap, and they save you from scrubbing a greasy basket at the end of the night.

2. A Reusable Silicone Liner (or Mat)

If you hate constantly buying paper, this is your eco-friendly alternative. You just wash it and reuse it. It is a lifesaver for messy cooks. Just make sure you pick a flat mat that doesn’t completely cover the bottom vents, so you don’t block that crucial airflow.

3. A Refillable Oil Mister

Stop buying canned aerosol sprays! Fill a simple pump mister with your own high-smoke-point oil. You get a super fine, even mist—which means better coverage using way less oil. Plus, you avoid the weird additives found in aerosols that slowly destroy your basket’s non-stick coating over time.

4. An Instant-Read Thermometer

Honestly, this is the single best upgrade for your kitchen, period. A good meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out of cooking meat safely. Forget staring at the clock—just check that your chicken hits 75°C / 165°F, and you will never accidentally serve it under-cooked or dry and rubbery again.

5. Silicone-Tipped Tongs

You need something to flip and lift hot food out of a deep drawer, but standard metal tongs will absolutely chew up your non-stick coating. Silicone tips give you plenty of grip without leaving a single scratch on your machine.

6. A Rack or Skewer Set (For Bigger Baskets)

A little stainless steel second-layer rack lets you double up and cook way more food at once. Skewers are fantastic for quick kebabs and roasted veggies. But a quick warning: these are only worth it if your basket is actually big enough to use them without crowding the food together.

Skip These

1. A Full Silicone Pot (or Bowl Insert)

I know, they look so tidy and promise zero cleanup. But they completely wall off your food from the circulating air—which is the entire reason the air fryer makes things crispy in the first place! You end up steaming your dinner instead of air-frying it. It completely defeats the point of the machine.

2. Novelty Single-Use Gadgets

Mini egg-bite molds, tiny bundt pans, or weird little “baskets within baskets.” You will probably use them exactly one time. Save your drawer space. A couple of versatile, oven-safe ceramic ramekins you already own will cover the exact same ground.

3. Overpriced Branded Cooking Sprays

Do not fall for the heavily marked-up cans labeled specifically for “air fryers.” A cheap, refillable mister and a standard bottle of avocado or canola oil costs a fraction of the price, works better, and won’t ruin your non-stick coating.

Before You Buy Any Accessory

• Measure twice: Baskets vary wildly in size and shape. Always double-check the dimensions of an accessory so it actually fits your exact model.
• Mind the breeze: Make sure it doesn’t block the airflow. Anything that covers the entire base or completely seals the food in is going to cost you that golden crispiness.
• Check the heat rating: Confirm that whatever you are putting in there is actually heat-safe up to your machine’s maximum temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accessories do I actually need for an air fryer?

Honestly? Very few. A pack of perforated parchment paper (or a flat silicone mat), a refillable oil mister, and a trusty instant-read thermometer will cover almost every meal you ever make. Everything else is just a nice-to-have bonus.

Are silicone liners better than parchment?

It depends on what you prefer! Silicone is reusable and creates less waste long-term. But parchment is a godsend for extremely sticky or highly acidic foods, and you can just toss it afterward with zero washing required. Both are great—just make sure neither of them completely blocks your airflow.

Do I need a special oil spray for my air fryer?

Nope. A cheap refillable mister filled with a high-smoke-point oil does the exact same job for less money. Plus, it helps you avoid the harsh chemical propellants in aerosol cans that degrade non-stick surfaces over time.

Kitted out and ready to get cooking? Browse our crispy, golden air-fryer recipes and put it all to use.