Buying an air fryer is usually simple. Buying accessories for it can become surprisingly complicated.
Search for air fryer accessories and you will find paper liners, silicone baskets, racks, pans, skewers, molds, brushes, sprayers, tongs, thermometers, and large bundles containing enough small parts to start a second kitchen drawer.
Some of these accessories solve real problems. Others duplicate tools you probably already own, reduce airflow, fit poorly, or spend most of their lives stacked behind the air fryer.
The most useful air fryer accessories generally do one of four things:
- Help you check whether food is properly cooked.
- Make food easier to turn or remove.
- Apply oil or sauce more evenly.
- Expand what the air fryer can cook without interfering with its operation.
This guide examines whether popular air fryer accessories are worth it, who may benefit from them, and which products you can usually skip.
For a broader way to evaluate kitchen purchases, read our guide on choosing home gadgets that are actually useful, not just viral.
Quick Answer: Which Air Fryer Accessories Are Actually Useful?
For most air fryer owners, the most useful accessories are:
- An instant-read food thermometer.
- A compact pair of non-scratch tongs.
- An oil sprayer or silicone basting brush.
- A properly sized baking pan for recipes that need a container.
Paper liners may be useful for messy foods, but they are not appropriate for every air fryer or every recipe. Model-specific racks can help with larger batches, while silicone liners and large accessory bundles are more situational.
Air Fryer Accessories at a Glance
| Accessory | Practical Verdict | Best For | Main Caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant-read thermometer | Useful for most owners | Checking doneness | Must be inserted correctly |
| Nylon-tipped tongs | Useful for most owners | Turning and removing food | Avoid overly long or bulky models |
| Oil sprayer | Useful for frequent users | Applying a light coating of oil | Nozzle requires cleaning |
| Silicone basting brush | Useful, inexpensive alternative | Oil, butter, marinades, and sauces | Less convenient for large batches |
| Paper liners | Useful for certain messy foods | Easier cleanup | May restrict airflow or lift toward the heater |
| Reusable silicone liner | Optional | Saucy or sticky foods | May reduce bottom crisping |
| Air fryer baking pan | Useful for specific recipes | Baked and liquid-containing foods | Must fit without blocking airflow |
| Model-specific rack | Useful for larger batches | Adding a cooking level | Compatibility and clearance matter |
| Accessory bundle | Situational | Owners who will use several pieces | Often contains unnecessary items |
| Specialty silicone molds | Usually optional | Frequently repeated specialty recipes | Easy to buy and rarely use |
1. An Instant-Read Thermometer
Verdict: Actually useful for most air fryer owners
Air fryer cooking times can change depending on the appliance, food thickness, starting temperature, basket load, and how closely ingredients are arranged.
A recipe timer can tell you when to check the food. It cannot confirm what is happening inside a thick piece of meat or another temperature-sensitive food.
The ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 is a practical option for checking internal temperature without adding a tool that only works with an air fryer.
Why a Thermometer Is Useful
- It helps reduce guesswork.
- It can help prevent excessive cooking.
- It works with ovens, stovetops, grills, and other cooking methods.
- It is compact and easy to store.
- It is more useful than judging doneness by exterior color alone.
Who May Benefit Most
A thermometer is particularly useful for beginners, people preparing thicker foods, and anyone who frequently adjusts recipes from a conventional oven to an air fryer.
It may be less necessary for foods where internal temperature is not a meaningful measure, such as toast, reheated fries, or some vegetable recipes.
Follow current food-safety guidance for the type of food you are preparing and insert the probe according to the thermometer manufacturer’s instructions.
2. OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs With Nylon Heads
Verdict: Actually useful for most owners
Tongs make it easier to turn, rearrange, and remove hot food without placing your hands close to the basket or heating area.
The OXO Good Grips 9-Inch Tongs With Nylon Heads are worth considering because the compact length suits countertop cooking, while the nylon ends may be more appropriate than bare metal for some coated baskets.
Useful Air Fryer Tasks
- Turning chicken pieces.
- Rearranging vegetables.
- Removing fries or other small foods.
- Moving food without tipping the basket.
- Serving directly from the basket after it has been safely removed.
What to Look For
- A length that provides control without becoming awkward.
- Tips suitable for the air fryer basket surface.
- A secure locking mechanism.
- Enough grip for slippery or rounded foods.
- Cleaning instructions that fit your routine.
You do not need special tongs labeled exclusively for air fryers. A useful pair that also works with pans, salads, and other kitchen tasks is generally the better purchase.
3. EVO Non-Aerosol Oil Sprayer
Verdict: Useful for frequent air fryer cooking
Some air-fried foods benefit from a thin, even layer of oil. Pouring directly from a bottle can leave one section heavily coated while another remains dry.
The EVO Non-Aerosol Oil Sprayer may help apply cooking oil across vegetables, potatoes, breaded foods, and other ingredients before they enter the air fryer.
Why It May Be Worth Considering
- It can distribute oil more evenly than pouring.
- It is refillable.
- It can also be used for roasting, grilling, and baking.
- It may make it easier to coat larger batches lightly.
Possible Drawbacks
- The nozzle requires regular cleaning.
- Different oils may spray differently.
- It requires more storage than a simple brush.
- It may be unnecessary if you prefer tossing ingredients with oil in a bowl.
Add oil to the food according to the air fryer manufacturer’s guidance rather than pouring it into parts of the appliance where it does not belong.
4. OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush
Verdict: A useful and simple alternative to an oil sprayer
An oil sprayer is convenient, but it is not the only way to apply a controlled amount of oil or sauce.
The OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush may be a better option for people who want to brush oil, melted butter, marinade, or sauce directly onto food.
Where a Basting Brush Works Well
- Brushing oil onto vegetables.
- Applying marinade to meat or fish.
- Adding sauce near the end of cooking.
- Coating bread or pastries.
- Controlling how much liquid reaches each piece.
Oil Sprayer or Basting Brush?
| Choose an Oil Sprayer If… | Choose a Basting Brush If… |
|---|---|
| You regularly coat large batches | You prepare smaller portions |
| You want a quick, broad application | You want precise placement |
| You mainly apply thin cooking oils | You use sauces, butter, or thicker marinades |
| You do not mind maintaining the nozzle | You prefer a simple tool that is easy to wash |
Most households do not need both immediately. Choose the tool that matches the ingredients you prepare most often.
5. COSORI Disposable Air Fryer Paper Liners
Verdict: Useful for messy foods, but not for every cooking session
Disposable paper liners are among the most heavily promoted air fryer accessories because they can catch grease, sauce, crumbs, and sticky residue.
The COSORI Disposable Air Fryer Paper Liners may be useful when preparing foods that would otherwise leave difficult residue in the basket.
When Paper Liners May Help
- Sticky marinades.
- Saucy foods.
- Baked items.
- Foods that release substantial crumbs.
- Recipes where easier cleanup matters more than maximum bottom crisping.
Important Limitations
- A liner may interfere with airflow.
- It may reduce browning or crisping underneath the food.
- It creates recurring expense and waste.
- It may not be recommended for your particular air fryer.
- Loose paper can lift if it is not securely weighted by food.
Paper liners are best treated as a situational cleanup tool, not a permanent layer that automatically belongs under every food.
6. Reusable Silicone Air Fryer Liner
Verdict: Optional and recipe-dependent
A reusable silicone air fryer liner can catch oil, sauce, and crumbs without requiring a new disposable liner each time.
Potential Advantages
- It can be washed and reused.
- It may help contain messy sauces.
- It can make certain cleanup tasks easier.
- It may protect part of the basket from sticky residue.
Possible Disadvantages
- A solid base may reduce airflow beneath the food.
- Food may not become as crisp on the bottom.
- Grease can collect around the food rather than draining away.
- The liner itself must be cleaned and dried.
- Some designs may not fit the basket properly.
A silicone liner is better for people who regularly prepare saucy or sticky recipes. It may be less useful for fries, breaded foods, wings, and other foods where airflow around the lower surface is part of the desired result.
Check the dimensions, heat limit, design, and appliance instructions before use.
7. An Air Fryer-Safe Cake Pan or Baking Pan
Verdict: Useful for expanding beyond loose, crispy foods
An air fryer basket works well for foods that can sit directly on the crisper surface. Batter, eggs, sauces, baked desserts, and some casseroles need a separate container.
An air fryer-safe cake pan or baking pan may expand the appliance’s usefulness without requiring a large accessory collection.
Possible Uses
- Small cakes or brownies.
- Baked oatmeal.
- Egg-based dishes.
- Small casseroles.
- Foods containing liquid or batter.
- Reheating portions that should not fall through the basket.
What to Check Before Buying
- The external width and height of the pan.
- The internal dimensions of the basket.
- Clearance around the pan for airflow.
- The material’s stated temperature limit.
- Whether the pan has a practical removal method.
- Whether the pan is compatible with your appliance.
A single properly sized pan is usually more useful than a set of several nearly identical pans.
8. A Model-Specific Multi-Layer Air Fryer Rack
Verdict: Useful for specific models and larger batches
A model-specific multi-layer air fryer rack may create another cooking level inside a compatible basket.
This can help when cooking flatter foods or separate ingredients that do not require the full basket height.
When a Rack May Be Useful
- You regularly prepare larger batches.
- The rack is designed for your exact model.
- The foods can cook effectively in layers.
- You are willing to rearrange or check the layers during cooking.
Why Compatibility Matters
A generic rack may be too wide, too narrow, too tall, unstable, or positioned too close to the heating element.
Even when the rack fits inside the basket, it may leave insufficient vertical clearance for thick food. Adding another layer also does not guarantee that both levels will cook at the same rate.
Choose a rack designed for your model or one whose dimensions and safe-use instructions clearly match it. Do not rely only on the word “universal.”
9. COSORI Six-Piece Air Fryer Accessories Set
Verdict: Worth considering only if you will use several pieces
The COSORI Six-Piece Air Fryer Accessories Set combines several cooking accessories in one package.
Depending on the version, a set may include pieces such as a cake pan, pizza pan, rack, skewers, silicone mat, or specialty mold.
How to Evaluate an Accessory Bundle
| Accessory | Likely Value | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cake or baking pan | Often useful | Baking and foods with liquid |
| Pizza pan | Situational | Small pizzas and flat baked foods |
| Metal rack | Potentially useful | Compatible layered cooking |
| Skewers | Optional | People who prepare kebabs regularly |
| Silicone mat | Limited | Protecting a suitable surface or specific recipes |
| Egg-bite mold | Specialty use | Frequently making egg bites or mini portions |
A bundle may offer value when four or five pieces match your cooking habits. It is poor value when you only want the cake pan and the remaining accessories will occupy a cabinet.
List the pieces you would use before buying. Do not count “maybe someday” as a regular use case.
Air Fryer Accessories That Are Useful in Specific Situations
Small Oven-Safe Ramekins
Ramekins may be useful for individual baked dishes, sauces, eggs, or desserts. Many kitchens already own suitable small baking dishes, so check existing cookware before buying air-fryer-branded versions.
Skewer Racks
A skewer rack can be useful for small kebabs, but it has a narrow purpose. It is more likely to earn its storage space when skewered foods are prepared regularly.
Pizza Pans
A small pizza pan may help with flatbreads, reheating slices, or small homemade pizzas. Its value depends heavily on the basket dimensions and the portions you normally cook.
Silicone Molds
Egg-bite, muffin, or mini-cake molds are worth considering when the matching recipe is already part of your routine. They are less convincing as speculative purchases.
Heat-Resistant Mats
A suitable mat may protect a countertop or provide a place for a hot removable basket, but it should not block appliance vents or conflict with the manufacturer’s placement instructions.
Air Fryer Accessories You Can Usually Skip
Large “Universal” Accessory Bundles
Bundles containing 15, 20, or more pieces often include duplicate liners, multiple molds, small clips, brushes, skewers, racks, and pans with overlapping purposes.
The number of pieces is not the same as the number of useful functions.
Several Different Types of Liners
You probably do not need disposable parchment liners, perforated sheets, silicone baskets, mesh liners, foil liners, and several shapes at the same time.
Choose one liner only after identifying the cleanup problem it needs to solve.
Generic Racks With Unclear Compatibility
A rack that “fits most air fryers” may still fit yours poorly. Model compatibility and safe clearance matter more than the universal label.
Dedicated Air Fryer Grabbers
Specialized grabbers often duplicate the job of ordinary kitchen tongs. A good pair of compact tongs is more versatile.
Air-Fryer-Branded Measuring Tools
Measuring cups, spoons, brushes, and basic utensils do not become more useful because “air fryer” appears on the packaging.
Specialty Molds for Recipes You Rarely Make
A donut mold is not a practical purchase if donuts appear in your kitchen once every two years.
Replacement Crisper Plates Purchased in Advance
A replacement part may be necessary when the original is damaged or no longer suitable for use. It generally does not need to be purchased preemptively as an accessory.
Paper Liners vs Silicone Liners
| Comparison | Paper Liners | Silicone Liners |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanup | Discarded after use | Must be washed |
| Ongoing cost | Requires replacements | Higher initial cost but reusable |
| Waste | Creates disposable waste | Reusable |
| Airflow | Can restrict airflow, depending on design | Can restrict airflow, especially with a solid base |
| Bottom crisping | May reduce direct basket contact | May collect moisture or grease underneath food |
| Best use | Occasional messy foods | Repeated saucy or sticky recipes |
| Main safety issue | Loose paper may lift toward the heater | Must meet temperature and compatibility requirements |
Neither type is automatically better. The best choice depends on the recipe, appliance instructions, and whether easy disposal or reusability matters more to you.
What to Check Before Buying Any Air Fryer Accessory
Your Exact Air Fryer Model
Capacity labels such as 5-quart or 6-quart do not guarantee that two baskets have the same internal shape.
Record the model number and measure the usable interior dimensions.
Airflow Clearance
Air fryers depend on moving hot air around the food. An accessory that fills the basket too tightly can change cooking performance.
Distance From the Heating Element
Tall racks, molds, pans, and raised food require adequate clearance. Do not use an accessory that places food or material too close to the heating element.
Material and Temperature Limits
Confirm that the accessory material is intended for cooking at the temperatures used by your appliance.
Ease of Removal
A pan that fits perfectly may still be frustrating if there is no safe way to lift it from a hot basket.
Cleaning Requirements
Consider whether the product is easy to clean by hand and whether the manufacturer permits dishwasher cleaning.
Storage Space
Remember that racks, pans, liners, molds, and skewers need somewhere to live between cooking sessions.
Common Air Fryer Accessory Buying Mistakes
Buying a Bundle Before Using the Air Fryer
Use the appliance for several weeks first. Your normal recipes will reveal which problems actually need accessories.
Assuming Similar Capacity Means Compatible Size
A square 6-quart basket and a narrow 6-quart basket may require completely different accessories.
Using Liners Automatically
A liner can help with cleanup, but it may be unnecessary for dry foods and may affect airflow or browning.
Choosing Cleanup Over Cooking Performance Every Time
An accessory that keeps the basket spotless but leaves the food less crisp is not always a good trade.
Buying Duplicate Kitchen Tools
Check whether you already own suitable tongs, ramekins, baking dishes, brushes, or thermometers.
Ignoring Storage
A six-piece set becomes a twelve-piece storage problem once every pan, rack, skewer, mold, and lid is separated.
Use our Practical Home Finds Checklist to decide what is worth buying, skipping, or upgrading.
A Practical Air Fryer Accessory Buying Order
- Use the air fryer without extras first. Learn which foods you prepare most often.
- Add a thermometer. This solves a broad cooking problem without being limited to one appliance.
- Use suitable tongs. They help with turning, rearranging, and serving.
- Choose an oil applicator if needed. Pick either a sprayer or brush based on your cooking style.
- Add one recipe-specific accessory. This might be a baking pan, liner, or compatible rack.
- Consider a bundle only afterward. Buy it only when several included pieces already have a clear use.
Care and Safety Tips
- Read the air fryer manual before using third-party accessories.
- Confirm accessory dimensions before ordering.
- Do not block appliance vents.
- Maintain adequate clearance from the heating element.
- Do not preheat with loose paper unless specifically allowed by the manufacturer.
- Keep paper liners weighted securely with food during approved use.
- Unplug and cool the air fryer before cleaning it.
- Use appropriate protection when handling hot pans, racks, or baskets.
- Keep accessory materials within their stated temperature limits.
- Stop using accessories that are damaged, warped, cracked, or unstable.
Model instructions take priority over general accessory advice. An accessory that works safely in one air fryer may not be appropriate for another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryer accessories worth it?
Some are. A thermometer, compact tongs, oil sprayer or brush, and properly sized baking pan may provide regular value. Liners, racks, molds, and bundles are more dependent on the appliance and cooking routine.
Do I need air fryer liners?
No. Liners are optional. They may make cleanup easier for sticky or saucy foods, but they can also affect airflow and browning. Check the air fryer manual before using one.
Are silicone air fryer liners better than paper?
Silicone liners are reusable, while paper liners can be discarded after use. Both may affect airflow or bottom crisping. The better option depends on the recipe and appliance instructions.
Can I put parchment paper in an air fryer?
That depends on the manufacturer and model. Some manufacturers allow properly sized liners under specific conditions, while others do not recommend them. Never allow loose paper to lift toward the heating element.
Do I need a special oil sprayer for an air fryer?
No. A suitable refillable cooking-oil sprayer may be useful, but ingredients can also be tossed with oil in a bowl or coated with a silicone brush.
Is an air fryer rack worth buying?
A rack may be useful for larger batches or layered cooking when it is compatible with the specific appliance. It may not help with thick foods or small portions.
Can I use regular baking pans in an air fryer?
A pan may be suitable when its material, temperature rating, size, and shape are appropriate for the appliance. It must fit while leaving adequate airflow and safe clearance.
Should I buy an air fryer accessory bundle?
Buy a bundle only when you expect to use several included pieces. Purchasing one pan separately is usually more practical if the remaining accessories have no clear purpose.
What is the most useful air fryer accessory?
An instant-read thermometer is one of the most broadly useful choices because it helps check doneness and can be used with many other cooking methods.
What air fryer accessories can I skip?
Most people can skip giant universal bundles, duplicate liners, model-incompatible racks, specialized grabbers, unnecessary replacement parts, and molds for recipes they rarely prepare.
Final Verdict
The best air fryer accessories are not necessarily the ones advertised in the largest bundle.
An instant-read thermometer and compact tongs solve common cooking and handling problems. An oil sprayer or basting brush may help frequent users apply oil more evenly. A properly sized baking pan can expand the recipes the appliance handles.
Paper and silicone liners can be useful, but only when they match the appliance instructions and the recipe. A compatible rack may help with larger batches. Specialty molds and accessory bundles are worthwhile only when their functions match foods you already prepare.
Start with the air fryer itself. Notice where cooking feels inconvenient, messy, or limited. Then buy one accessory that directly addresses that problem.
That approach saves money, protects cabinet space, and prevents a useful appliance from arriving with its own collection of unused plastic companions.
For more grounded kitchen buying guidance, explore our Kitchen Gadgets section, read about kitchen tools that make cooking easier for beginners, or see our list of space-saving kitchen gadgets.