Air fryers have changed how we cook our favorite foods, making them crispy without all the oil. But did you know that simple accessories can make your air fryer even better? The right gadgets turn cooking from a chore into something fun and easy. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or trying new recipes, these helpful tools will save you time and make everything taste amazing.
1. Stackable Racks
Picture cooking chicken on one level while vegetables roast below – that’s the magic of stackable racks! These metal shelves double your cooking space without buying a bigger air fryer.
Perfect for busy families, you can prepare entire meals at once. The racks fit most air fryer baskets and clean up easily in the dishwasher.
Smart cooks use them for everything from bacon and eggs to cookies and pizza rolls. No more waiting for one batch to finish before starting another.
2. Silicone Liners (Reusable or Disposable Parchment Liners)
Cleanup becomes a breeze when silicone liners protect your air fryer basket from sticky messes. These flexible mats catch drips and prevent food from sticking to the bottom.
Reusable versions save money over time and help the environment. Disposable parchment liners work great for messy foods like marinated chicken or saucy vegetables.
Both types have tiny holes that let hot air flow freely around your food. Choose silicone for everyday use or parchment when you want zero cleanup effort.
3. Meat Thermometer (Instant-Read)
Never guess if your chicken is done again! An instant-read thermometer takes the worry out of cooking meat safely in your air fryer.
Professional chefs swear by these gadgets because they give accurate temperatures in seconds. Stick it into the thickest part of your meat and know exactly when dinner is ready.
Digital models are easiest to read, especially for kids learning to cook. Your family will thank you for perfectly cooked steaks, chicken breasts, and pork chops every single time.
4. Heat-Resistant Silicone Tongs
Regular tongs might melt in your hot air fryer, but silicone-tipped ones handle the heat like champions. These colorful tools grip food gently without scratching your basket’s coating.
Flipping delicate fish fillets or moving hot vegetables becomes simple and safe. The silicone tips won’t conduct heat, so your fingers stay comfortable while cooking.
Many come in fun colors that brighten up your kitchen. Choose ones with locking mechanisms to save drawer space when storing them away.
5. Silicone Baking Cups
Transform your air fryer into a mini bakery with adorable silicone baking cups! These flexible molds create perfect individual portions for muffins, cupcakes, and egg bites.
Kids love helping make breakfast egg cups or afternoon treats in these colorful containers. They pop out easily and go straight into the dishwasher when you’re done.
Unlike paper cups, silicone versions last for years and come in many shapes. Try making mini quiches, chocolate lava cakes, or healthy veggie muffins for lunch boxes.
6. Oil Spray Bottle / Mister
Control exactly how much oil touches your food with a refillable spray bottle designed for cooking. These handy misters give you light, even coverage without waste.
Fill yours with olive oil, avocado oil, or any cooking oil you prefer. A few quick sprays help foods get golden and crispy without drowning them in grease.
Store-bought cooking sprays often contain chemicals, but your own mister uses pure oil. Perfect for health-conscious families who want crispy results with minimal added fats and oils.
7. Silicone Pot / Basket Insert
Soups, stews, and pasta dishes become possible in your air fryer with flexible silicone pot inserts. These bowl-shaped accessories turn your appliance into a multi-purpose cooking machine.
Steam vegetables while keeping all their nutrients locked inside. Make one-pot meals that would normally require multiple pans and create less mess in your kitchen.
The handles stay cool enough to grab safely, and the silicone material distributes heat evenly. Perfect for small kitchens where counter space is precious and every appliance needs multiple uses.
8. Skewers or Kebab Racks
Kebab night becomes effortless with specialized skewer racks that hold your meat and veggie combinations perfectly upright. No more rolling skewers or uneven cooking!
Metal skewers conduct heat to cook food from the inside out, while the rack keeps everything stable. Try chicken and pepper combos, or make fruit kabobs for dessert.
Wooden skewers work too, but soak them in water first to prevent burning. Kids can help thread their favorite ingredients, making dinner preparation a fun family activity everyone enjoys.
9. Food Divider or Basket Separator
Cook different foods simultaneously without mixing flavors using clever basket dividers that create separate cooking zones. Chicken stays away from vegetables, and sweet foods don’t touch savory ones.
Families with picky eaters love these separators because everyone gets exactly what they want. Make fish for dad and chicken nuggets for kids in the same batch.
The dividers are usually silicone or metal and fit snugly in most air fryer baskets. Clean-up stays simple since everything cooks in one appliance but maintains distinct flavors and textures.
10. Cleaning Brushes & Non-Abrasive Sponges
Keep your air fryer sparkling clean with specialized brushes designed to reach every corner without damaging the non-stick coating. Regular sponges might scratch, but these gentle tools protect your investment.
Long-handled brushes clean the heating element safely, while soft sponges tackle the basket and tray. Proper cleaning extends your air fryer’s life and prevents stuck-on food from affecting taste.
Many sets include multiple brush sizes for different jobs. Clean equipment cooks better food, so spending a few minutes after each use pays off with consistently delicious results.