Air Fryer Accessories Actually Worth Buying

The ones worth buying

These items make a real difference to results and cleanup:

If you buy just one thing, make it the thermometer. Air fryer cooking times are guidelines, and a few seconds of probing the thickest part of the food tells you whether chicken has reached 165°F or a burger is cooked through. It prevents both undercooked and dried-out food.

• Perforated parchment liners: cheap, disposable and they keep sticky foods off the basket while letting air through.
• Instant-read thermometer: the best way to know chicken is 165°F and a burger is done, without guessing.
• Refillable oil mister: lets you use your own oil without aerosol propellants that can damage non-stick coatings.
• Silicone-tipped tongs: flip food without scratching the basket.
• Silicone liner or mat: reusable and easy to wash, good for marinated foods.

Good if you use them often

Multi-level rack: doubles your cooking space for items like wings, kebabs and cookies, and is useful for families.

Skewers and kebab rack: short metal or bamboo skewers fit the basket and are great for shrimp, chicken and vegetables.

Oven-safe pan or cake pan: a small round pan that fits your basket opens up cakes, quiches, casseroles and baked pasta.

Ramekins: for lava cakes, baked eggs and dips.

Silicone muffin cups: for muffins, cupcakes and egg bites.

A rack is especially helpful when cooking for more than two people. Cooking on two levels works well for wings, vegetables and cookies, but swap the positions halfway through, since the top level tends to cook faster.

What you can skip

Large, all-in-one accessory kits often include pieces you won't use. A few to be skeptical about: oversize pans that don't fit your model, flimsy racks that bend under weight, and aerosol cooking spray, which manufacturers often advise against.

Also skip anything not listed as compatible with your model. A pan that blocks airflow or touches the heating element can be a hazard.

Be cautious with large silicone molds that block the air path and with cheap, thin pans that warp at high heat. Spend a little more on sturdy items that will last, and skip anything that promises miracle results.

How to choose accessories that fit

Measure your basket before buying. Look for products labeled oven-safe or air fryer-safe, rated to at least 400°F. Leave about an inch of space around pans so air can circulate, and avoid non-stick items that aren't rated for high heat.

Check your owner's manual for any restrictions, especially for metal pans on models with a non-stick coated basket.

A sensible starter set

If you're starting out, buy perforated parchment liners, an instant-read thermometer and a refillable oil mister. Add a small oven-safe pan and a rack once you find yourself wanting to bake or cook more at once. That small collection covers nearly every recipe, and it costs far less than a big kit. For more help, read our beginner tips.