1 Introduction: Do You Really Need Air Fryer Accessories?
Your air fryer works great right out of the box—so why would you need accessories? The truth is, while your air fryer can handle most tasks on its own, the right accessories can genuinely expand what you can cook, make cleanup easier, and improve your results. The wrong accessories, however, are a waste of money and cabinet space.
Walk into any home goods store or scroll through Amazon, and you'll find dozens of "essential" air fryer accessory kits promising to transform your cooking. Many of these are cheap bundles filled with items you'll never use—or worse, items that can actually damage your air fryer or create safety hazards.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cut through the marketing hype and give you honest recommendations based on real-world cooking experience. We'll cover every major accessory category, explain which ones are genuinely useful, identify the gimmicks to avoid, and help you choose the right sizes for your specific air fryer model. Whether you've just bought your first air fryer or you're looking to level up your air frying game, you'll know exactly what's worth your money.
We'll also cover safety considerations (some accessories aren't safe for air fryer temperatures), DIY alternatives that work just as well as purchased products, and tips for getting the most out of each accessory. By the end, you'll have a clear shopping list tailored to how you actually cook.
2 Silicone Liners and Mats: The Game-Changer for Easy Cleanup
If you buy only one air fryer accessory, make it a silicone liner. These reusable, flexible mats sit in the bottom of your air fryer basket, catching drips and preventing food from sticking—all while allowing proper air circulation through their perforated design.
Why Silicone Liners Are Worth It
- Dramatically easier cleanup: Instead of scrubbing baked-on residue from your basket, you simply wash the flexible silicone liner
- Protects your basket's non-stick coating: Reduces wear and extends the life of your air fryer
- Food releases easily: Even cheese and breading won't stick
- Reusable and eco-friendly: One liner replaces hundreds of disposable parchment papers
- Dishwasher safe: Most silicone liners clean up effortlessly in the dishwasher
What to Look For
Not all silicone liners are created equal. Here's what separates good ones from cheap knockoffs:
Heat rating: Look for liners rated to at least 450°F (230°C). Most air fryers max out at 400°F, but you want headroom for safety. Avoid any liner that doesn't clearly state its temperature rating.
Food-grade silicone: Ensure the product is made from 100% food-grade silicone, ideally BPA-free and FDA-approved. Cheap liners may contain fillers that can off-gas at high temperatures.
Proper perforation pattern: The holes allow hot air to circulate—this is essential for crispy results. Liners with too few holes or holes that are too small will trap steam and make food soggy.
Correct size: Measure your air fryer basket's interior diameter and buy accordingly. The liner should fit snugly without curling up at the edges. Too small and food falls around the edges; too large and it bunches up and blocks airflow.
Raised edges or handles: Some liners have small handles or raised edges that make them easier to remove when hot. This is a nice-to-have feature, not essential.
Size Guide
- Small (6-7 inches): Fits 2-3.5 quart air fryers
- Medium (7-8 inches): Fits 4-5 quart air fryers
- Large (8-9 inches): Fits 5.5-6.5 quart air fryers
- XL (9+ inches): Fits 7+ quart air fryers
When in doubt, measure your basket and choose the closest size that's slightly smaller than your basket's interior diameter.
Tips for Using Silicone Liners
- Always place food on top of the liner—never run the air fryer with an empty liner
- For maximum crispness on the bottom of foods, remove the liner for the last few minutes of cooking
- Let the liner cool before washing to prevent warping
- Store flat or rolled—don't fold, which can create creases
Our verdict: Essential. The improved cleanup alone makes silicone liners worth every penny. Buy two so you always have a clean one ready.
3 Parchment Paper Rounds: The Disposable Alternative
Perforated parchment paper rounds are the disposable counterpart to silicone liners. They offer similar benefits—easy cleanup and food release—but you throw them away after each use.
Why Use Parchment Paper
- Zero cleanup: Simply toss the paper with the food scraps
- Perfect for messy foods: Bacon, marinated meats, and anything with sticky sauces
- No washing required: Ideal for camping, RV cooking, or when you don't want to deal with dishes
- Cheap: Packs of 100+ rounds cost just a few dollars
Important Safety Considerations
Never use parchment paper in an empty air fryer. The powerful fan will blow the lightweight paper up into the heating element, where it can ignite. Always weigh down parchment with food before turning on the air fryer.
Only use perforated parchment. Regular parchment paper without holes blocks airflow and prevents proper cooking. Air fryer-specific parchment has die-cut holes that allow circulation.
Don't let paper extend above the food. Trim any parchment that sticks up above your food—exposed edges can blow around or touch the heating element.
Check temperature ratings. Standard parchment is safe to about 420-450°F. This covers most air fryer cooking, but avoid using parchment at maximum temperatures for extended periods.
Parchment vs. Silicone Liners
Which should you choose? Here's a quick comparison:
- Choose parchment when: Cooking something extremely messy, don't want any cleanup, cooking away from home
- Choose silicone when: Cooking regularly, want to reduce waste, cooking foods where maximum crispness matters
Many air fryer enthusiasts keep both on hand and choose based on what they're cooking.
DIY Alternative
You can make your own perforated parchment rounds:
- Trace your air fryer basket on regular parchment paper
- Cut out the circle
- Use a hole punch or sharp object to create a pattern of holes throughout
It's more work, but it saves money if you already have parchment paper on hand.
Our verdict: Useful to have on hand, but not essential if you have silicone liners. Buy a pack for messy cooking jobs.
4 Grill Pans and Racks: For Better Browning and Grill Marks
Grill pan inserts and elevated racks sit inside your air fryer basket, lifting food off the bottom for better air circulation and adding attractive grill marks to proteins.
Grill Pan Inserts
These are flat or slightly curved metal pans with raised ridges that create grill marks on steaks, burgers, chicken, and vegetables. They typically have a perforated design that allows air and drippings to pass through.
Benefits:
- Creates restaurant-style grill marks
- Elevates food for better browning on all sides
- Drippings fall away from food, reducing sogginess
- Works great for steaks, chops, burgers, and thick vegetable slices
Drawbacks:
- Reduces usable cooking space
- Another item to clean (ridges can trap food)
- Not necessary for most everyday cooking
Elevated Racks
Simple wire racks that lift food off the basket bottom. These are different from multi-layer racks (covered later)—elevated racks are single-tier and designed to improve airflow around food.
Best uses:
- Bacon (fat drips away, bacon gets crispier)
- Whole chicken wings (air circulates underneath)
- Anything where you want the bottom to crisp, not steam
What to Look For
Material: Stainless steel is the best choice—durable, safe at high temperatures, and dishwasher safe. Avoid anything with non-stick coatings, which can degrade over time and may not be rated for air fryer temperatures.
Size: The rack or pan must fit inside your basket with at least a half-inch clearance around the edges for air circulation. Check your air fryer's dimensions before buying.
Height: Look for low-profile designs (under 1 inch) to preserve cooking space. Taller racks reduce how much food you can fit.
DIY Alternatives
In a pinch, you can use:
- A small metal cooling rack that fits your basket
- Crumpled aluminum foil (creates elevation with some airflow)
- Metal skewers laid across the basket (for flat items)
Our verdict: Nice to have for steak and burger enthusiasts, but not essential. Skip the cheap bundled versions and buy quality stainless steel if you want this accessory.
5 Skewer Racks: For Perfect Kebabs Every Time
Skewer racks hold metal or wooden skewers vertically in your air fryer, allowing kebabs and satay to cook evenly without the tedious process of flipping individual skewers.
How Skewer Racks Work
A typical skewer rack has a base that sits in your air fryer basket with vertical holders that suspend skewers above the bottom. The food hangs in the air, getting hit by hot air from all directions—no flipping required.
Benefits
- Even cooking: All sides cook simultaneously
- Hands-off: No need to flip or rotate
- Increased capacity: Cook 4-8 skewers at once in a vertical arrangement
- Less sticking: Food doesn't sit on the basket
What to Look For
Height compatibility: This is critical. The rack plus loaded skewers must fit inside your air fryer with clearance from the heating element. Measure your air fryer's interior height before buying.
Skewer compatibility: Some racks only work with included metal skewers; others accommodate standard wooden skewers. Check what's included and what fits.
Stability: The base should be heavy enough to stay stable when loaded with food. Flimsy racks can tip over.
Best Uses
- Chicken satay and beef kebabs
- Vegetable skewers
- Shrimp skewers
- Fruit skewers (for dessert)
Tips for Using Skewer Racks
- Cut ingredients to uniform sizes for even cooking
- Leave small gaps between pieces—don't pack them tightly
- If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes first to prevent burning
- Brush with oil for better browning and to prevent sticking
Our verdict: Worth it if you love kebabs and make them regularly. Otherwise, you can lay skewers flat in the basket and flip halfway—it just takes more attention.
6 Baking Pans, Cake Pans, and Pizza Pans
Small baking pans designed to fit inside your air fryer open up a world of baking possibilities—from cakes and brownies to casseroles and gratins.
Types of Baking Pans
Round cake pans: The most common air fryer baking accessory. Use for cakes, quiches, frittatas, and deep-dish preparations. Look for 6-7 inch diameter for most air fryers.
Loaf pans: Perfect for quick breads, meatloaf, and layered casseroles. Typically 6-7 inches long to fit air fryer baskets.
Pizza pans: Shallow, flat pans with perforations for making personal-sized pizzas with crispy crusts. Usually 7-8 inches in diameter.
Silicone baking molds: Flexible molds for muffins, egg bites, and individual portions. Easy to remove food and clean.
Material Considerations
- Stainless steel: Most durable, safe at all temperatures, no coating to degrade. Heavier and may take slightly longer to heat.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and conducts heat well. Some concern about aluminum and acidic foods, though generally considered safe for occasional use.
- Silicone: Flexible, non-stick, easy to clean. Must be rated for air fryer temperatures (check for 450°F+ rating). Can be floppy when filled—place on a solid pan or rack for support.
- Non-stick coated: Convenient but coatings can degrade over time, especially at high temperatures. Avoid if the coating is already scratched or peeling.
Size Guide
Baking pans need clearance around them for air circulation—at least 1 inch on all sides:
- 3-4 quart air fryers: 4-5 inch pans
- 5-6 quart air fryers: 6-7 inch pans
- 7+ quart air fryers: 7-8 inch pans
Baking Tips for Air Fryers
Baking in an air fryer requires some adjustments from conventional oven baking:
- Reduce temperature: Lower by 25-50°F from oven recipes
- Reduce time: Start checking 5-10 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests
- Cover if needed: The top of baked goods can brown too quickly. Tent with foil if the top is browning before the center is done.
- Don't fill to the top: Leave room for rising—fill pans only 2/3 full
What You Can Make
- Small cakes and cupcakes
- Brownies and blondies
- Frittatas and egg bakes
- Personal pizzas
- Mac and cheese
- Meatloaf
- Bread and rolls
- Cobblers and crisps
Our verdict: Great addition if you want to bake in your air fryer. A single 6-7 inch round pan is the most versatile starting point.
7 Silicone Tongs and Safe Utensils
You need something to flip, turn, and remove food from your air fryer. The wrong utensils can scratch and damage the non-stick coating on your basket, leading to premature wear and food sticking.
Why Silicone-Tipped Tongs Are Essential
Silicone-tipped tongs are the workhorse tool for air frying:
- Won't scratch: Soft silicone tips protect your non-stick basket coating
- Heat resistant: Quality silicone handles temperatures up to 450-600°F
- Precise control: Better grip than spatulas for flipping individual pieces
- Versatile: Works for everything from delicate fish to heavy steaks
What to Avoid
- Metal tongs: Will scratch and damage non-stick coating with repeated use
- Sharp utensils: Forks, knives, metal spatulas are all no-gos inside the basket
- Plastic utensils: May not be heat-rated for air fryer temperatures and can melt
What to Look For
Length: 9-12 inch tongs are ideal—long enough to reach into the basket without burning your hand, but not so long they're unwieldy.
Locking mechanism: Tongs that lock closed are easier to store.
Heat rating: Ensure the silicone is rated for at least 450°F. Some cheap silicone products have lower ratings or contain fillers that aren't truly heat-safe.
Good grip: The tong tips should grip food securely without requiring excessive squeezing.
Other Useful Utensils
- Silicone spatula: Useful for stirring vegetables or scooping food from baking pans
- Silicone oven mitts: For removing hot pans and baskets safely
- Silicone brush: For applying oil or marinades without scratching
Our verdict: Essential. You probably already have tongs in your kitchen—just make sure they have silicone tips. If not, this is a must-buy accessory.
8 Oil Sprayers and Misters: Better Than Aerosol Cans
A light coating of oil improves browning and crispness in air-fried food. How you apply that oil matters more than you might think.
Why You Need an Oil Sprayer
The goal with oil in air frying is a thin, even coating—not puddles or dry spots. A good oil sprayer delivers exactly that, using far less oil than pouring or brushing.
Avoid Aerosol Cooking Sprays
Important: Commercial aerosol cooking sprays (PAM, etc.) can damage your air fryer's non-stick coating. These sprays contain propellants and additives that build up on non-stick surfaces over time, creating a sticky residue that causes food to stick—the opposite of what you want.
Instead, use a refillable oil sprayer filled with your choice of cooking oil.
Types of Oil Sprayers
Pump sprayers: You pump air into the bottle to build pressure, then spray. Produces a fine mist but requires re-pumping every few sprays. Most affordable option.
Continuous mist sprayers: More expensive but don't require pumping—just press and spray. Easier to use but the mechanism can clog over time.
Trigger sprayers: Like a mini spray bottle. Produces a coarser spray than pump or mist styles but is simple and reliable.
Best Oils for Air Frying
Choose oils with high smoke points for air frying:
- Avocado oil: Smoke point 520°F, neutral flavor—our top pick
- Light/refined olive oil: Smoke point 465°F, mild flavor
- Vegetable/canola oil: Smoke point 400-450°F, neutral flavor
- Peanut oil: Smoke point 450°F, slight nutty flavor
Avoid extra virgin olive oil (smoke point 325-375°F) for high-temperature air frying—it will smoke and create off-flavors.
Tips for Using Oil Sprayers
- Spray food, not the basket—the coating is already non-stick
- A quick 1-2 second spray is usually enough
- For frozen foods that are already pre-oiled, you may not need additional oil
- Clean your sprayer regularly to prevent clogs
- Store at room temperature; refrigerated oil can clog spray mechanisms
Our verdict: Essential. A $10-15 oil sprayer saves you money on commercial sprays and protects your air fryer's coating. It pays for itself quickly.
9 Cleaning Brushes and Maintenance Tools
Keeping your air fryer clean ensures better-tasting food, prevents smoke, and extends the life of your appliance. The right cleaning tools make this easy. For a complete cleaning guide, see our how to clean your air fryer guide.
Air Fryer Cleaning Brushes
Specialized air fryer cleaning brushes are designed to clean the basket's perforations and reach into the heating element area without causing damage.
What to look for:
- Soft bristles that won't scratch non-stick coatings
- Angled or curved design to reach the heating element
- Long handle to access deep baskets
- Heat-resistant materials (in case you clean while still warm)
What You Actually Need
You don't necessarily need specialized air fryer cleaning tools. Here's what works:
For the basket:
- Non-abrasive sponge or soft brush
- Old toothbrush for getting into perforations
- Dish soap and warm water
For the heating element:
- Damp cloth or paper towel
- Soft brush to remove loose debris
- Never use water directly on the heating element
For stubborn residue:
- Baking soda paste (baking soda + water)
- Soaking in warm soapy water for 10-20 minutes
- White vinegar for cutting through grease
What to Avoid
- Metal scouring pads: Destroy non-stick coating
- Abrasive cleaners: Scratch and damage surfaces
- Dishwasher (unless specified): Many non-stick coatings degrade faster in dishwashers
- Submerging the main unit: Never put the base unit in water—electronics inside
Cleaning Frequency
- After every use: Wipe basket and tray with warm soapy water
- Weekly: Clean heating element, interior walls, and exterior
- Monthly: Deep clean including vents and any removable parts
Our verdict: You probably already have everything you need—a soft sponge, dish soap, and an old toothbrush. Specialized brushes are nice but not essential.
10 Multi-Layer Racks and Stackers: Cook More at Once
Multi-layer racks (also called stackers or dehydrator racks) add one or more additional cooking levels to your air fryer, effectively increasing capacity. But do they actually work?
How Multi-Layer Racks Work
These accessories are typically wire racks that sit above the main basket, creating a second (or third) cooking tier. Food on each level gets exposed to the circulating hot air.
Pros
- Increased capacity: Cook 50-100% more food in a single batch
- Cook different items simultaneously: Proteins on one level, vegetables on another
- Better than overcrowding: Two proper layers beat one overcrowded layer
- Great for dehydrating: Spread thin items across multiple racks
Cons
- Uneven cooking: Top layer is closer to heating element and may cook faster
- Reduced airflow: More food means air has to work harder to circulate
- Drip concerns: Food on upper racks can drip onto lower items
- Height limitations: Only works in air fryers with sufficient vertical space
Best Uses for Multi-Layer Racks
- Dehydrating: Fruit, jerky, herbs spread in thin layers
- Reheating: Multiple portions of different leftovers
- Similar items: Double batch of fries, wings, or vegetables
- Strategic pairing: Put items that benefit from drippings on the bottom (like vegetables under bacon)
Tips for Using Multi-Layer Racks
- Rotate or swap rack positions halfway through cooking
- Use the top level for items that need extra browning
- Reduce cooking temperature by 10-25°F when cooking multiple layers
- Don't block airflow—use racks with open wire designs, not solid pans
- Check both levels frequently until you learn how your setup cooks
Our verdict: Useful for specific situations (dehydrating, meal prep, entertaining), but not necessary for everyday cooking. If you frequently find yourself batch-cooking, it may be worth the investment—otherwise, consider whether you need a larger air fryer instead.
11 Gimmicks to Avoid: Save Your Money
The air fryer accessory market is flooded with products that look useful in photos but disappoint in real life. Here's what to skip.
Cheap Accessory "Bundles"
Those 15-piece accessory kits for $20? They're filled with low-quality items you'll never use. Common problems:
- Thin, flimsy pans that warp at high temperatures
- Non-stick coatings that peel after a few uses
- Sizes that don't actually fit common air fryers
- Duplicate items you don't need (multiple cake pans, etc.)
Better approach: Buy individual, quality accessories that you'll actually use.
Overly Specific Single-Use Items
- "Egg bite" molds: You'll use it twice and forget it exists
- Toast racks: Just put the bread directly in the basket
- Specialized meat separators: Tongs work fine
- Air fryer "recipe cards": Use free online recipes instead
Products That Block Airflow
Some accessories look convenient but defeat the purpose of air frying:
- Solid metal drip trays without perforations
- Deep containers that trap steam
- Anything that completely covers the basket bottom
Remember: hot air circulation is what makes an air fryer work. Anything that significantly blocks airflow will give you soggy results.
Low-Quality Non-Stick Items
Cheap non-stick coatings are worse than no coating at all:
- They peel and flake into your food
- They may not be rated for air fryer temperatures
- They create chemical concerns at high heat
Better choice: Plain stainless steel or high-quality food-grade silicone.
Aerosol-Based "Air Fryer Cooking Sprays"
Don't fall for marketing. These are just regular aerosol sprays rebranded—and they still damage non-stick coatings. Use a refillable oil sprayer instead.
Overpriced "Premium" Accessories
A $50 air fryer basket liner is not 10x better than a $5 one. Once you have food-grade silicone rated for proper temperatures, you've checked all the boxes. Brand names don't make silicone work better.
Rule of thumb: If an accessory seems gimmicky or overly specific, it probably is. Stick with versatile, well-made basics.
12 How to Choose the Right Size Accessories
The most common accessory disappointment is buying something that doesn't fit your air fryer. Here's how to avoid that mistake.
Measure Your Air Fryer Basket
Before buying any accessory, measure:
- Interior diameter (or length/width): Measure the widest point inside the basket, from wall to wall
- Interior height: From the basket bottom to the heating element (with space to spare)
- Basket shape: Round, square, or oval? Accessories should match
Account for Clearance
Accessories need clearance around them for air circulation:
- Liners: Should be 0.5-1 inch smaller than basket diameter
- Pans: Need at least 1 inch clearance on all sides
- Racks: Need clearance both around and above for air to circulate
- Height: Leave at least 1-2 inches between food and heating element
Common Air Fryer Sizes and Accessory Fit
- 2-3 quart (6-7" basket): Look for 5-6" accessories
- 4-5 quart (7-8" basket): Look for 6-7" accessories
- 5-6 quart (8-9" basket): Look for 7-8" accessories
- 7+ quart (9"+ basket): Look for 8"+ accessories
For detailed measurements by model, see our complete air fryer size guide.
Basket vs. Oven-Style Air Fryers
Accessories designed for basket-style air fryers may not work in oven-style (toaster oven) air fryers, and vice versa:
- Basket-style: Round or square accessories, need to fit in pull-out basket
- Oven-style: Rectangular accessories, slide in on racks like a toaster oven
Check which type you have before buying.
When in Doubt, Go Smaller
An accessory that's too small still works—it just cooks less food. An accessory that's too large doesn't fit at all. If you're between sizes, choose the smaller option.
13 DIY Alternatives: What You Already Have
Before buying specialized accessories, check what you already own. Many common kitchen items work perfectly in air fryers.
Instead of Perforated Parchment
Make your own: Trace your basket on regular parchment paper, cut it out, and punch holes with a standard hole punch or fork. Time-consuming but free if you have parchment on hand.
Instead of Air Fryer Baking Pans
Use any oven-safe pan that fits:
- Small ceramic ramekins
- Mini loaf pans
- Metal tart tins
- Small glass dishes (Pyrex)
Safety note: Ensure any dish is rated for your air fryer's temperature. Avoid thin glass or containers with plastic components.
Instead of Elevated Racks
Try:
- A small metal cooling rack that fits your basket
- Crumpled aluminum foil balls to elevate food
- Metal cookie cutters as props
Instead of an Oil Sprayer
In a pinch:
- Pour a small amount of oil in a bowl, brush it on with a silicone brush
- Rub a paper towel with oil and pat it on food
- Toss food in a bowl with a teaspoon of oil before adding to the basket
These work but use more oil than a sprayer. A sprayer is a worthy $10-15 investment.
Instead of Silicone Liners
Aluminum foil can work for single uses:
- Shape foil to fit the basket bottom
- Poke holes throughout for airflow
- Weigh down with food before starting
Not as elegant as a silicone liner, and you'll go through foil, but it works in a pinch.
Instead of Specialized Cleaning Brushes
Use what you have:
- Old toothbrush for scrubbing perforations
- Soft dish sponge for general cleaning
- Damp cloth for the heating element
14 Recommended Shopping List by Priority
Based on real-world usefulness and value, here's our prioritized accessory shopping list.
Tier 1: Essential (Buy These First)
- Silicone liner: Makes cleanup effortless, protects your basket. $8-15
- Silicone-tipped tongs: Essential for flipping without scratching. $8-12
- Oil sprayer: Even oil application, protects non-stick coating. $10-15
Total investment: $26-42
Tier 2: Highly Useful (Buy If You Cook Often)
- Instant-read thermometer: Ensures food safety and perfect doneness. $15-25
- Round baking pan (6-7 inch): Opens up baking possibilities. $10-15
- Perforated parchment rounds: For messy foods and easy cleanup. $8-12 for 100+
Total investment: $33-52
Tier 3: Nice to Have (Based on Cooking Style)
- Grill pan: If you love grilled steaks and burgers. $15-25
- Skewer rack: If you make kebabs regularly. $12-20
- Multi-layer rack: If you meal prep or cook for groups. $15-25
- Pizza pan: If personal pizzas are your thing. $12-18
Skip Unless You Have a Specific Need
- Accessory bundles/kits (usually low quality)
- Single-use specialty molds
- Anything that significantly blocks airflow
- Items without clear temperature ratings
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Widest selection, read reviews carefully for size compatibility
- Brand stores: Your air fryer manufacturer likely sells compatible accessories
- Home goods stores: Can see items in person, often reasonably priced
- Restaurant supply stores: Quality stainless steel items at fair prices
15 Safety Considerations: What's Safe to Use
Not everything is safe to put in an air fryer. Here's what you need to know to cook safely.
Temperature Ratings Matter
Air fryers typically reach 400°F (200°C), with some going up to 450°F. All accessories must be rated for these temperatures:
- Silicone: Look for 450°F+ rating (quality silicone handles up to 500-600°F)
- Parchment paper: Standard parchment is safe to 420-450°F
- Metal: Stainless steel and aluminum are safe at all air fryer temperatures
- Glass: Only oven-safe glass (Pyrex, etc.); avoid thin glass that may shatter
- Plastic: Generally not safe—check specific ratings, but most plastic isn't rated for air fryer temps
Non-Stick Coating Safety
Some non-stick coatings break down at high temperatures, potentially releasing harmful fumes:
- Only use non-stick items rated for air fryer temperatures
- Replace any non-stick items with scratched, peeling, or damaged coatings
- When possible, choose uncoated stainless steel or silicone instead
Fire Safety
- Never run empty with paper: Parchment or paper can blow into the heating element and ignite
- Don't overfill: Food touching the heating element can burn or catch fire
- Clean regularly: Grease buildup is a fire hazard
- Maintain clearance: Keep the air fryer away from walls, cabinets, and flammable materials
Materials to Avoid
- Plastic containers: Can melt and release chemicals
- Wax paper: Can melt and smoke; not the same as parchment paper
- Paper towels: Can blow around and potentially ignite
- Foam containers: Will melt immediately
- Cardboard: Can scorch or catch fire
Accessory Quality Red Flags
- No temperature rating listed
- Unclear material composition
- Strong chemical smell when new
- Extremely low prices (often means corner-cutting on materials)
- No brand name or contact information
When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or choose a different product. Safety is worth a few extra dollars.
16 Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-have air fryer accessories?
The three most useful air fryer accessories are: (1) a silicone liner for easy cleanup and basket protection, (2) silicone-tipped tongs for flipping food without scratching, and (3) a refillable oil sprayer for even, light oil application. These three items will improve virtually every air frying session and cost under $40 total. After these essentials, a round baking pan and instant-read thermometer are the next most useful additions depending on what you cook.
Are air fryer accessory kits worth buying?
Most air fryer accessory "bundles" or kits are not worth buying. They typically contain low-quality items that warp, peel, or break quickly, and often include things you'll never use. You're better off buying individual, quality accessories that you actually need. A $20 kit of 15 items usually contains $5 worth of usable products. Instead, invest $30-40 in 3-4 quality essentials that will last.
Can I use regular parchment paper in my air fryer?
Yes, but with modifications. Regular parchment paper blocks airflow, which prevents proper cooking and crispiness. You need to punch holes throughout the paper to allow air circulation—use a hole punch or fork to create a perforated pattern. Pre-made perforated air fryer parchment is more convenient and inexpensive. Important: never run your air fryer with parchment paper and no food—the fan can blow lightweight paper into the heating element, creating a fire hazard.
Is it safe to use aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, aluminum foil is safe in air fryers when used properly. Foil must be weighted down with food so it doesn't blow into the heating element. Never cover all the air holes in the basket—leave some open for circulation. Don't use foil with acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus, vinegar) as it can react. Foil works well for wrapping delicate fish, creating packets, or lining the basket for easy cleanup—just poke holes for airflow.
Why shouldn't I use PAM or aerosol cooking sprays in my air fryer?
Aerosol cooking sprays like PAM contain propellants and additives (lecithin, dimethyl silicone) that build up on non-stick surfaces over time. This creates a sticky, gummy residue that actually makes food stick more—the opposite of the intended effect. Over time, this buildup can become permanent and ruin your basket's non-stick coating. Use a refillable oil sprayer with pure cooking oil instead—it's cheaper, safer for your air fryer, and gives you more control over the amount of oil used.
What size air fryer accessories do I need?
Measure your air fryer basket's interior diameter first. Accessories need clearance around them for air circulation: liners should be 0.5-1 inch smaller than your basket, and pans need at least 1 inch clearance on all sides. For a 7-inch basket, buy 6-inch accessories. For an 8-inch basket, buy 7-inch accessories. When in doubt, go smaller—an accessory that's slightly too small still works, but one that's too large doesn't fit at all. Check both diameter and height to ensure accessories won't touch the heating element.
Are silicone liners better than parchment paper for air fryers?
Both have their place, but silicone liners are better for regular use. Silicone liners are reusable (saving money and waste), dishwasher safe, and more durable. Parchment paper is convenient for extremely messy foods when you want zero cleanup, or when cooking away from home. Many air fryer enthusiasts keep both on hand. For everyday cooking, silicone liners are the better investment. For bacon, sticky marinades, or camping, disposable parchment is more practical.
Can I use glass or ceramic dishes in my air fryer?
Yes, but only oven-safe glass (like Pyrex) or ceramic dishes rated for high temperatures. Check that the dish is rated for at least 425°F and that it fits in your basket with at least 1 inch clearance on all sides. Avoid thin glass, decorative ceramics, or anything with metallic trim. Note that glass and ceramic take longer to heat than metal, which may increase cooking time. They're best for dishes that benefit from even, gentle heat like casseroles or baked eggs.
Do I need a grill pan insert for my air fryer?
A grill pan is nice-to-have, not essential. It's worth buying if you frequently cook steaks, burgers, or thick vegetable slices and want attractive grill marks. The raised ridges also elevate food, allowing better air circulation underneath. However, your air fryer's standard basket handles most foods perfectly well. If you're on a budget, skip the grill pan—it's more about aesthetics than function for most cooking.
What temperature should air fryer accessories be rated for?
All air fryer accessories should be rated for at least 450°F (230°C), even if your air fryer only goes to 400°F. This provides a safety margin. Look for: silicone rated to 450-600°F, food-grade materials with clear temperature ratings, and avoid anything that doesn't list a temperature rating. Parchment paper is typically safe to 420-450°F, which covers most air fryer cooking. If an accessory doesn't clearly state its heat tolerance, don't use it in your air fryer.
Are multi-layer racks worth it for air fryers?
Multi-layer racks are worth it for specific use cases: dehydrating fruits and jerky, meal prepping large batches, or cooking for groups. They increase capacity by 50-100%. However, they have drawbacks: the top layer cooks faster (requiring rotation), airflow is reduced, and drips from upper food can fall on lower items. For everyday cooking for 1-4 people, multi-layer racks are unnecessary. If you frequently need more capacity, consider whether a larger air fryer would be a better investment.
How do I clean air fryer accessories?
Most air fryer accessories clean easily with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Silicone liners and metal racks are typically dishwasher safe—check the product specifications. For stuck-on residue, soak in warm soapy water for 10-20 minutes before scrubbing. Use baking soda paste for tough spots. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on non-stick surfaces. Dry accessories completely before storing to prevent moisture damage. Clean after every use to prevent buildup.
Can I make my own air fryer accessories?
Yes! Many DIY alternatives work well. Make perforated parchment by cutting regular parchment to size and punching holes with a hole punch. Use small oven-safe ramekins instead of buying specialty pans. A small metal cooling rack can serve as an elevated rack. Crumpled aluminum foil balls can prop up food. However, some accessories—like silicone liners and oil sprayers—are inexpensive enough that the convenience of buying them outweighs DIY effort.