Best air fryer accessories
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
Parchment liners, stackable racks, and silicone baking molds are the accessories most owners actually find useful, but cheap liners can block airflow, and multi-tier racks only fit certain basket shapes. Stick to brand-specific or well-reviewed universal parts, avoid unnecessary add-ons like pizza pans unless you cook frozen pizza often, and always measure your basket before buying.
Parchment liners: convenient but easy to misuse
Reusable silicone liners and disposable parchment rounds are the most popular air fryer accessories because they catch drips and make cleanup nearly instant. The catch: cheap, thin parchment can lift up and block the fan, causing smoke or uneven cooking. Owner reviews consistently recommend buying perforated liners that let air circulate, or cutting your own parchment so it lies flat but doesn’t cover the entire basket bottom. Disposable liners are handy for bacon or breaded items, but for everyday use a simple silicone mat (sized to fit your basket) is more reliable and costs far less over time.
Multi-tier racks and skewers: worth it for larger batches
If you regularly cook for more than two people, a metal stacking rack or rotisserie-style skewer set can double your batch size. Most aftermarket racks fit standard basket-style air fryers, but you need to check the interior height – a tall rack in a compact air fryer will scorch food on top. Skewer attachments (often sold as “kebab kits”) work best for chicken pieces or vegetables, though many owners report that thin wooden skewers still fit the slots and are cheaper. Wire racks are generally safe and produce crispier results because they lift food off the bottom, just be sure the rack’s feet aren’t too tall to close the drawer.
Baking pans and silicone molds: great for cakes and casseroles
A small nonstick baking pan (often sold as an air fryer cake pan) or a silicone muffin mold opens up baking: cakes, frittatas, mini quiches, and even personal pizzas. Owner feedback suggests that silicone is the most versatile because it flexes to fit round or square baskets, is nonstick, and won’t scratch the coating. Avoid glass or ceramic unless they are explicitly oven-safe to high heat – temperature shock can crack them. A single 6- to 7-inch round pan is enough for most recipes, and many air fryer users find they use it more often than the basket itself for delicate foods.
Pizza pans and dehydrator trays: niche but handy
Pizza pans are one of the most searched air fryer accessories, but they’re only useful if you make frozen pizzas regularly. A perforated pizza pan helps crisp the crust, but a standard baking pan with holes works just as well. Dehydrator trays are a separate accessory for basket-style air fryers that let you dry fruits and vegetables without overlapping; these are worth buying only if you plan to make jerky or dried herbs often. Most air fryers already have a dehydrate function – the trays just organize the food better. Read reviews carefully because not all trays fit every brand’s cage or basket diameter.
Silicone tongs and splatter guards: small upgrades that save hassle
Silicone tongs are frequently recommended by air fryer owners because they’re heat‑resistant to at least 400°F and won’t scratch the nonstick coating. A splatter guard – usually a shallow silicone mesh ring that fits over the basket – reduces grease spray when cooking fatty foods like wings or bacon. While not essential, these two inexpensive additions address common complaints (hard-to-grab food and messy countertops) and are consistently praised in user reviews. Just make sure the splatter guard doesn’t touch the heating element when the drawer is closed.
What fits most models? Measuring and material tips
Most air fryer accessories are designed to fit 4‑ to 6‑quart basket styles, but always measure your basket’s interior width and height before buying. Dishwasher-safe stainless steel or platinum-cured silicone are the safest materials; avoid nonstick coatings on aftermarket pans unless they are from the same brand as your fryer, because cheap coatings can peel. Published expert guides and long-term owner reviews repeatedly stress that the most “worth it” accessory is the one that solves a specific problem you have – messy cleanup, small batch size, or the desire to bake in the air fryer. Buying a multipack of liners and one good silicone pan covers 90% of use cases.
Frequently asked questions
Are air fryer parchment liners safe to use?
Yes, if you use perforated liners or trim them so they lie flat and don’t lift up into the fan. Unperforated liners can trap heat and cause smoking or uneven cooking. Stick to silicone or parchment that is labeled oven-safe to at least 400°F.
Can I use metal pans in any air fryer?
Metal pans work fine in most basket‑style air fryers as long as they fit without touching the heating element on top. Avoid pans with sharp edges that could scratch the nonstick coating. Glass and ceramic are safe if they are marked oven-safe to the fryer’s maximum temperature.
How do I know if a rack or skewer will fit my air fryer?
Measure the basket’s interior width, length, and height after the drawer is fully inserted. Many accessory listings list “fits most 5–6 quart models,” but double-check because shape matters – round baskets are more restrictive than square ones.
Do accessories void the air fryer warranty?
Usually not, but using an accessory that blocks airflow or damages the basket’s coating can void coverage for that specific issue. Stick to accessories from the same brand or well-reviewed third-party items that clearly state they are designed for your model.
Can I put silicone muffin cups directly in the basket?
Yes – silicone cups are flexible and heat‑safe. They let you make muffins or egg bites without a separate pan. Just space them so air can circulate, and don’t overload the basket.
What’s the one accessory every air fryer owner should buy?
A good silicone liner or a set of perforated parchment papers. They drastically reduce cleaning time, especially for sticky or greasy foods, and cost very little. Avoid cheap unpunctured liners, though – they do more harm than good.