Which Air Fryer Accessories Are Actually Worth It?
Adding the right accessories to your air fryer can make a big difference in kitchen convenience and meal results. If you want to make clean-up quicker, cook more types of food, or get crispier fries, it pays to look beyond the basics. Here are the accessory categories that offer genuine, practical value for most air fryer users.
Do You Need Liners, and Which Type Is Best?
Silicone basket liners are consistently recommended for their ability to cut cleaning time—especially if you use your air fryer daily or hate scrubbing. They're reusable, dishwasher-safe, and protect the non-stick coating on your basket. Solid silicone liners last longer but take up more storage space; collapsible options are space savers but can wear out along the fold lines. Disposable liners are handy for camping, travel, or anyone allergic to washing up. Specialized liners for brownies, cupcakes, or waffles unlock dessert and baking options without buying separate appliances.
Who should get them? Anyone frustrated by stuck-on residue or repeated washing will find liners a worthwhile upgrade. If maximum crispiness on the underside of food is essential (e.g. toast, pizza), you may prefer to skip them for those recipes.
How Can Inserts and Racks Double Your Cooking Space?
Tiered racks and inserts are a clever way to increase your air fryer's usable area without buying a bigger model. By creating a second (or third) layer in the basket, you can cook multiple types of food at once or batch-cook more efficiently, provided your air fryer is large enough. Mesh baskets and racks with vent holes let hot air circulate and help food crisp evenly. Some inserts even include skewer rests for kebabs or rotisserie-style cooking. When buying, always measure your basket and check product dimensions to avoid fit issues.
Who benefits? Anyone cooking for families, frequent meal preppers, or hungry households will appreciate the extra capacity these inserts create. If you have a compact air fryer or only cook single portions, they're less essential.
Which Utensils Improve Safety and Results?
Specialized air fryer utensils can make using your device safer and easier. Silicone tongs, spatulas, and scoops prevent scratches to non-stick baskets compared to metal utensils, and they make removing food simpler (especially items like fish or chips). A heatproof mat or trivet is a small but vital addition that protects your worktops when you remove the hot basket. A silicone or wooden pastry brush lets you coat ingredients with oil without overdoing it, ideal for crispier textures. A basic digital meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meat, ensuring food safety—especially important when you're learning air fryer timings.
A potato chipper can be worthwhile for keen home cooks who want to make fresh chips—whether to save on freezer food or control oil and seasonings for dietary needs.
Key Takeaways: Are These Accessories Worth Buying?
Quality silicone liners, second-tier racks, and protective utensils all offer real benefits for regular air fryer owners. The best value is in items that save time and effort daily—liners for cleaning, racks to increase capacity, and non-scratch utensils for safety. Skip multi-piece “mega” accessory kits if you only use your air fryer occasionally, or have a small model. Focus on what matches your cooking style and kitchen space for the best value. For renters or those sharing kitchens, most accessories are simple to install or remove, and involve minimal extra cost—making them low-risk upgrades that can genuinely improve how you use your air fryer.