2026-10-29 · 4 min read

Air Fryer Accessories Worth Buying (and the Ones to Skip)

Air fryers are one of the most popular small appliances in American kitchens, and the accessory market has followed. Search Amazon and you'll find hundreds of add-ons: liners, racks, silicone pots, skewers, mitts and more. Some of them make cooking and cleanup easier; others mostly take up drawer space.

This guide sorts the useful from the gimmicky, based on how air fryers work, manufacturer guidance and patterns in public buyer reviews. We haven't run our own tests. Prices change often, so use the buttons for current prices.

First: check your air fryer's manual

Before buying any accessory, read what your air fryer's manufacturer says about it. Air fryers cook by circulating hot air, and anything that blocks airflow — or that's light enough to blow into the heating element — can affect results or create a hazard. Some manufacturers specifically warn against certain liners or against using any accessory without food on top of it. Measure your basket, too; accessories sold as "5–8 quart" don't fit every basket shape.

Worth buying

1. Parchment liners

Disposable parchment liners are the accessory buyers mention most for cutting cleanup. The square, unbleached liners that dominate Amazon's best-seller lists are typically rated to around 450°F and sized for 5–8 quart baskets; one of the top listings showed tens of thousands of ratings and very high monthly purchase numbers when we checked. Perforated versions let more air through, which helps with crisping.

Safety note that shows up repeatedly in reviews and manuals: never preheat an air fryer with an empty liner in it. Without food weighing it down, the liner can be blown into the heating element. Put the food on the liner first.

2. A refillable oil sprayer

Air fryers crisp best with a light coat of oil, and a sprayer distributes it more evenly than drizzling. Many air fryer makers advise against aerosol cooking sprays, because some propellants and additives can build up on and damage non-stick baskets. A refillable glass sprayer avoids that. This YARRAMATE 2-in-1 bottle can spray or pour and had tens of thousands of ratings when we checked.

3. An instant-read thermometer

Air fryers cook fast, and their exterior browning can make food look done before the inside is. A thermometer is the reliable way to check chicken (165°F per USDA), pork chops (145°F with a rest) and reheated leftovers (165°F). This is the accessory that makes air-fried chicken thighs and breasts stress-free.

4. A kitchen scale for consistent batches

Air fryer results depend on not overcrowding the basket. Weighing portions — say, a pound of wings — makes it easier to repeat a batch that worked and adjust times predictably.

5. Storage containers for prepped ingredients and leftovers

Air fryers are great for reheating leftovers crisp, and prepping vegetables ahead of time makes weeknight air frying faster. Clear, stackable containers make both easier.

Situational: useful for some cooks

• Silicone baskets or pots: reusable alternatives to parchment. Buyers like that there's no waste; the trade-off is that they can reduce crisping by blocking airflow and need washing.
• Racks and skewers: add a second layer for more food. Helpful in larger air fryers; in small ones, they can lead to uneven cooking.
• Small cake pans: handy if you bake in your air fryer, otherwise skip.
• Silicone-tipped tongs: protect the non-stick coating when flipping food. You may already own a pair.

Usually skip

These are the add-ons that reviewers most often regret buying.

• Big multi-piece accessory kits. They often include pans and racks that don't fit your basket. Buy individual pieces you'll use.
• Aluminum foil as a full basket liner. Foil can block airflow entirely; if you use foil at all, follow your manual's guidance.
• Aerosol cooking spray on non-stick baskets, for the reasons above.
• Cheap "cheat sheet" magnets with cooking times. Times vary between models; a thermometer is more reliable.

Tips that make air frying better (no accessory required)

• Don't overcrowd. Leave space between pieces for air to circulate. Cook in batches.
• Shake or flip halfway. It evens out browning.
• Pat food dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispness.
• Use a light coat of oil for vegetables and breaded foods.
• Preheat if your manual recommends it — with the basket empty of liners.
• Clean the basket after each use once it has cooled, to prevent buildup and smoke.

Common questions

Do parchment liners affect crispiness?

Solid liners can reduce crisping on the bottom because they block some airflow. Perforated liners reduce that effect. Many cooks remove the liner for the last few minutes for extra crunch.

Are liners safe at high temperatures?

Always check the temperature rating printed on the package and stay within it. Most parchment liners on the best-seller list are rated around 450°F, above the maximum of many home air fryers, but ratings vary.

How do I clean a sticky basket?

Let it cool fully, then soak it in warm, soapy water, then use a soft sponge. Avoid steel wool and abrasive powders, which can damage the coating.

Can I put a glass or ceramic dish in my air fryer?

Some manufacturers allow oven-safe dishes that fit with space around them for airflow; others don't. Check the manual, and avoid sudden temperature changes that can crack glass.

Do I need different accessories for a dual-basket model?

Dual-basket air fryers usually have narrower, rectangular baskets, so square liners and racks made for single round or square baskets may not fit. Look for accessories that list your basket's exact dimensions.

Which accessory should I buy first?

For most people, start small and practical: a refillable oil sprayer and a pack of liners, followed by a thermometer if you cook a lot of chicken or pork.

The bottom line

The air fryer accessories most worth buying are the simple ones: parchment liners for cleanup, a refillable oil sprayer instead of aerosol, and a thermometer to confirm doneness. Add a scale and good containers if you batch-cook. Skip the big kits and buy only what fits your basket and your cooking.