What Accessories Should You Keep With an Air Fryer?

One of the most useful accessories for an air fryer is a grill divider that fits the appliance’s basket. This thin metal rack keeps different foods from mixing while they cook at the same time and effectively doubles the basket’s capacity.

Why are paper and mold accessories useful? Perforated, heat-resistant parchment made for air fryers helps keep the basket bottom clean when cooking marinated or sauced foods and makes cleanup easier. Ordinary parchment paper can be lifted toward the heating element by the air fryer’s strong airflow, creating a risk. Using perforated parchment designed for an air fryer removes this problem. If you want to cook eggs, cakes, or casseroles in an air fryer, choose silicone baking molds that fit the basket, about 15–18 cm in diameter.

What are a thermometer and timer used for? When cooking thick cuts of meat, a digital meat thermometer checks the internal temperature of foods such as chicken breast or steak and helps prevent overcooking. The air fryer’s built-in timer tells you how long the food has cooked, but only a thermometer shows the meat’s actual doneness. A separate kitchen timer is also useful when you are cooking several dishes in a row, so you do not mix up the cooking times.

What cleaning accessories should you have? A soft-bristled brush is effective for removing grease and crumbs stuck in the basket’s corners just as well as a sponge, but it does not scratch the nonstick coating. Before putting the basket in the dishwasher, wipe away excess oil with a paper towel. This helps prevent the dishwasher filter from clogging and helps the basket’s coating last longer.

What accessories should you avoid? Do not keep sharp-edged tools such as metal spatulas and forks near the air fryer, since they can scratch the basket’s inner coating. Use silicone or wooden-handled utensils instead. Likewise, do not use aluminum foil without following the manufacturer’s instructions. It can block airflow and affect cooking, and in some models it may touch the heating element and create a fire risk.

Is a silicone basket liner necessary? Some people use a silicone air fryer liner to protect the bottom of the basket. It helps prevent scratches to the coating and is easier to wash than paper. However, nonperforated liners may partly block airflow and lengthen cooking time, so choose a perforated liner made specifically for an air fryer. Even when using a liner, follow the maximum temperature in the manufacturer’s instructions; some silicone liners may deform above 200°C / 390°F. If you buy a third-party accessory in addition to the original accessories, make sure it fits the brand and model of your basket so airflow can circulate properly. A heat-resistant silicone mat placed under the air fryer can also protect the counter from heat. This is especially useful with wooden counters, where placing the hot basket directly on the surface is not recommended. Keeping a spare basket gasket on hand can also be useful in the long term. The gasket can harden and lose flexibility over time, and the lid may not close fully as a result, increasing the cooking time.