Top 10 Essential Air Fryer Accessories in 2026

Why invest in air fryer accessories?

Your air fryer is powerful on its own, but the right accessories unlock its full potential. From perforated liners that slash cleaning time to silicone moulds that open up new recipes, each well-chosen accessory makes everyday cooking easier. We shortlisted the 10 most useful ones based on manufacturer specifications, independent reviews and verified buyer feedback.

A complete setup is still a modest investment compared with the appliance itself, and it noticeably changes how you use your air fryer.

1. Perforated disposable liners (usefulness: 10/10)

Perforated air fryer liners are the single most useful accessory. They line the bottom of the basket, keep food from sticking and cut cleaning time considerably. The perforations let hot air circulate normally, unlike regular parchment paper, which blocks airflow.

• Sizes available: round (16, 20 and 23 cm, or about 6¼, 8 and 9 in.) and square (19x19 and 21x21 cm, or about 7½ and 8¼ in. per side)
• Tip: measure the bottom of your basket before buying. Never use liners without food on top, as they could fly up and touch the heating element.

2. Stackable racks (usefulness: 9/10)

Stackable racks double your usable cooking surface. Put vegetables on the bottom and fish on top, and cook both at the same time. For families who find their basket a bit small, this is the solution before upgrading to a larger model.

• Recommended material: 304 stainless steel with 3 to 4 cm (1¼ to 1½ in.) legs
• Tip: place foods that need more heat on the level closest to the heating element

3. Reusable silicone moulds (usefulness: 9/10)

Silicone liners replace disposable paper for everyday use. They protect your basket's non-stick coating, are dishwasher-safe and last for years. Compared with disposable liners, they pay for themselves within weeks.

• Max temperature: up to 230°C (450°F) for quality food-grade silicone
• Buying tip: choose certified BPA-free silicone with side handles for easy removal

4. Refillable oil sprayer (usefulness: 8/10)

A quality oil sprayer applies a thin, even coat of oil for crispy results with minimal fat. Skip store-bought aerosol cans with propellants and additives: a refillable glass or stainless steel sprayer is far better. A few sprays replace the one or two tablespoons people often pour, so the oil you save adds up over a year of regular use.

• Recommended oils: olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil (high smoke points)

5. Instant-read probe thermometer (usefulness: 8/10)

A must for checking internal temperatures without cutting meat open. Chicken must reach 74°C (165°F) inside, pork 71°C (160°F) and rare beef 52°C (125°F). It's also the best way to avoid overcooking — the number one enemy of juicy chicken.

• Reading speed: look for readings in 2 to 3 seconds
• Accuracy: plus or minus 0.5°C (about 1°F) for good models

6. Long silicone tongs (usefulness: 7/10)

Long tongs (25 to 30 cm, or about 10 to 12 in.) with silicone tips let you turn, shake and remove food from the hot basket without burning yourself or scratching the non-stick coating. Standard metal tongs can damage the basket surface.

• Recommended length: 28–30 cm (about 11–12 in.)

7. Perforated grill plate (usefulness: 7/10)

The grill plate turns your air fryer into a mini indoor grill. Its ridges let grease drain away while leaving perfect grill marks on steaks, vegetables and fish.

• Ideal for: burgers, chicken cutlets, eggplant slices, salmon fillets

8. Basket dividers (usefulness: 6/10)

Dividers split a single basket into 2, 3 or 4 compartments so you can cook different foods at the same time without mixing flavours. An affordable alternative to a dual-basket model.

• Limitation: you can't set different temperatures per zone, unlike true dual-basket models

9. Stainless steel skewers (usefulness: 6/10)

Short stainless steel skewers (15 to 18 cm, or 6 to 7 in.) designed specifically for air fryers. They're reusable and dishwasher-safe, and they won't char like wooden skewers.

• Popular recipes: marinated chicken skewers, shrimp skewers, vegetable kebabs

10. Cleaning brush kit (usefulness: 7/10)

A good kit includes a soft brush for the basket, a small angled brush for the heating element and a non-abrasive sponge. Regular cleaning is the key to a long life. See our complete maintenance guide for best practices.

• Never use: steel wool, abrasive cleaners or the dishwasher for parts that aren't dishwasher-safe

Summary table

Our recommended starter kit on a budget: liners, a silicone mould, an oil sprayer, tongs and cleaning brushes. It covers most everyday needs. To avoid the most common beginner mistakes, check our dedicated guide. Find all our advice in the complete air fryer guide and the air fryer vs oven comparison.

Which Accessories to Prioritize by Use Case?

5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Accessories

• Never use metal utensils on non-stick surfaces — they scratch the coating. Use silicone or wood.
• Let it cool before cleaning: thermal shock damages non-stick coatings. Wait 10 minutes after cooking ends.
• Avoid abrasive sponges, even for stubborn stains. An overnight soak in hot, soapy water takes care of the vast majority of cases.
• Check dishwasher compatibility for each accessory. Metal racks are generally safe; some special coatings last longer with hand washing.
• Replace liners when they brown: a degraded liner can release compounds at high temperatures. Expect 20 to 30 uses per reusable liner.