Best Air Fryer Accessories of 2026: 10 Essentials

Why buy air fryer accessories?

Your air fryer does plenty on its own, but the right accessories make it far more versatile. From perforated liners that slash cleanup time to silicone molds that open up new recipes, every well-chosen accessory makes everyday cooking easier. We picked the 10 most useful ones based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and verified owner feedback.

A full set of accessories costs little compared with the air fryer itself, and it noticeably changes how you use it.

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

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

• Sizes: round (6.3, 7.9 and 9 in; 16, 20 and 23 cm) and square (7.5 x 7.5 and 8.3 x 8.3 in; 19x19 and 21x21 cm)
• Tip: measure the bottom of your basket before you buy. Never use a liner without food on top: it can blow up into 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 once. For families who find their basket a little small, this is the fix to try before upgrading to a bigger model.

• Best material: 304 stainless steel with legs 1.2 to 1.6 in (3 to 4 cm) tall
• Tip: put the foods that need the most heat on the level closest to the heating element

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

Silicone liners and pots replace disposable paper for everyday use. They protect your basket's nonstick coating, go in the dishwasher and last for years. Compared with disposable liners, they pay for themselves within a few weeks.

• Max temperature: up to 445°F (230°C) for good-quality food-grade silicone
• Buying tip: choose certified BPA-free silicone with side handles, so it's easy to lift out

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

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

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

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

An instant-read thermometer is essential for checking that meat is cooked through without cutting it open. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) inside, pork 160°F (71°C) and rare beef 126°F (52°C). It's also the best way to avoid overcooking — the number one enemy of juicy chicken.

• Reading speed: look for one that gives a reading in 2 to 3 seconds
• Accuracy: within about 1°F (0.5°C) on good models

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

Long tongs (10 to 12 in, or 25 to 30 cm) with silicone tips let you flip, toss and pull food out of the hot basket without burning yourself or scratching the nonstick coating. Standard metal tongs can damage the basket's surface.

• Best length: 11 to 12 in (28 to 30 cm), to keep your hands away from the heat

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

A grill plate turns your air fryer into a mini indoor grill. Its ridges let fat drain away while searing nice grill marks onto steaks, vegetables and fish.

• Great 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 once without mixing flavors. They're an inexpensive alternative to a dual-basket model if yours has a single basket.

• Limitation: you can't set a different temperature for each zone, unlike a true dual-basket air fryer

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

Stainless steel skewers made for air fryers are shorter than standard grill skewers (6 to 7 in, or 15 to 18 cm) and fit the basket perfectly. They're reusable and dishwasher-safe, and they won't burn the way wooden skewers do.

• 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 corners and the heating element, and a non-abrasive sponge. Regular cleaning is the key to an air fryer that lasts. See our complete cleaning and care guide for best practices.

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

Summary table

Our budget starter kit: perforated liners, a silicone mold, an oil sprayer, tongs and a cleaning brush kit. That covers most everyday needs; add the stackable racks and the thermometer later, depending on how you cook. To steer clear of the most common beginner mistakes, see our dedicated guide. You'll find all our advice in the complete air fryer guide and the air fryer vs. oven comparison.

Which accessories to buy first, by how you cook

5 tips to make your accessories last

• Never use metal utensils on nonstick surfaces — they scratch the coating. Use silicone or wood instead.
• Let everything cool before cleaning: sudden temperature changes damage nonstick coatings. Wait 10 minutes after cooking ends.
• Skip abrasive sponges, even on stubborn stains. An overnight soak in hot, soapy water takes care of the vast majority of them.
• Check that each accessory is dishwasher-safe: metal racks generally are, but some special coatings last longer if you wash them by hand.
• Replace liners once they turn brown: a worn liner can release compounds at high temperatures. Expect 20 to 30 uses from a reusable liner.