If you are looking for a list of what you need to use your air fryer to its full level, here are my —Top 10 Must-Have Air Fryer Accessories
The Best Air Fryer Accessories
The advent of air fryers has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying with the convenience of quick and even cooking. To enhance this beloved kitchen gadget’s versatility and efficiency, various air fryer accessories have become must-haves for enthusiasts looking to expand their culinary repertoire. These accessories maximize the potential of air fryers and simplify the cooking process, making it easier to prepare a wide range of dishes.
Among the best air fryer accessories is the air fryer basket divider, a simple yet ingenious tool that allows you to cook multiple food items at once without mixing them. This is particularly useful for preparing a complete meal or different snacks simultaneously, saving time and energy. Another indispensable accessory is the silicone mat or parchment liners explicitly designed for air fryers. These liners prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, preserving the integrity of your dishes while ensuring that they come out perfectly every time. Additionally, air fryer racks or skewers open up possibilities for making kebabs, grilled vegetables, and even baked goods, facilitating airflow around the food for even cooking; for those who love baking, non-stick baking pans and molds compatible with air fryers are essential. They allow you to bake cakes, bread, and muffins effortlessly, proving that air fryers are not just for frying but can also easily handle various baking tasks.
Investing in these air fryer accessories not only enhances the functionality of your air fryer but also encourages culinary creativity, allowing you to experiment with new recipes and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these accessories make it easier to achieve professional-level results at home, transforming your air fryer into an even more versatile and indispensable kitchen appliance.
Top 10 Must-Have Air Fryer Accessories
Parchment Liners:
Using parchment liners in an air fryer offers several practical benefits that enhance the cooking experience and improve the outcome of your dishes. Here’s why you might consider using them:
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Prevents Sticking: Parchment liners create a non-stick surface, preventing food from adhering to the basket or rack. This is particularly useful for delicate items like fish fillets or small ingredients that might otherwise stick or fall through the gaps.
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Easy Cleanup: One of the most significant advantages is the ease of cleanup. Parchment liners catch drips, crumbs, and bits of food, keeping the air fryer basket clean. After cooking, you can simply remove and discard the liner, reducing the need for scrubbing the basket.
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Protects the Air Fryer: Regular use of an air fryer can lead to wear and tear on the basket’s non-stick coating. Using parchment liners helps protect this surface from scratches and damage caused by utensils or abrasive cleaning, extending the life of your air fryer.
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Improves Air Circulation: Parchment liners designed for air fryers often come with perforations. These holes allow hot air to circulate around the food more evenly, ensuring consistent cooking and crisping without blocking the airflow.
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Enhances Food Safety: By acting as a barrier between the food and the air fryer basket, parchment liners can reduce the risk of contamination from previous cooking sessions, especially when cooking items at different temperatures or when allergens are a concern.
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Versatility in Cooking: They can be particularly handy for baking in the air fryer, from small batches of cookies to individual cakes and bread. Parchment liners can also be used to wrap food, like en papillote recipes, for moist and flavorful outcomes.
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Maintains Food Integrity: For smaller or finely chopped ingredients that might otherwise get tossed around or stuck in the basket’s holes, parchment liners provide a smooth surface that keeps everything intact and ensures even cooking.
When using parchment liners in an air fryer, it’s crucial to ensure they are placed correctly to avoid covering essential air flow vents and only inserted with food on top to prevent them from being lifted by the air circulation and contacting the heating element. Opting for liners specifically designed for air fryers, with pre-cut perforations, can maximize these benefits while ensuring safe and efficient cooking.
Baking Pans
Everyone needs at least one. Otherwise, you are limiting what you can make in the air fryer. I call this an investment because you only need one set of air fryer pans. The choices are vast, depending on which air fryer you own. I recommend that everyone get a starter set. Just like you got a set of pans when you first started cooking. You need a starter set to get your air frying adventures started.
Grill Pan
This is a universal grill pan, which means it will fit almost any air fryer basket. (Always remember to check your size)
This allows you to grill, sear, roast, and fry. The pan with the holes allows the air fry to circulate the hot air around the basket. The grease will drop through the holes and will not make your food sit in the grease. It makes for such a healthier meal.
You will get the perfect sear of your meat, fish, and vegetables.
I love using the attachment for my air fryer shrimp; it gets perfectly air-fried, and the flavor is amazing.
Mandoline
This is one tool I never thought I would use. But as I started making homemade french fries, carrot chips, and even homemade potato chips, I used this more. (Recipes are at the end of this post)
Easy to Use and clean, this tool will elevate your air fryer adventures to a new level.
Thermometer
This is one of the most essential tools for owning an air fryer. Every kitchen needs one, whether or not you own an air fryer.
EVERY air fryer is slightly different; therefore, always use one to ensure your food is cooked.
Oil Sprayer
Oil Sprayer. This will save you lots and lots of money because, unlike the rumor floating around you, you will never use the oil after you purchase an air fryer. You spray most food with a few squirts to get your food crispy.
This is the valid key to getting any food golden brown and crispy.
I bought about 5 oil misters before I finally invested in this one, and I have been using it for about 3 years. So, while others may be cheaper, the adage remains: you get what you pay for. I highly recommend this one.
Silicone Muffin Cups
These are perfect for the air fryer. And unlike the other muffin cups on the market, the edges help stabilize them with the hot air in the air fryer. I have made many recipes in these, from individual chicken pot pies to blueberry muffins! They are great!
Air Fryer Rack
These racks are amazing. They add the option of making air fryer kebabs to your air fryer menu. I love them; they help with anything from air fryer grilled cheese to kebabs. Love them, and easy to use, and when you are done with them, toss them into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
Heat Resistant Tongs
Every air fryer owner needs a pair of tongs to toss the food or remove the food from the air fryer basket.
Always make sure that you get a pair of heat-resistant tongs.
Air Fryer Gloves
Have you ever burned yourself getting stuff out of the air fryer? Me too; my husband surprised me with a pair of gloves and told me to use them. So, embarrassed, I never thought about using gloves when getting stuff out of the air fryer basket, even after I had burned myself.
I learned a lesson, and one I share with my readers: Buy a pair; you deserve them!
Kathy Long
Where do you buy baking pans?
Stan Williams
I’ve seen an air-fryer that’s advertised my Emeril Lagassie (sp) it has a glass front and looks more like a toaster. Is it any good? or just looks fancy
Christine
Thank you
Donna
I needed this! Thanks for all the links!
Jane
Thank you