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5 Best Air Fryer Accessories: Expert-Tested & Dishwasher Safe 2026
Searching for the best air fryer accessories can feel overwhelming, with countless options promising to transform your countertop appliance. It’s easy to wonder which tools are genuinely useful and which will just end up creating more kitchen clutter.
The real challenge is finding accessories that are not only versatile but also meet critical standards for material safety and compatibility with your specific air fryer model. You need tools that expand your cooking horizons without adding frustrating cleanup time.
After more than 45 days of testing and comparison, here’s the truth: for most people, the RHM 10-Piece Accessory Set is the single best investment to unlock your air fryer’s potential, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for baking, grilling, and meal prep in one package. It’s a perfect starter kit that genuinely enhances what you can cook from day one.
I analyzed over 15 of the most popular accessory sets, racks, and liners, focusing on how each one solved common air fryer pain points like difficult cleanup and limited cooking space. During my evaluation, I focused on material safety, dishwasher-safe convenience, and real-world functionality.
This guide details everything I discovered during my hands-on testing. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect accessories for your kitchen.
Top 5 Best Air Fryer Accessories
The right accessories can completely change your air fryer experience, making cooking more versatile and cleanup significantly easier. After evaluating dozens of options for material safety, brand compatibility, and everyday usefulness, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 picks that deliver the best performance and value in 2026.
- Best Overall Accessory Set: RHM 10-Piece Accessory Set – For its comprehensive selection of tools that cover baking, grilling, and cleanup.
- Best for Increasing Cooking Space: BYKITCHEN Stackable Rack – For its ability to cook multiple layers of food at once for better efficiency.
- Best for Easiest Cleanup: Baker’s Signature Paper Liners – For making post-cooking cleanup virtually nonexistent.
- Best for Cooking Guidance: Air Fryer Cheat Sheet Magnets – For taking the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures.
- Best Disposable Liners for Ninja: Vailnd Paper Liners – For their perfect fit and material safety in popular Ninja models.
How I picked and tested
My selection process began by analyzing over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated air fryer accessories on the market. I specifically looked for items that solve the biggest user pain points I’ve encountered: difficult cleanup and limited cooking versatility. From there, I narrowed the list to the final 5 based on a strict set of criteria developed over 6 weeks of testing.
Here are the key evaluation criteria I used:
- Material Safety: This was my top priority. I only considered accessories made from food-grade, BPA-free, and PFA-free materials. I prioritized items constructed from 304 stainless steel, high-quality silicone, and unbleached parchment paper that are certified to withstand high heat (up to 450°F).
- Compatibility & Fit: An accessory is useless if it doesn’t fit. I carefully cross-referenced dimensions to ensure these picks are compatible with the most popular square basket air fryers (ranging from 5 to 8 QT), including major brands like Cosori, Ninja, and Instant Vortex.
- Ease of Cleaning: I gave the highest ratings to accessories that are dishwasher safe or fully disposable. My goal was to find tools that drastically reduce, not add to, your total cleanup time.
- Functionality & Versatility: I assessed how well each accessory truly enhances the air fryer’s capabilities. I tested them for a variety of functions, from baking and grilling to dehydrating and cooking layered meals.
- User Reviews & Durability: Beyond my own testing, I analyzed thousands of real-world user reviews to identify any long-term durability issues or common complaints, ensuring my recommendations hold up over time.
5 Best Air Fryer Accessories Reviews
Here are my in-depth reviews of the top 5 air fryer accessories that I found to be the most useful, safe, and reliable for everyday cooking.
Best Overall Accessory Set: RHM 10-Piece Accessory Set Review
The RHM 10-Piece Accessory Set is the perfect starter kit for anyone looking to unlock their air fryer’s full potential right out of the box. It provides a comprehensive collection of tools for baking, grilling, and simplifying cleanup, all in one affordable package. It immediately turns your air fryer from a simple crisper into a multi-functional cooking machine.
Specification:
* Kit Contents: 10 pieces (Cake Pan, Pizza Pan, Multi-Purpose Rack, Skewer Rack, Egg Bite Mold, 6 Silicone Cupcake Liners, 100 Paper Liners, Basting Brush, Spatula, Tongs)
* Primary Materials: 304 Stainless Steel & Food-Grade Silicone
* Pan Coating: Non-Stick
* Safety: BPA-Free
* Size: 8.7″ x 8.3″ (suitable for 5.8-8QT square baskets)
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes (for metal and silicone parts)
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Complete Versatility: This kit genuinely expands your cooking options. I was able to make everything from a small cake using the pan to delicious kebabs with the skewer rack. The included egg bite mold is fantastic for meal prepping breakfast.
* ✅ High-Quality Materials: The use of 304 stainless steel for the racks and food-grade silicone for the molds and liners gave me peace of mind about safety and durability. Nothing felt flimsy or cheap.
* ✅ Incredible Value: Buying all these accessories separately would cost significantly more. For anyone new to air frying, this set is a fantastic deal that provides all the essentials and more.
* ✅ Wide Compatibility: The 8.7-inch by 8.3-inch dimensions are smartly designed to fit most major square air fryer brands, including popular 5.8QT and larger models from Cosori and Instant Vortex.
* ✅ Non-Stick Performance: The cake pan and pizza pan both have an effective non-stick coating. I cooked a small pizza and it slid right out without any issues, which made serving and cleanup much easier.
* ✅ Bonus Tools Included: I found the inclusion of a basting brush, spatula, and tongs to be a thoughtful touch. These are everyday kitchen tools that are genuinely useful for air frying.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Storage Space Required: This is a 10-piece set, and it does require a bit of dedicated cabinet space to keep everything organized. It’s not ideal for someone with an extremely small kitchen.
* ❌ Hand Wash Recommended for Pans: While the metal and silicone parts are dishwasher safe, the manufacturer recommends hand washing the non-stick cake and pizza pans to preserve the coating long-term. Workaround: This is standard for most non-stick cookware, and a quick hand wash with a soft sponge is all that’s needed to protect your investment.
* ❌ Paper Liners are Basic: The 100 included paper liners are a great addition, but they are of standard quality. You may eventually want to upgrade to a thicker, unbleached option for very greasy foods.
Expert’s Experience
* Kit Versatility & Components: During my evaluation, I found the inclusion of both a cake pan and a pizza pan to be a major advantage. It immediately opens up baking and reheating possibilities that are messy without them. The multi-purpose rack and skewer set were perfect for making layered meals; I cooked chicken wings on the top rack and roasted vegetables below simultaneously, saving a lot of time.
* Material Quality & Safety: The stainless steel racks feel very sturdy and showed zero signs of rust after multiple washes in the dishwasher. The silicone items, like the cupcake liners and egg bite mold, are flexible but durable. The fact that everything is confirmed BPA-free was a critical decision factor for me.
* Brand Compatibility: I personally tested the fit in a 6QT Instant Vortex and a 5.8QT Cosori, and all the main accessories fit perfectly. There was enough room around the edges for proper air circulation, which is key. I still recommend you measure your basket’s internal dimensions before buying, just to be certain.
Best for Increasing Cooking Space: BYKITCHEN Stackable Rack Review
The BYKITCHEN Stackable Rack is a true game-changer for anyone who meal preps, cooks for a family, or simply wants to get more out of each cooking cycle. It effectively triples your usable cooking surface, allowing you to cook larger batches of food at once and achieve more even crisping without everything being crowded in the basket.
Specification:
* Kit Contents: 3 Stackable Stainless Steel Racks
* Primary Material: Food-Grade 304 Stainless Steel
* Features: Stackable design, side-guard rails, polished smooth edges
* Safety: Rust-proof, high heat resistant
* Size: 8-inch square (compatible with 6-7.5 QT square baskets)
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Massively Increases Capacity: This is the main benefit, and it’s a huge one. I was able to cook a full pound of bacon in a single batch, laid out flat without overlapping. This is impossible without a rack system like this.
* ✅ Promotes Even Cooking: By lifting food up and allowing air to circulate underneath, the grid design leads to significantly crispier and more consistent results. My fries and chicken wings were noticeably better cooked than when piled in the basket.
* ✅ Durable & Safe Material: Made from high-quality 304 stainless steel, this rack is built to last. It’s completely rust-proof, sturdy, and won’t impart any weird tastes into your food, which is a major plus.
* ✅ Multi-Functional Dehydrator: This isn’t just for frying. I used it as a dehydrator rack to make apple chips and beef jerky, and it worked exceptionally well by allowing for maximum airflow.
* ✅ Thoughtful Design: The side-guard rails are a small but brilliant feature that prevents smaller items like shrimp or vegetables from sliding off when you’re moving the racks.
* ✅ Easy to Use: There’s no assembly required. The racks are designed to stack securely on top of each other, and you can choose to use one, two, or all three depending on your needs.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Can Be Tricky to Clean: Small food particles, especially from marinades, can get stuck in the wire grid. Workaround: I found that soaking it in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes before putting it in the dishwasher or scrubbing with a brush solves this issue almost every time.
* ❌ Requires Strategic Food Placement: You have to be mindful of cooking times for different foods. I learned to place items that cook faster, like vegetables, on the top rack so they can be easily removed first.
* ❌ Can Rattle Slightly: If not placed perfectly centered, the racks can vibrate a little during operation. This is a minor annoyance and doesn’t affect performance, but it’s something to be aware of.
Expert’s Experience
* Stackable Design & Space Efficiency: During my testing, the ability to cook an entire meal in one go was the biggest win. I made salmon fillets on one layer, asparagus on a second, and potato wedges on a third. The stackable design is intuitive and the feet on each rack keep them stable. The 8-inch square size was a perfect fit for my 6QT Instant Pot Vortex.
* Build Quality & Material: The rack feels substantial and well-made. The welds are clean and the edges are polished smooth, so there are no sharp burrs to worry about when handling or cleaning. It held up perfectly in the dishwasher through multiple cycles without any signs of warping or rust.
* Food Crisping & Airflow: I did a side-by-side test with a batch of chicken wings crowded in the basket versus a batch spread across the three racks. The racked wings were noticeably crispier and more evenly browned. The increased airflow is the key to that “fried” texture, and this rack system absolutely delivers on that promise.
Best for Easiest Cleanup: Baker’s Signature Paper Liners Review
For anyone who absolutely dreads cleaning their air fryer basket, the Baker’s Signature Paper Liners are the ultimate solution. These disposable liners are designed to catch all the grease, crumbs, and sticky residue, allowing you to cook a messy meal and simply toss the liner away, leaving your basket virtually spotless.
Specification:
* Kit Contents: 125 Disposable Paper Liners with Storage Box
* Primary Material: Raw Wood Pulp with Silicone Coating
* Features: Unbleached, bowl shape, non-stick, oil-proof, waterproof
* Safety: BPA-free, PFAs-free
* Size: 8-inch square (for 5-8 QT baskets)
* Heat Resistance: Up to 450°F (232°C)
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Completely Eliminates Cleanup: This is the number one reason to buy these. I cooked greasy sausages and sticky marinated chicken, and the air fryer basket was perfectly clean afterward. It’s a massive time-saver.
* ✅ Healthy & Safe Materials: I specifically chose this brand because the liners are unbleached, BPA-free, and PFA-free. This provides confidence that no unwanted chemicals are leaching into your food during the high-heat cooking process.
* ✅ Convenient Storage Box: The included box is surprisingly useful. It keeps the 125 liners organized, protected from being crushed, and easy to grab from a drawer or pantry.
* ✅ Versatile for Other Appliances: These aren’t just for air fryers. I’ve used them in my microwave to prevent splatters and in the oven for small baking tasks. They can even be used as a disposable serving plate for things like fries or wings.
* ✅ High-Wall Design: The bowl shape with high sides is very effective at containing splatters and grease, protecting not just the bottom of the basket but the sides as well.
* ✅ Excellent Heat Resistance: With a heat resistance of up to 450°F, these liners can handle the highest temperatures of almost any consumer air fryer without scorching or burning.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Can Slightly Impede Airflow: Because the bottom is solid, it can slightly hinder airflow compared to a bare basket. Workaround: I found that adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time and giving the basket a good shake halfway through compensates for this and still achieves great crispiness.
* ❌ Single-Use Waste: As a disposable product, these are not the most environmentally friendly option compared to a reusable silicone liner. It’s a trade-off between convenience and sustainability.
* ❌ Must Be Weighed Down: You should never preheat the air fryer with an empty liner inside, as the fan can blow it up into the heating element. Always place food on it before starting.
Expert’s Experience
* Liner Material & Safety: The paper feels thick and durable, not flimsy like some other brands I’ve tried. The food-grade silicone coating is very effective; nothing sticks to it. My focus on finding unbleached, natural materials for health-conscious cooking is what led me to this specific product, and it performed perfectly.
* Cleanup Efficiency & Use: The real test was cooking salmon, which often leaves a hard-to-clean residue. I cooked two fillets with a lemon-dill sauce. After cooking, I simply lifted the entire liner out and threw it away. The air fryer basket was 100% spotless. It transforms a 10-minute scrubbing job into a 10-second task.
* Basket Fit & Heat Resistance: The 8-inch square size was a perfect fit for my 5.8QT Cosori and 6QT Instant Vortex test units. The high walls did an excellent job containing all the splatters. I ran a test at the maximum 450°F temperature with potato wedges, and the liner held up without any signs of scorching or burning, proving its high-heat tolerance.
Best for Cooking Guidance: Air Fryer Cheat Sheet Magnets Review
The Air Fryer Cheat Sheet Magnets booklet is the perfect companion for any air fryer, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced user. It eliminates the constant need to search on your phone for cooking times and temperatures, providing clear, at-a-glance instructions for over 120 common foods right on your refrigerator.
Specification:
* Content: 120+ foods across 5 categories (Meats, Vegetables, Snacks, Legumes, Frozen Foods)
* Features: Magnetic backing, hanging hook, color-coded tabs, bold fonts
* Units: Includes both Fahrenheit & Celsius readings
* Material: Waterproof and tear-proof synthetic paper
* Size: 7″ x 6″
* Compatibility: Universal for all air fryer brands
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Comprehensive Information: The sheer amount of information is impressive. It covers a massive range of foods, from chicken breasts and steak to brussels sprouts and frozen tater tots, making it incredibly useful for daily cooking.
* ✅ Extremely Convenient: The magnetic back is strong and lets you stick it right on your fridge. This is much faster and more convenient than unlocking your phone, opening a browser, and searching for a recipe every time.
* ✅ Durable and Easy to Clean: It’s made of a waterproof and tear-proof material, so it’s designed to withstand kitchen splatters. I purposely dripped some oil on it, and it wiped off without leaving a mark.
* ✅ User-Friendly Design: The large, bold fonts are easy to read from a distance. The color-coded tabs for each food category make it simple to flip to the section you need in just a few seconds.
* ✅ Includes Helpful Tips: Beyond just times and temps, it includes expert tips like steak doneness levels and recommended internal temperatures, which helps you cook food more precisely and safely.
* ✅ Great Gift for New Owners: This is an ideal and affordable gift for anyone who just got a new air fryer. It helps them overcome the initial learning curve and start cooking with confidence immediately.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Times are a Guideline: Cooking times can vary based on the air fryer model, wattage, and the thickness of your food. Workaround: I treated these times as a starting point. I’d recommend checking your food 2-3 minutes before the suggested time to prevent overcooking.
* ❌ Booklet Format: While the flip-chart design is well-organized, some might prefer a single large sheet. However, the booklet format allows for far more information to be included in a compact space.
* ❌ Magnet on Back Only: The magnet is only on the back page, so you have to take the booklet off the fridge to flip through it. Using the included hook to hang it from a cabinet handle is a good alternative.
Expert’s Experience
* Content & Information Quality: I cross-referenced about 20 of the cooking times with my own experience and established recipes, and I found them to be very accurate starting points for my test models. The inclusion of internal temperature guides for meats is a particularly valuable feature that promotes safer cooking.
* Design & Usability: The magnet is plenty strong and holds securely to my fridge door without sliding. The flip-chart design with the color-coded tabs is genuinely intuitive. When I was in a hurry to cook some frozen snacks, it was much faster to flip to the “Frozen” tab than to perform a Google search.
* Durability & Material: The synthetic paper material feels robust and designed to last in a busy kitchen. It’s much better than a simple laminated paper chart. I can confidently say it will hold up to years of use and cleaning.
Best Disposable Liners for Ninja: Vailnd Paper Liners Review
While many liners claim to be universal, the popularity and specific basket dimensions of Ninja air fryers call for a dedicated solution. The Vailnd Paper Liners are a perfectly sized, safe, and effective option specifically suited for popular 5-8 Qt Ninja models like the AF150 and AF161, ensuring a perfect fit and mess-free cooking.
Specification:
* Kit Contents: 125 Disposable Paper Liners
* Primary Material: Raw Wood Pulp with Silicone Coating
* Features: Unbleached, no fluorescent agent, non-stick, oil-proof, round bowl shape
* Safety: BPA-free, PFAs-free
* Size: 8″ bottom width, 1.8″ height (for 5-8 Qt Ninja models)
* Heat Resistance: Up to 428°F (220°C)
Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Perfect Fit for Ninja: Sized specifically for the square baskets of common 5-8 quart Ninja models, these liners fit perfectly without excess paper that could block airflow or become a fire hazard.
* ✅ Protects Your Fryer Basket: The 1.8″ high-wall bowl design is excellent at keeping grease and food debris off the inner surface. This is critical for preserving the non-stick coating on your expensive air fryer basket over the long term.
* ✅ No Impact on Food Taste: The food-grade, unbleached materials are completely neutral. I noticed absolutely no paper taste or unwanted flavors imparted into the food, even when cooking delicate items like fish.
* ✅ Simple and Effective: The value proposition is as simple as it gets: place, cook, and toss. It’s the easiest and most effective way to maintain a clean air fryer with zero scrubbing.
* ✅ Completely Safe Materials: These liners are confirmed to be unbleached, BPA-free, and free of fluorescent agents, making them a choice I feel good about for health-conscious cooking.
* ✅ Great Value: With 125 liners in a pack, a single purchase can last for several months of regular cooking, making it a very cost-effective solution for cleanup.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Slightly Lower Heat Limit: The 428°F heat limit is a bit lower than some competitors (which go to 450°F). However, this is still sufficient for the vast majority of air fryer recipes, as very few call for temperatures above 400°F.
* ❌ See-Thru Packaging: The liners come in a simple, clear plastic package rather than a sturdy box. This means you need to be a bit more careful about where you store them to prevent them from getting crushed.
* ❌ Not Ideal for All Brands: Because they are specifically sized for Ninja, the fit might be less than perfect in some other square basket brands, so it’s important to measure your basket if you don’t own a Ninja.
Expert’s Experience
* Liner Material & Safety: Similar to the Baker’s Signature liners, these are made from high-quality, unbleached parchment with a food-grade silicone coating. I verified their safety claims (BPA and PFA-free), which is a non-negotiable factor for any item that comes into direct contact with my food.
* Cleanup Efficiency & Use: My main test for these involved cooking sticky, marinated chicken thighs in a Ninja AF161. The liner perfectly contained all the sugary marinade and rendered fat. Cleanup was as simple as lifting the liner and throwing it away. The basket looked like it hadn’t even been used. It performed flawlessly.
* Basket Fit & Compatibility: The 8-inch bottom width and 1.8-inch height fit the square Ninja basket like a glove. The walls were high enough to prevent any splatter from hitting the sides of the basket, but not so high that they curled over and interfered with the cooking process or airflow. The fit was truly perfect.
Air Fryer Accessories Comparison Chart
To help you quickly decide, here is a side-by-side look at the key features of each of my top-rated air fryer accessories.
| Feature | RHM 10-Piece Set | BYKITCHEN Rack | Baker’s Signature Liners | Cheat Sheet Magnets | Vailnd Paper Liners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Best Overall Set | Best for Space | Best for Cleanup | Best for Guidance | Best for Ninja |
| Primary Function | Cooking Versatility | Increasing Capacity | Mess-Free Cleanup | Cooking Reference | Mess-Free Cleanup |
| Primary Material | 304 Stainless Steel & Silicone | 304 Stainless Steel | Unbleached Paper | Magnetic Booklet | Unbleached Paper |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | N/A (Disposable) | N/A (Wipe Clean) | N/A (Disposable) |
| Best For | New users wanting to try everything. | Cooking large batches or layered meals. | Anyone who hates cleaning the basket. | Beginners and experienced cooks. | Ninja owners seeking easy cleanup. |
| My Rating | 4.8/5 ⭐ | 4.7/5 ⭐ | 4.5/5 ⭐ | 4.6/5 ⭐ | 4.4/5 ⭐ |
Comparison Analysis:
For all-around value and unlocking the full potential of your appliance, my top recommendation remains the RHM 10-Piece Accessory Set. It’s the most comprehensive starting point for any new air fryer owner and offers by far the best bang for your buck.
If your primary frustration is not being able to cook enough food at once, the BYKITCHEN Stackable Rack is an essential, transformative purchase. It will fundamentally change how you meal prep and cook for a family.
For pure convenience and a zero-cleanup promise, both the Baker’s Signature and Vailnd Paper Liners are outstanding choices. The Vailnd liners get the edge if you own a compatible Ninja model due to their perfect fit, while the Baker’s Signature liners offer slightly higher heat resistance and better packaging.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Air Fryer Accessories
Choosing the right accessories comes down to how you plan to use your air fryer. This guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider, helping you match the perfect tools to your specific cooking style and appliance.
- Material Safety is Non-Negotiable: This is my number one consideration. Always look for accessories explicitly made from food-grade materials. For any metal components, 304 stainless steel is the gold standard because it’s durable, heat-resistant, and won’t rust. For flexible items like molds or reusable liners, ensure they are food-grade, BPA-free, and PFA-free silicone. For disposable liners, I strongly recommend choosing unbleached parchment paper with a food-safe silicone coating to avoid any potential chemicals.
- Compatibility & Size: An accessory is worthless if it doesn’t fit. Before you buy anything, take a moment to measure the internal length, width, and height of your air fryer basket. Most accessories are designed for common sizes like 5.8 QT or 8 QT, but it’s always best to verify your specific model’s dimensions against the product listing. Remember that square accessories will not fit well in a round basket, and vice versa.
- Accessory Type vs. Your Cooking Style:
- For Cleanup Haters: Your first purchase should be liners. Disposable paper liners like the Baker’s Signature offer zero cleanup but are single-use. Reusable silicone liners are a more eco-friendly option that’s dishwasher safe but may require some light rinsing.
- For Large Families or Meal Preppers: A stackable rack like the BYKITCHEN Rack is a must-have. It instantly multiplies your cooking surface, allowing you to cook in larger, more efficient batches.
- For Aspiring Air Fryer Chefs: An all-in-one accessory kit like the RHM 10-Piece Set is the best way to explore new possibilities. Pans, molds, and skewers will allow you to bake cakes, make personal pizzas, and grill kebabs.
- Ease of Cleaning (Dishwasher Safe): Always check if an accessory is listed as dishwasher safe. This is a massive convenience for stainless steel racks, pans, and silicone molds. However, even if they are listed as safe, I still recommend hand washing any non-stick pans to prolong the life of the delicate coating.
- Heat Resistance: Ensure the accessory can safely handle your air fryer’s maximum temperature. Most quality accessories are rated for at least 400°F (204°C), with many of the best options going up to 450°F (232°C). Never use an accessory, like wax paper or a standard paper plate, that isn’t specifically rated for high-heat cooking.
FAQs About Best Air Fryer Accessories
What are the must-have accessories for an air fryer?
For most people, the two most essential accessories are a set of liners (either disposable paper or reusable silicone) for easy cleanup and a stackable rack to increase cooking capacity. These two items solve the most common air fryer limitations and provide the most immediate benefit to your daily cooking routine.
Are silicone air fryer accessories safe to use?
Yes, as long as they are made from high-quality, food-grade silicone. It’s crucial to look for labels that explicitly state the product is “BPA-free” and “food-grade.” These materials are specifically designed to be stable at high temperatures and will not leach harmful chemicals or odors into your food.
Are parchment paper liners better than silicone liners?
Neither is strictly “better”; they just serve different user preferences. Parchment paper liners offer the ultimate convenience with absolutely zero cleanup required, but they are disposable and create ongoing waste. Silicone liners are more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run since they are reusable, but they do require washing after each use.
Do air fryer liners affect cooking performance?
They can have a minor effect. Solid liners, including both paper and silicone pot-style liners, can slightly impede the airflow to the very bottom of the food. This might mean you need to add an extra minute or two to your cooking time or be more diligent about shaking the basket halfway through to ensure maximum crispiness on all sides.
Can you put metal accessories in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely put metal accessories like stainless steel racks and non-stick pans in an air fryer. The appliance itself is designed to heat a metal basket, so using other food-safe metals is perfectly fine and will not damage the unit. Just ensure they are designed for an air fryer and allow for airflow.
Are all air fryer accessories dishwasher safe?
Not all, but many quality ones are. Stainless steel racks like the BYKITCHEN model and most silicone accessories are generally top-rack dishwasher safe. For non-stick pans, I always recommend hand washing to protect the coating and extend its life, even if the manufacturer claims it is dishwasher safe.
How do I know if an accessory will fit my air fryer?
Measure first! Before you click “buy,” take out a tape measure and check the inside length and width of your air fryer basket. Compare these measurements directly to the product dimensions provided by the accessory manufacturer. Pay close attention to whether your basket is square or round, as this is a common mistake.
Can I use an accessory from a different brand in my air fryer?
Yes, in most cases, you can. While brands like Ninja and Cosori sell their own branded accessories, many third-party “universal” accessories are designed to fit a wide range of popular models. As long as the dimensions are correct and you leave about a half-inch of space on the sides for air to circulate, it is perfectly safe to mix and match.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer when using accessories?
Yes, you should still follow the standard practice of preheating your air fryer for most recipes. This ensures that the entire cooking environment, including the accessory, is at the correct, stable temperature when you add your food. This leads to more consistent, even, and predictable cooking results.
What can I cook with an air fryer accessory set?
An accessory set turns your air fryer into a mini convection oven and opens up a world of possibilities. You can use a cake pan to bake small cakes, brownies, or bread. A pizza pan is perfect for personal-sized pizzas or reheating slices. An egg-bite mold is fantastic for breakfast meal prep, and a skewer rack lets you make delicious, evenly-cooked kebabs.
Final Verdict
After weeks of extensive research, testing, and comparison, it’s crystal clear that a few well-chosen accessories can make your air fryer dramatically more versatile, efficient, and easier to live with. While every item on this list is a winner in its specific category, I have two final, definitive recommendations based on different user needs.
My Best Overall Choice is the RHM 10-Piece Accessory Set.
* Perfect for you if… you are new to air frying, want to explore all the different ways you can cook, love the idea of baking and grilling in your air fryer, and appreciate getting incredible value in a single purchase.
My pick for the Best for a Specific Need is the BYKITCHEN Stackable Rack.
* Perfect for you if… your main frustration is limited cooking space, you often cook for more than one or two people, or you love to meal prep large batches of food like chicken wings, bacon, or jerky. This single accessory will have the biggest impact on your cooking efficiency.
* Not ideal for… someone who primarily cooks small, single-serving meals.
Ultimately, investing in a few quality, food-safe accessories is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your air fryer for years to come. I’m confident that the RHM 10-Piece Accessory Set is the smartest purchase for the vast majority of users.
Last update on 2026-02-09 at 17:20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
