The air fryer market is full of add-ons, but only a few genuinely make cooking easier. Here's what earns its place in the drawer — and what you can leave on the shelf.
Key takeaways
Q: What air fryer accessories are worth buying?
A: A meat thermometer, perforated liners, silicone moulds and heatproof tongs are the most useful. Most other add-ons are optional.
Q: Do you need special accessories?
A: No — you can cook almost everything with just the basket. Accessories add convenience, not necessity.
Worth buying
- Meat thermometer — the single best buy for cooking meat safely and well.
- Perforated liners — less cleaning, less sticking; see are liners safe.
- Silicone moulds — for egg muffins, small bakes and portioned dishes.
- Heatproof tongs — for turning and lifting without burns.
Easy to skip
- Novelty racks — useful only for very specific dishes.
- Branded "air fryer" cookware — any oven-safe dish that fits works.
- Single-use gadgets you'll use once and forget.
Before buying for yours, make sure you've got the right size — see what size air fryer to buy.
Frequently asked questions
What air fryer accessories are actually useful?
A meat thermometer, perforated liners, silicone moulds and heatproof tongs are the most useful. Everything else is optional.
Do you need accessories for an air fryer?
No — the basket alone cooks almost everything. Accessories add convenience, like easier cleaning or safe meat temperatures, rather than being essential.
Can you use normal oven dishes in an air fryer?
Yes — any oven-safe dish that fits with room for airflow works. There's no need for branded air fryer cookware.