Quick answer
The most useful air fryer accessories are silicone moulds or mats, perforated parchment liners, a metal rack for a second layer, silicone-tipped tongs, small ramekins and a refillable oil mister. Avoid solid liners that block airflow, aerosol sprays and anything plastic that can melt.
Which air fryer accessories are worth buying?
From the “Useful Accessories” guide in the AirFryer Master app:
Silicone moulds/mats
Ideal for baking, omelettes, and juicy dishes. Easy to clean.
Perforated parchment liners
Simplify cleaning without blocking air circulation.
Metal rack
Creates a second tier and increases cooking area.
Put foods that need longer cooking (meat, potatoes) on the bottom and quicker items (vegetables, fish) on the rack.
Silicone-tipped tongs
An essential tool to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.
Small dishes (ramekins)
Perfect for individual casseroles, desserts, and gratins.
Oil mister
Allows even application of oil without harmful propellants.
Aerosol cooking sprays contain propellants that can damage the non-stick coating — a mister avoids that.
Taken from the guides in the free AirFryer Master app.
Can you put parchment paper or foil in an air fryer?
Yes — as long as air can still move. Choose perforated parchment liners (or poke holes), never cover the whole bottom of the basket, and always place food on top so the fan cannot lift the paper.
Foil is handy as a loose cover when the top of a bake browns too fast, or folded into strips as “handles” for lifting out hot dishes. It must never touch the heating element.
Which accessories should you avoid?
- Solid liners and sheets that cover the entire basket and block the airflow.
- Aerosol oil sprays with propellants that damage the non-stick coating.
- Metal tools that scratch the basket — use silicone-tipped tongs instead.
- Plastic or paper clips to hold light food down; they can melt or burn. Use wooden toothpicks or a rack.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure the inside of your basket before buying. A rack, mould or dish should leave a gap on every side so hot air can circulate around the food — an accessory that fills the basket edge to edge works like a lid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special pans for an air fryer?
No. Any oven-safe metal, glass, ceramic or silicone dish works if it fits with space around it. Glass and ceramic take longer to heat through than metal.
Are silicone liners safe in an air fryer?
Yes, oven-safe silicone moulds and mats are ideal for baking, omelettes and juicy dishes, and they are easy to clean.
What is the best way to add oil in an air fryer?
A refillable oil mister or a brush. It applies a thin, even coat without the propellants found in aerosol sprays.
How do I stop light food from flying around?
Weigh bread, tortillas and leafy greens down with a rack or secure them with wooden toothpicks, so they cannot hit the heating element.
