So, you’ve welcomed an air fryer into your kitchen. You’ve mastered crispy fries, perfected chicken wings, and maybe even roasted a vegetable or two. But what if I told you that you’ve only just scratched the surface of what your amazing kitchen gadget can do? The key to unlocking its full potential lies in the world of Air Fryer Accessories Must Have 2025. Think of your air fryer as a brand-new smartphone; it works great out of the box, but the right apps—or in this case, accessories—are what truly make it an indispensable part of your daily life. Let’s dive into the tools that will transform your air frying from simple to sensational.
Why Bother with Air Fryer Accessories Anyway?
It’s a fair question. Your air fryer already makes food crispy and delicious with less oil. What more could you need? Well, let me tell you from experience, the right accessories solve the three most common air frying limitations: space, versatility, and cleanup.
- Maximizing Space: Ever tried to cook for more than two people and had to do it in multiple batches? It’s a pain. Racks and dividers double your cooking real estate.
- Expanding Your Menu: You might be surprised to learn you can bake cakes, make pizza, and even grill steaks in your air fryer. But you can’t just toss cake batter into the basket, can you? That’s where specific pans and inserts come in.
- Simplifying Cleanup: Let’s be honest, scrubbing that basket after cooking something saucy or greasy is the worst part of the experience. Liners and mats make cleanup an absolute breeze.
Investing in a few key items elevates your appliance from a “fryer” to a mini convection oven that can do almost anything.
The Ultimate List of Air Fryer Accessories Must Have 2025
Ready to upgrade your air frying game? After countless hours of testing, cooking, and (most importantly) eating, I’ve put together the definitive list of game-changing tools.
1. Silicone Liners and Pots
If you buy only one thing from this list, make it a silicone liner. The first time I made sticky honey-garlic chicken wings without a liner, I spent a solid 15 minutes scrubbing caramelized sauce off the basket. Never again. These flexible, food-grade silicone pots sit inside your basket, contain all the mess, and are dishwasher safe. They prevent food from sticking, make cleanup a matter of seconds, and even help circulate air with their raised base designs. This is a non-negotiable for any serious air fryer user.
2. Multi-Layer Racks
This is the solution to the “not enough space” problem. A tiered, stainless steel rack instantly creates a second or even third level inside your air fryer basket. This is a game-changer for a few reasons:
- Cooking in Bulk: You can cook a main protein on the bottom and a side of veggies on the top rack simultaneously.
- Dehydrating: Perfect for making beef jerky, dried fruit, or crispy kale chips by spreading them across multiple layers.
- Better Airflow: Elevating food on a rack ensures the hot air circulates underneath, leading to even crispier results.
3. The Grill Pan
Miss those beautiful sear marks on your steak or burgers? A dedicated air fryer grill pan is your answer. These inserts typically have a ridged, non-stick surface that gets screaming hot, creating a fantastic char and flavor that you just can’t get from the standard basket. It’s ideal for steaks, chicken breasts, pork chops, and even grilled sandwiches.
4. Baking Pan or “Cake Barrel”
Yes, you can bake in your air fryer! A deep-sided baking pan, often called a cake barrel, opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It’s perfect for making small cakes, brownies, quick breads, and even deep-dish casseroles like lasagna or mac and cheese. Because the air fryer heats up so quickly, it’s often faster than using your conventional oven for smaller bakes.
5. The Mighty Pizza Pan
Who doesn’t love pizza? A shallow, round pizza pan allows you to cook personal-sized pizzas with a perfectly crispy crust. It’s not just for pizza, though. This versatile pan is also great for reheating leftovers, making quesadillas, or cooking pancakes. It’s a simple but surprisingly useful addition to your kitchen arsenal.
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Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
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| 2 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 3 | Cuisinart Air Fryer, 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Fryer with 3 Cooking Functions to Air Fry, Roast, and Bake, 3 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-80, Stainless Steel & Black |
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| 4 | Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Air fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate or Reheat, Rosewater, 4 Quarts |
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| 5 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
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| 6 | Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart 6-In-1 Air Fryer (Fry, Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate), Non-Stick, with Timer, Auto Shut-Off, Digital Touch Screen, 180-400°F, 1400W, Black/Silver |
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| 7 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
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| 8 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer, Large 5-Quart Family Size, One Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
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| 9 | Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 10 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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6. Oil Spritzer or Mister
While air frying is famous for using less oil, a little bit is often necessary for achieving that perfect golden-brown finish. An oil spritzer is far superior to aerosol cooking sprays, which can contain propellants and other chemicals that damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time. A refillable mister allows you to use your favorite oil (like avocado or olive oil) and apply a fine, even coat without any additives.
7. Heat-Resistant Tongs and Mitts
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people try to use a regular fork to fish things out of a 400°F (200°C) basket. A good pair of long, silicone-tipped tongs is essential for safely flipping and removing food without scratching your basket. Similarly, a pair of silicone mini mitts is perfect for pulling out the hot basket or handling hot inserts like the baking pan. Safety first, crispy food second!
How Do I Choose the Right Accessories?
The most important step is to ensure compatibility. Accessories aren’t one-size-fits-all, so before you click “buy,” you need to measure the inside of your air fryer basket to guarantee a proper fit.
The quickest way to choose the right accessories is to check your air fryer’s brand, model, and inner basket dimensions (diameter and height). Most accessory kits are listed with the models they are compatible with. If you’re unsure, always measure first.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, it’s better to get an accessory that’s slightly smaller than one that’s too big. A little extra space around the edges actually helps improve air circulation, leading to better cooking results.
Here is a quick checklist for choosing your gear:
- Size and Shape: Is your basket round or square? Measure its internal diameter and depth.
- Material: Look for high-quality, food-grade materials like stainless steel and BPA-free silicone.
- Your Cooking Habits: Be realistic. If you never bake, you probably don’t need a cake barrel. If you cook for a family, the multi-layer rack is a must.
- Dishwasher Safe: For ultimate convenience, always check if the accessories are dishwasher safe.
As kitchen appliance specialist Sarah Jenkins often says, “The best kitchen tool is the one you actually use. Buying the right accessories for the food you love to cook turns your air fryer from a novelty into a nightly workhorse.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the most essential air fryer accessories for a beginner?
For a beginner, the top three air fryer accessories must have 2025 are a set of silicone liners for easy cleanup, a multi-layer rack to increase cooking capacity, and a good pair of silicone-tipped tongs for safe handling of food.
Are silicone air fryer liners safe to use?
Yes, as long as you purchase liners made from 100% food-grade, BPA-free silicone. These are designed to withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer (typically up to 450°F or 230°C) without leaching harmful chemicals. Always buy from reputable brands.
Can I use parchment paper instead of a silicone liner?
You can, but use specially designed air fryer parchment paper with holes. These perforations are crucial for allowing air to circulate properly. Never preheat your air fryer with just a sheet of parchment paper inside, as it can fly up into the heating element and become a fire hazard.
How do I clean my new air fryer accessories?
Most quality air fryer accessories, especially those made from silicone and stainless steel, are dishwasher safe. For tougher, baked-on messes, a quick soak in warm, soapy water before washing usually does the trick. Avoid using abrasive sponges that could scratch non-stick surfaces. For more tips, [check out our guide to cleaning your air fryer].
Do I need to adjust cooking times when using accessories?
Sometimes, yes. Using a multi-layer rack might require you to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time or rotate the racks halfway through to ensure even cooking. When using a baking pan, the food might cook slightly faster than in a conventional oven due to the compact, high-heat environment. It’s always a good idea to check on your food a few minutes before the recipe suggests.
Your Air Fryer Adventure Awaits
Your air fryer is so much more than a high-tech french fry machine. It’s a versatile, powerful tool waiting to be unleashed. By equipping yourself with the right gear, you can save time, make cleanup effortless, and cook an incredible variety of meals you never thought possible. From baking a birthday cake to grilling the perfect steak, these air fryer accessories must have 2025 are your ticket to becoming a true air frying master. So go on, experiment with a new recipe, and share your culinary creations with us! We can’t wait to see what you cook up.