So, you’re ready to dive into the wonderful world of air frying? Welcome to the club! You’re about to discover a faster, healthier, and unbelievably crispy way to cook. But as you browse online, you’re faced with a choice: do you get the standalone air fryer, or do you buy an air fryer with accessories set? I get it, it can feel like one more decision to make. But trust me on this one. Choosing the bundle is one of the single best moves you can make to unlock the full magic of this incredible kitchen appliance from day one. It’s the difference between owning a smartphone and only using it to make calls. You’re missing out on a whole universe of possibilities!
Why Bother with Accessories? Unlocking Your Air Fryer’s True Potential
Let’s be real for a second. When most people think of an air fryer, they picture perfectly golden French fries and crispy chicken wings. And yes, it does those things flawlessly. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. An air fryer is essentially a small, high-powered convection oven. With the right tools, it can bake, roast, grill, dehydrate, and reheat better than almost any other appliance in your kitchen.
I remember my first air fryer. It was a basic model, and for the first few weeks, I was in heaven making fries and reheating pizza (game-changer, by the way). But then I wanted to make a small batch of muffins. I tried to find a pan that would fit inside the basket, and nothing worked. That’s when it hit me: I had this amazing machine, but I was only using about 20% of its capabilities. This is the exact problem that a good accessory set solves.
Here’s why it’s a non-negotiable for anyone serious about getting the most out of their purchase:
- Instant Versatility: You can immediately go from making fries to baking a personal-sized cake, grilling skewers, or making a perfect little pizza without skipping a beat. No more hunting for oven-safe dishes that might fit.
- Cost-Effective: Buying accessories in a bundle is almost always cheaper than purchasing them one by one. You get more bang for your buck right from the start.
- Guaranteed Compatibility: There’s nothing more frustrating than ordering an accessory online only to find it’s a millimeter too wide for your air fryer basket. A bundled set is designed to fit your specific model perfectly.
- Creative Inspiration: Sometimes, just having the tool is enough to spark an idea. Seeing that little pizza pan might inspire a Friday pizza night, and the skewers could be just the push you need to try those teriyaki chicken skewers you saw on Pinterest.
Expert Tip: Think of your air fryer as the engine and the accessories as the different types of wheels. You wouldn’t put tricycle wheels on a race car, right? The right accessories equip your air fryer for any culinary terrain you want to explore.
What’s Usually in the Box? A Breakdown of Essential Air Fryer Accessories
When you decide to buy an air fryer with accessories set, you’ll typically find a core group of items. While sets vary, these are the heavy hitters you should look for, the ones that will truly transform your air frying experience.
The Baking Pan: Beyond Just Cakes
This is your go-to for anything with a batter or a sauce. It’s a small, deep dish pan that fits perfectly in the basket.
- What to cook: Gooey brownies, small cakes, frittatas, baked mac and cheese, or even shepherd’s pie. It’s also fantastic for cooking anything that might drip, like a marinated piece of salmon, keeping the main basket cleaner.
The Pizza Pan: For More Than Just Pizza
Don’t let the name fool you. This is a shallow, round pan that’s incredibly versatile.
- What to cook: Of course, it makes amazing personal pizzas with crispy crusts. But you can also use it for pancakes, cookies, searing a steak, or cooking a delicate piece of fish. Its flat surface is ideal for anything that needs even, direct heat from below.
The Multi-Purpose Rack with Skewers: A Double-Decker Dream
This is my personal favorite. A simple metal rack instantly doubles your cooking surface. It’s a complete game-changer for cooking for more than one person.
- What to cook: You can cook chicken thighs on the rack with your roasted veggies underneath. The fats from the chicken drip down and flavor the vegetables. Genius! Many also come with skewers, perfect for making kebabs (meat or veggie) that get beautifully charred on all sides.
Silicone Liners and Parchment Paper: The Cleanup Crew
These are the unsung heroes of air frying. They are liners that you place in the bottom of your basket.
- Why they’re great: They make cleanup an absolute breeze. Cooking something sticky or greasy? Just pop in a liner. When you’re done, you can either toss the parchment paper or wash the reusable silicone liner. This protects the non-stick coating of your basket and saves you tons of scrubbing time.
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Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | 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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| 2 | 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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| 3 | 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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| 4 | 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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| 5 | 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 | 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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| 7 | 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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| 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 – 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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| 10 | 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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Should You Buy an Air Fryer with Accessories Set or Buy Them Separately?
This is a really common question, and the answer depends on your needs. For about 90% of people, I strongly recommend getting the bundle.
The Case for the All-in-One Bundle
If you are new to air frying, the decision to buy an air fryer with accessories set is a no-brainer. It removes the guesswork and a significant barrier to entry. You’re set up for success from the moment you unbox it. You won’t have to spend hours researching which third-party pan will fit your specific model. As kitchen appliance specialist Sarah Jenkins notes, “Starting with a comprehensive set encourages culinary exploration. When you have the right tools from the get-go, you’re far more likely to try new recipes and truly integrate the appliance into your daily cooking routine.”
When Buying Separately Might Make Sense
The main reason to buy accessories separately is if you’re an experienced air fryer user who needs a very specific, high-quality item that doesn’t come in a standard kit, like a dedicated dehydrator rack or a specialized rotisserie attachment. It can also make sense if you already own some compatible oven-safe mini-dishes.
How to Choose the Right Air Fryer and Accessory Combo
Okay, you’re convinced. But how do you pick the right one? Here’s a simple checklist to guide you.
- Consider Your Air Fryer’s Size and Shape. Air fryers come in all shapes and sizes, from small 2-quart models perfect for one person to massive 8-quart or dual-basket versions for families. Ensure the accessory set is designed for the capacity and shape (round vs. square basket) of the air fryer you’re buying.
- Check the Material Quality. Look for accessories made from food-grade materials. This means BPA-free silicone, 304 stainless steel for racks, and a durable, PFOA-free non-stick coating on pans. Your health is paramount!
- Evaluate Your Cooking Habits. Be honest with yourself. Are you a baker at heart? Prioritize a set with a good baking pan. Do you love grilling? Make sure a high-quality rack and skewers are included.
- Read Real User Reviews. See what other people are saying. Are the accessories durable? Is the non-stick coating holding up? Reviews from fellow home cooks are an invaluable resource when you’re looking to buy an air fryer with accessories set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most useful air fryer accessory?
This is subjective, but most users find the multi-purpose rack and silicone or parchment paper liners to be the most frequently used accessories. The rack doubles your cooking space, and the liners drastically cut down on cleaning time, making the appliance much more convenient for daily use.
Are air fryer accessories universal?
No, they are not. The most critical factor is ensuring the accessories fit the size and shape of your air fryer’s basket. An accessory for a 3-quart round basket will not fit in a 6-quart square basket. Always check compatibility before purchasing.
Can I use my own bakeware in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! As long as the dish is oven-safe and fits inside the air fryer basket with enough room for air to circulate, you can use it. This includes small pans made of glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone.
How do I clean my air fryer accessories?
Most modern air fryer accessories are dishwasher-safe, which is a huge plus. However, to prolong the life of non-stick coatings, a gentle hand wash with warm, soapy water is often recommended. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Is it really cheaper to buy an air fryer with accessories set?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. The bundled price is typically much lower than the total cost of buying each accessory individually. It represents a significant upfront saving and provides much better value for your money.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
At the end of the day, an air fryer is a tool. A fantastic one, but still a tool. An accessory set is what turns that single tool into a complete workshop. It opens up a new world of quick, delicious, and healthy cooking that goes far beyond just air frying. You’ll be baking, grilling, and roasting your way to incredible meals you never thought possible.
So, when you’re making your choice, don’t just think about the machine itself. Think about the possibilities. Making the decision to buy an air fryer with accessories set isn’t just an upgrade; it’s an investment in your creativity and your enjoyment in the kitchen. Now go on, what incredible dish will you make first?