Best Air Fryer Accessories in 2026 — Worth Buying or Skip?
If you’re wondering which air fryer accessories are actually worth your money, you’re not alone. The moment you buy an air fryer, Amazon starts recommending fifteen different “must-have” accessories for it. Liners, racks, skewers, egg molds — half of it looks like stuff nobody actually uses past the first week. I went down this rabbit hole myself after getting my first air fryer, bought way too many things I didn’t need, and figured I’d save you the trouble.
Here’s what’s actually useful, and what you can skip without missing anything.
Quick Comparison Table
| Accessory | Price | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone liners | ~$10 | Yes |
| Parchment liners (disposable) | ~$8 | Yes |
| Stackable rack | ~$15 | Depends on size |
| Skewer/rotisserie set | ~$13 | Only for certain models |
| Egg bite molds | ~$9 | Niche but useful |
| Cleaning brush set | ~$7 | Yes |
1. Silicone Basket Liners: Best Air Fryer Accessories Pick — Worth It
This is the one accessory I’d actually tell someone to buy on day one. The bottom of an air fryer basket is the hardest part to clean, especially after anything greasy or cheesy. A reusable silicone liner sits in the basket, catches the mess, and you just rinse it instead of scrubbing crusted-on food off mesh.
The catch is airflow. Cheap liners with solid bottoms block the holes the basket needs to actually air fry properly, so food comes out soggier than it should. Look for ones with perforated holes that match your basket’s pattern, not solid silicone mats.
2. Parchment Paper Liners — Worth It (For Specific Uses)
These are the disposable, pre-cut paper liners shaped to fit air fryer baskets. They’re not a replacement for the silicone ones above — they’re better for one specific job: cooking something messy and sticky that you don’t want touching silicone at all, like marinated chicken or anything with a sugary glaze.
I keep a pack around for that reason, but if I had to pick one or the other, silicone wins for everyday use since you’re not buying replacements every few weeks.
3. Stackable Racks — Depends on Your Air Fryer Size
If you’ve got a smaller basket-style air fryer, a stackable rack can genuinely double your usable space — cook chicken on the bottom layer and vegetables on top at the same time. For the larger combo-style units (the toaster oven hybrids), most already come with multiple rack positions built in, so buying an extra one is usually unnecessary.
Check your model’s interior height before buying. A lot of people buy these and discover their basket isn’t tall enough to fit both the rack and food without touching the heating element, which defeats the purpose.
4. Skewer and Rotisserie Sets — Only for Certain Models
These only work if your air fryer actually has a rotisserie function built in — otherwise you’re buying a set of metal skewers that just sit in a drawer. If you do have a rotisserie-capable unit, they’re genuinely useful for kebabs and small cuts of meat that cook faster on a skewer than flat in a basket.
For anyone with a basic basket air fryer with no rotisserie attachment, skip this one entirely.
5. Egg Bite Molds — Niche but Useful
This is a weirdly specific accessory that ended up getting more use in my kitchen than I expected. Silicone molds that make individual egg bites — basically mini frittatas — work well in an air fryer’s circulating heat, and they’re genuinely faster than doing the same thing in an oven.
It’s not for everyone. If you don’t eat eggs regularly or meal prep breakfast, this is an easy skip. But for anyone who does the egg-bite-for-the-week thing, it’s one of the few accessories that actually earns its drawer space.
6. Cleaning Brush Sets — Worth It
Not glamorous, but worth mentioning because most people don’t think about it until their basket’s mesh is caked with grease. A small angled brush gets into the corners and grooves that a regular sponge can’t reach. Cheap, practical, and one of those things you don’t appreciate until you don’t have one.
What Actually Matters Before You Buy
The single biggest thing to check is size compatibility with your specific air fryer — most accessories aren’t truly universal, and a liner or rack that’s “one size fits all” in the listing might not actually fit your basket. Measure your basket’s dimensions before ordering anything.
Also think about what you actually cook most. If you mainly do quick snacks like fries and nuggets, a simple liner covers most of your needs. If you’re doing more elaborate cooking (whole chickens, skewers, baked goods), a stackable rack or dedicated bakeware set earns its keep faster.
For more on choosing food-safe materials for kitchen accessories, check the FDA’s guidance on food contact substances before buying anything that touches your food directly.
What to Skip
A few things show up constantly in “must-have air fryer accessories” lists that, honestly, most people don’t need: silicone muffin cups (a regular oven-safe ramekin does the same job), magnetic cheat sheets (just look up cook times once and remember them), and oversized accessory bundles that include ten pieces you’ll use twice combined.
FAQ
Do I need silicone liners for my air fryer?
Not strictly, but they make cleanup significantly easier for greasy or messy foods. If you mostly cook things like frozen fries or vegetables, you can skip them.
Will accessories fit any air fryer brand?
Not always. Basket dimensions vary between brands and even between models from the same brand. Check the listed dimensions against your specific air fryer before buying, especially for racks and liners.
Are metal accessories safe in an air fryer?
Yes, as long as they’re labeled oven-safe or air fryer-safe and don’t touch the heating element directly. Avoid anything with non-stick coatings not rated for high heat, since those can degrade.
Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary. Always check current Amazon pricing before purchasing. Some links on this page may be affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you
Also read: Best Air Fryers Under $50, 7 Best Air Fryers Under $100 in 2026, Best Small Air Fryers for One Person 2026, and Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combos 2026. Want to make meal prep easier? Check out our guide to the Best Air Fryer Meal Prep Accessories in 2026. Need to prep vegetables faster? Check out our guide to the Best Electric Vegetable Choppers for Air Fryer Meals in 2026.