# Best Air Fryer Accessories You Actually Need (And Ones to Skip)
Not all air fryer accessories are worth buying. With so many options flooding the market — from silicone liners to pizza pans to skewer racks — it’s hard to know which ones genuinely improve your cooking and which are just cluttering your kitchen bench. After extensive testing and kitchen trials, we’ve narrowed down the list to the accessories that truly make a difference, plus the ones you can confidently skip.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned air fryer enthusiast, this guide will help you shop smart and get the best bang for your buck.
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Must-Have Accessories
These are the absolute essentials that genuinely improve your air fryer experience, save time, and elevate your results.
1. Perforated Parchment Paper Liners **Verdict: Essential**
If you’ve ever struggled with sticky cheese or breaded crumb fallout, perforated parchment paper liners are your new best mate. These pre-cut rounds have tiny holes that allow hot air to circulate freely while protecting your basket from mess and sticking. They make cleanup a breeze—just lift and toss.
- Why we love them: Prevents food from sticking, reduces scrubbing, and keeps your basket in top shape.
- Best for: Anything sticky, cheesy, or crumb-coated like chicken schnitzels, fries, or mozzarella sticks.
- Usage tip: Always make sure the holes are open and not covered by food to maintain airflow and crispiness.
Cost: About $8-12 for 100-200 sheets from Amazon Australia or kitchenware stores like Kitchen Warehouse.
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2. Reusable Silicone Liner **Verdict: Highly Recommended**
Silicone liners are a durable, eco-friendly alternative to disposable paper. They fit neatly inside your air fryer basket, are non-stick, dishwasher safe, and protect the basket’s coating from scratches. While they slightly reduce crispiness on the base compared to a bare basket, the trade-off is worth it for ease of cleaning.
- Pro tip: Choose a liner that fits your exact air fryer model for best results.
- Care: Rinse off immediately after use and avoid harsh scouring pads to prolong life.
- Ideal for: Regular air fryer users who want to save time and avoid waste.
Cost: $8-15 for a set, available at Big W, Kmart, or online.
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3. Instant-Read Meat Thermometer **Verdict: Essential for Proteins**
Cooking meat perfectly in an air fryer can vary by model, thickness, and even altitude. An instant-read thermometer removes all guesswork and prevents overcooked, dry chicken or undercooked pork.
- How to use: Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat near the end of cooking.
- Key temperatures:
- Bonus: Some thermometers come with Bluetooth apps for remote monitoring.
Cost: $10-20 from Harvey Norman or Amazon Australia.
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4. Oil Spray Bottle **Verdict: Essential**
Forget aerosol sprays — those often contain additives that can damage your air fryer’s non-stick basket. A refillable oil spray bottle lets you mist a light, even coating of olive oil, avocado oil, or your favourite cooking oil. This small step dramatically improves browning and crispiness.
- Best practice: Spray oil on the food before cooking, not directly on the basket.
- Tip: Use an oil with a high smoke point for best results (e.g., avocado or light olive oil).
- Maintenance: Clean the nozzle occasionally to prevent clogging.
Cost: $5-10, widely available at Bunnings, Kmart, or kitchenware stores.
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5. Small Oven-Safe Dishes **Verdict: Worthwhile for Baking**
Air fryers aren’t just for chips and chicken. Using small oven-safe dishes or ramekins inside your basket expands your cooking repertoire to desserts and savoury bakes.
- Examples: Individual lava cakes, egg bites, mini quiches, brownies, or even small casseroles.
- Material: Ceramic or metal dishes that can safely withstand 180-200°C.
- Size: Ensure the dish fits comfortably in your basket without blocking airflow.
Cost: $10-20 for a set, available at Target, Big W, or kitchen specialty stores.
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Nice to Have
These accessories are useful but not essential for most users. They add convenience or versatility but won’t transform your cooking.
6. Silicone Tongs **Verdict: Helpful**
Silicone-tipped tongs are gentler on your air fryer basket’s non-stick surface than metal tongs. They give you better control when flipping or retrieving food without risking scratches.
- Tip: Choose tongs with a locking mechanism for easy storage.
- Use: Great for fragile foods like fish fillets and crumbed items.
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7. Grill Pan Insert **Verdict: Situationally Useful**
A raised grill pan elevates food, allowing hot air to circulate underneath. It’s handy for cooking items like burgers or steaks where you want grill marks and fat drainage.
- When to use: For grilling and searing rather than everyday cooking.
- Downside: Takes up basket space, so you may need to cook in batches.
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8. Skewer Rack **Verdict: Fun for Entertaining**
If you love kebabs, a vertical skewer rack holds sticks upright for even cooking. It’s a novelty for dinner parties but not a must-have.
- Alternative: Simply lay skewers flat in your basket, turning halfway through.
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Accessories to Skip
Save your money and bench space by avoiding these overhyped or impractical extras.
Multi-Layer Racks **Why skip:** While stacking sounds efficient, the reality is the bottom layer crisps well but the top layer steams due to lack of airflow. Air fryers work best with food arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
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Pizza Pan (Solid) **Why skip:** Solid pans block hot air from circulating below, leading to a soggy pizza base. Instead, place pizza bases — like naan bread or tortillas — directly on the basket for crispier results.
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Barrel Insert **Why skip:** These barrel-shaped inserts claim to help with cakes and bread but tend to be too small and restrict airflow, resulting in uneven cooking. Use a small oven-safe dish or ramekin instead.
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Universal Accessory Kits **Why skip:** Those 15-piece accessory bundles on Amazon look appealing but often include gimmicks like silicone cupcake moulds or bread racks that rarely get used. Better to buy individual accessories when you actually need them.
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Comparison Table: Must-Have Accessories at a Glance
| Accessory | Purpose | Pros | Cons | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perforated Parchment Liners | Prevent sticking & easy cleanup | Disposable, affordable, maintains airflow | Single use, waste generated | $8-12 (100-200 sheets) |
| Silicone Liner | Reusable non-stick liner | Eco-friendly, dishwasher safe, durable | Slightly less crisp base | $8-15 per set |
| Instant-Read Thermometer | Accurate meat cooking | Removes guesswork, essential for proteins | Not air fryer specific | $10-20 |
| Oil Spray Bottle | Even oil distribution | Precise oil use, improves browning | Requires refilling and cleaning | $5-10 |
| Oven-Safe Dishes | Baking & versatile cooking | Expands recipe options, durable | Takes up space, extra washing | $10-20 per set |
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How to Use These Accessories for Best Results: Step-by-Step
- Prepare your food as per recipe, seasoning and oiling lightly.
- Place a perforated parchment liner or silicone liner inside your air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually 180-200°C).
- Arrange food in a single layer on top of the liner or directly in the basket if not using liners.
- Use your oil spray bottle to lightly mist the food before cooking for better browning.
- Cook according to recipe times, shaking or flipping halfway through if needed.
- Check protein doneness with your instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- For baked goods, place small oven-safe dishes or ramekins inside the basket and monitor closely.
- Clean liners and utensils promptly to maintain their longevity.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the basket: This reduces airflow and results in soggy or unevenly cooked food. Always cook in a single layer.
- Using solid pans without holes: Blocks airflow, leading to soggy results. Always opt for perforated accessories or open baskets.
- Skipping the oil spray: Even a light mist of oil improves texture and colour — don’t forget it.
- Not checking meat temperature: Relying solely on cooking times can lead to under- or overcooked proteins. Use a thermometer.
- Using metal tongs: These can scratch your basket’s non-stick surface over time. Use silicone-tipped tongs instead.
- Buying unnecessary bundles: Resist impulse buying large accessory kits that you’ll rarely use.
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Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your Air Fryer Accessories
- Match accessories to your air fryer model for best fit and airflow.
- Rotate or shake food halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Combine parchment liners with a light oil spray for ultimate non-stick results.
- Use small oven-safe dishes for meal prep batches — individual portions cook evenly and reheat well.
- Invest in a quality thermometer with a quick response time for accurate readings.
- Clean accessories immediately after use to prevent grease buildup and prolong life.
- Experiment with different oils and spray techniques to find your perfect crisp and flavour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size perforated parchment liners do I need? Measure your air fryer basket diameter and choose liners slightly smaller to avoid curling. Most baskets are 20-25cm wide, so buy accordingly.
Can I reuse parchment paper liners? Generally, no. They’re designed for single use because they absorb grease and can burn. Silicone liners are better for reuse.
How do I know if my air fryer basket fits silicone liners? Check the product description for model compatibility or measure your basket’s base and sides. Some liners are universal, but a snug fit is best.
Is an instant-read thermometer necessary if I follow cooking times? Yes. Air fryer models vary greatly, and thickness of food affects cooking. Thermometers ensure food safety and perfect doneness.
Can I spray oil directly into the air fryer basket? It’s better to spray oil onto food to avoid oil pooling and damaging the basket’s coating.
Are multi-layer racks ever useful? They can be handy for certain foods that don’t need crisping, but generally, single-layer cooking gives better results.
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Final Thoughts
When it comes to air fryer accessories, less is more. Start with these essentials: perforated parchment liners, a refillable oil spray bottle, and an instant-read meat thermometer. Together, they cost under $30 and will transform your cooking experience — making it easier, cleaner, and tastier. Add a reusable silicone liner if you want to save on waste and make cleanup effortless.
Avoid gimmicky or overhyped accessories like multi-layer racks and solid pizza pans that don’t deliver on their promises. Buy accessories thoughtfully, as your air fryer is already a powerhouse on its own.
Ready to upgrade your air fryer setup? Check out our essential accessories page for our top product picks available in Australia and start cooking like a pro today!
