Best Air Fryer Accessories of 2026 (Must-Have Upgrades)

Best air fryer accessories of 2026 can turn a single-function countertop appliance into a versatile cooking system that crisps, bakes, roasts, dehydrates, and reheats with less mess and better results. If you already own an air fryer, the right add-ons are the cheapest performance upgrade you can make — most cost under $25 and pay for themselves by saving parchment, foil, and scrubbing time. This guide rounds up the must-have air fryer accessories worth buying in 2026, what to skip, and how to choose the right size and material for your model.

The accessory market grew crowded in 2025 and 2026, and not all of it is safe or useful. The picks below genuinely make air frying easier, cleaner, or more capable — selected for broad compatibility, food-safe materials, and real day-to-day value. Most fit both basket-style and oven-style models.

Why accessories matter more than a bigger air fryer

Most people buy a second or larger air fryer when what they actually need is a better set of tools for the one they have. A stack of reusable liners keeps the basket clean so you stop dreading cleanup. A perforated tray or rack doubles your cooking surface so you can crisp wings on two levels at once. A small cake pan turns the same machine into a cheesecake or brownie oven. None of these require more counter space, and most are dishwasher safe.

The best upgrades also protect your investment. Metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers scratch nonstick baskets; a silicone mat or parchment round creates a barrier that extends the life of the coating. Protecting the original surface keeps your air fryer performing like new.

Parchment liners and silicone mats

The single most-bought air fryer accessory is the liner, and for good reason. Disposable parchment rounds with perforations let air circulate while catching grease and crumbs, so you toss the mess instead of scrubbing it. Reusable silicone liners do the same job endlessly and are the more eco-friendly pick for daily use.

Choose perforated parchment (never solid, which blocks airflow) and food-grade, BPA-free silicone for mats. The Chef’s Select Perforated Parchment Rounds (100 count, 7.5 inch) run about $9 and fit most 3.6 to 5.8 quart baskets. For a reusable option, the ReuseKing Square Silicone Liner (8 inch) is roughly $12 and survives the dishwasher hundreds of times.

Racks, trivets, and multi-level cooking

A raised wire rack is the upgrade that changes what your air fryer can cook. It lifts food off the bottom so hot air wraps around all sides, and a double-rack setup lets you cook two batches of wings, Brussels sprouts, or bacon at once. Skewer racks turn the basket into a mini rotisserie for vegetables and small kebabs.

For basket models, the Cozyilus 2-Tier Stainless Steel Rack costs around $16 and includes skewers. Oven-style owners should look at the OXO Good Grips Air Fryer Basket Set, about $30.

Bakeware, pans, and inserts

Once you add a small round or square pan, the air fryer becomes a tiny convection oven. Cake pans, ramekins, and silicone muffin cups let you make individual quiches, brownies, and egg bites. Look for pans labeled explicitly oven- and air-fryer-safe, and measure your basket before buying — a 7-inch pan fits most 5 to 6 quart units, while 8-inch pans suit 8-quart and oven styles.

The Wayet 7-Inch Nonstick Cake Pan (~$14) and IELEK Silicone Muffin Cups (~$11) are proven, well-reviewed picks in this size.

Specialty tools: dehydrator trays, pizza, and more

If you want to push the appliance further, specialty inserts earn their place. Stackable dehydrator trays turn surplus fruit into snacks and make jerky without a dedicated dehydrator. A perforated pizza tray crisps the bottom of a personal pizza better than a solid pan, and a glass oil sprayer lets you mist food lightly instead of brushing, cutting calories and improving crisp.

The HomeStack Stackable Dehydrator Trays (4 pack) cost about $19 and fit most 5.8 quart baskets. The AirCrisp 7.5-Inch Perforated Pizza Tray is roughly $13, and the Evnroil Olive Oil Sprayer runs around $10.

Best air fryer accessories of 2026: at a glance

The table below summarizes our top picks across categories, with typical 2026 street prices and the basket sizes they fit. Prices shift with sales, but these reflect what we saw across major retailers in early 2026.

How to choose the right accessory for your model

Before buying anything, measure the inner width, depth, and height of your basket or tray, and note whether you have a basket or oven style. Basket models need round or square inserts that sit inside the bucket; oven models use flat pans and baskets that slide into rack slots. Material matters too: 100% food-grade silicone and 304 stainless steel are the safest, longest-lasting choices.

Also check the handle and rim. Inserts with a raised handle or grippy edges are far easier to remove when hot. Avoid anything with unreinforced plastic near the heating element, and never use solid (unperforated) liners, which block airflow and defeat the air fryer’s whole purpose.

Safety and care tips

Air fryer accessories are simple, but a few rules keep them safe. Always preheat with the accessory already inside or add it after preheat — dropping a cold silicone mat into a hot basket can warp it. Never let parchment extend above the basket rim where it could touch the heating coil. Hand-wash or top-rack dishwasher silicone and stainless; avoid abrasive pads on any nonstick surface.

If an accessory smells strongly of plastic on first use, wash it and run an empty short cycle before cooking food. A quick burn-in cycle clears any residual factory smell.