If you thought an air fryer was only good for making crispy fries and chicken wings, think again. With the right accessories, your air fryer can take your cooking to a whole new level. From baking cakes and muffins to cooking tarts and perfectly crispy frozen foods, the possibilities are endless.
In this post, we’ll dive into the must-have add-ons that will not only complement your air fryer but also spice up your meal prep routine. From crisping racks that promise the perfect crunch to baking pans that introduce a new dimension of dishes, these accessories cater to a myriad of tastes and culinary needs.
Whether you’re loyal to your Ninja, besotted with your Breville, or passionate about your Philips, we’ve got you covered with the crème de la crème of air fryer accessories. So, let your taste buds rejoice and get ready to discover the game-changing gadgets that will elevate your air frying adventures to chef-worthy heights!
Choosing the Right Air Fryer Accessories for Your Brand and Model
Measure Your Air Fryer Basket or Rack:
Before looking at accessories, you need to know the size of your air fryer’s cooking chamber. Measure the diameter and depth of your basket or the size of your rack. Most air fryers range from 2.5 Litre to 10 Litre in capacity. Accessories are typically designed to fit small, medium, and large air fryers, so knowing your size is the first step.
Understand the Types of Accessories:
Various accessories can be used with air fryers, including:
Pizza pans allow you to cook pizza and other flat baked items.
Silicone moulds are great for muffins, cupcakes, and egg bites.
Grill pans can be used for searing meat, grilling vegetables, or creating grill marks.
Skewer racks come with multiple sticks for making kebabs.
Metal or silicone racks help to maximise space by creating layers, allowing you to cook more food at once.
Parchment paper liners or perforated parchment sheets can make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
Baking pans and cake barrels are ideal for making baked goods like cakes and bread.
Check Compatibility with Your Brand and Model:
Accessory kits are often designed with specific brands and models in mind. Ensure that the accessory states it’s compatible with your air fryer model. For instance, Philips, Ninja, Instant Vortex, and Breville have branded accessories that are meant to fit perfectly with their machines.
Look for High-Quality Materials:
Choose accessories that are made from food-safe, high-quality materials. Stainless steel is a popular choice for metal accessories, as it is durable, non-toxic, and generally dishwasher safe. Silicone accessories should be BPA-free and able to withstand high temperatures without melting or off-gassing.
Consider Sets Versus Individual Pieces:
Some manufacturers offer accessory sets that include a range of products at a bundled price, which can often be more cost-effective than purchasing individual items. If you’re just starting out, a set might provide good value and variety. However, if you know exactly what you need, individual pieces might be the way to go.
Verify Safety Features and Ratings:
Ensure that the accessories you choose are safe to use in the temperatures your air fryer reaches. Look for FDA approval or similar certifications that guarantee the accessories are suitable for cooking.
Factor in Maintenance and Cleaning:
Consider the cleaning requirements for each accessory. Dishwasher-safe accessories can save you time and effort, while accessories with intricate designs may require more thorough hand cleaning.
The Best Air Fryer Accessories NZ
1. Daily Bake Silicone Square Air Fryer Basket
The Daily Bake Silicone Square Air Fryer Basket is a marvel for culinary enthusiasts looking to enhance their air frying experience. Its generous 22×22 cm dimensions are cleverly paired with a collapsible design, ensuring that it fits comfortably in most kitchen spaces when not in use. The high-grade food-grade silicone material doesn’t just promise durability but also offers a non-stick surface, which means you can say goodbye to those pesky post-cooking cleanup woes.
Health-conscious cooks will rejoice over the basket’s design that allows for excess oil to drip away from your food, ensuring each dish is not only evenly cooked but also possesses that desired crispy texture without the added grease. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of golden fries or roasting a colourful medley of vegetables, this basket’s adaptability to a variety of foods makes it an indispensable tool in your air frying arsenal.
2. Reusable Air Fryer Silicone Liner
The Reusable Air Fryer Silicone Liner is a kitchen gem for those who frequent the use of their air fryer. At 21 × 4 cm, this durable liner is constructed from premium food-grade silicone that boasts high heat resistance and the peace of mind of being BPA-free, ensuring safety and quality with every use.
The design incorporates numerous raised lines on its surface, a feature that isn’t just for aesthetics but serves the crucial function of promoting air circulation. This smart design means your food benefits from even heat distribution, cooking it to perfection while also potentially reducing cooking times. Anyone looking to enhance their air frying experience while embracing an eco-friendly approach will find this silicone liner to be an essential part of their kitchen toolkit.
3. Daily Bake Silicone Round Air Fryer Liner
The Daily Bake Silicone Round Air Fryer Liner introduces a practical upgrade to the air frying experience. With its perfect circular dimension of 22 cm in diameter, it’s specifically tailored to fit round air fryers seamlessly. The liner is forged from superior food-grade silicone, ensuring that you’re not just getting a durable product, but also one that’s completely safe for preparing your meals.
True to its design, the non-stick silicone surface is a godsend, practically denying any food the chance to cling to it, which translates to hassle-free cleanups post-cooking. And for those who are health-conscious, this liner champions healthier cooking by delivering crispy foods with less oil. Encountering heat is no obstacle for this sturdy material, which promises to withstand high temperatures without compromising on its integrity or safety.
4. Air Fryer Silicone Pot
The Air Fryer Silicone Pot is a versatile addition to any air fryer enthusiast’s collection, combining multiple functions in a single package. Operating as a mitts replacement basket, this non-stick pan tray is more than just a receptacle for your favorite fried foods—it also doubles as a baking basket and pizza plate.
Its innovative design is tailored to enhance the cooking process by allowing oil to effortlessly flow down and away from the food, resulting in a healthier end product with less absorbed fat. The non-stick nature of the silicone also means that your culinary creations, from crispy fries to the perfect pizza, can be removed with ease and without the dreaded aftermath of stuck-on food residue. This pot is tailored to simplify your cooking routine while delivering delicious results consistently.
5. Air Fryer Basket Tray Accessories
The Air Fryer Three Layer Stainless Steel Grill exemplifies functionality and ease for home chefs aiming to explore the dehydrating capabilities of their air fryer. Unlock the potential to dehydrate a variety of foods, from succulent fruits to hearty meats, preserving nutrition and flavour within every bite. The stainless steel material not only assures longevity but also the safe handling of your foods, having been meticulously polished to eliminate any sharp edges or burrs.
Beyond its primary function as a dehydration rack, this versatile tool doubles as a grill within your air fryer—perfect for cooking up steaks or giving vegetables that delicious chargrilled finish. The thoughtful design ensures safety in use; by placing the basket vertically and gently pushing it into the air fryer, it minimizes the risk of food spillage. And once your culinary endeavors are complete, the dishwasher-safe convenience promises stress-free cleaning, making this grill an invaluable accessory for any air fryer aficionado.
6. Air Fryer Basket Tray Accessories
The Air Fryer Basket Tray Accessories redefine multitasking in the kitchen. These accessories come with a clever stackable design that maximises the utility of your air fryer’s cooking space, allowing you to prepare different food items simultaneously on separate layers.
Whether you’re cooking for a solo meal or a family feast, the flexibility to adjust the number of tray layers is a boon. Simple removal and individual access to each layer means you can tailor the setup to the quantity of food being prepared, ensuring that nothing is overcooked or undercooked.
Crafted from stainless steel, these accessory trays promise both durability and a clean, modern look. The dimensions of 20 x 20 x 10 cm ensure that they are a good fit for many standard air fryers. Plus, the use of stainless steel not only upholds the quality over time but also supports even heating for consistent cooking results. Whether it’s a batch of crispy fries, succulent wings, or roasted veggies, these basket tray accessories are all about elevating your air frying experience with convenience and efficiency.
7. Air Fryer Accessories – 7 Inch Set of 5
The Air Fryer Accessories – Set of 5 offers a versatile collection of kitchen tools, enhancing the functionality of 3.2Qt-4.2Qt standard air fryers. Within this kit, you’ll find a cake barrel, pizza pan, silicone mat, metal holder, and skewer rack – each designed to facilitate a different cooking method. Whether you’re baking, frying, or grilling, these accessories invite you to experiment with your culinary creations.
Constructed from heat-resistant, food-grade non-stick material, the set not only ensures your food comes off easily but also stands up to high cooking temperatures without the worry of BPA contamination.
Furthermore, each piece in the set is dishwasher safe, which simplifies the cleaning process significantly. Ideal for health-conscious diners, these accessories enable you to prepare a range of dishes, from cakes to crispy fries, with less oil needed, thus offering a guilt-free way to enjoy your favourite meals.
8. Air Fryer Accessories 7pcs
The 7-piece Air Fryer Accessories set is a practical addition to any kitchen equipped with a 3.7Qt – 4.2Qt dual basket air fryer. Designed to expand your air frying repertoire, the accessories boast a non-stick coating, ensuring that whether you’re cooking sticky marinated chicken or delicate fish fillets, your food will release easily without leaving a residue.
A seamless fit for popular brands like Instant Vortex and NuWave, these accessories not only enhance your cooking options but also offer an economical solution to diversifying your meal preparation. With these tools, you can explore new dishes with confidence, knowing that the non-stick surface will make both cooking and cleaning a breeze, allowing you more time to savour your delicious air-fried creations.
9. Electric Olive Oil Spray Bottle Dispenser
The Electric Olive Oil Spray Bottle Dispenser emerges as an essential accessory for air fryer enthusiasts. Its transparent design conveniently displays the remaining oil level, and with an improved nozzle, it ensures a fine, even mist without clogging or dust interference—critical for achieving that perfectly crispy air-fried texture with minimal oil usage.
Versatility is at the forefront, as it’s not limited to olive oil; this dispenser can be filled with a variety of liquids from vinegar to citrus juices, enhancing flavours while air frying. The precise control it offers makes it ideal for coating air fryer baskets or misting food directly, thus contributing to healthier cooking by reducing excess oil. Whether it’s for salads or air-fried delicacies, this dispenser is a multifunctional tool that promotes both convenience and culinary excellence.
Tips for Cooking with Air Fryer Accessories
Baking Pans and Cake Barrels:
- When using a baking pan or cake barrel, make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Baking in an air fryer usually requires a lower temperature than traditional ovens to prevent the top from burning before the middle is cooked through.
- Use a baking pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket with some space around it to allow for proper air circulation.
- To prevent sticking, you can line the bottom with parchment paper cut to size or lightly grease the pan.
Pizza Pans:
- Pizza pans for air fryers are shallow with perforations that allow heat to circulate and crisp the crust.
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking pizza to ensure a crispy crust.
- Be mindful of the thickness of your pizza; thinner crusts work better in air fryers due to the intense, direct heat.
Silicone Molds:
- Silicone moulds are perfect for making muffins, cupcakes, and egg bites. They should be placed inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Since silicone doesn’t conduct heat as well as metal, you may need to increase cooking times slightly.
- To remove cooked items easily, let them cool for a few minutes before popping them out of the moulds.
Grill Pans:
- Grill pans are great for meats and veggies. They typically have a perforated surface for grilling.
- Pat food dry before placing it on the grill pan to get better sear marks.
- Remember to flip your food halfway through the cooking process to ensure even grilling.
Skewer Racks:
- Skewer racks elevate kebabs to allow for even air circulation and cooking.
- Cut ingredients into uniform sizes for even cooking and to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before using them to prevent burning.
Metal or Silicone Racks:
- Layering racks can help you cook multiple food items at once, increasing your air fryer’s capacity.
- Make sure there’s adequate space between the racks to allow for airflow; otherwise, food may cook unevenly.
- Rotate the racks or switch the positions of the food halfway through cooking to achieve even browning.
Parchment Paper Liners:
- Use perforated parchment paper liners to make cleanup easier and to prevent smaller food items from falling through the basket.
- Always place food on top of the liners to prevent them from being lifted by the air and contacting the heating element.
- Do not preheat the air fryer with just parchment liners inside; they could fly up and cause a fire hazard.
General Tips:
- Preheating your air fryer can lead to better cooking results, as the food starts cooking immediately at the right temperature.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or racks; good air circulation is crucial for even cooking.
- Use an oil sprayer to lightly coat foods with oil if needed. This will help achieve a crispy texture without excess fat.
- Keep in mind that cooking times can vary between different air fryer models and brands, so use recipes as a guide and adjust as necessary.
- Invest in a good pair of heat-resistant tongs or a silicone spatula to help remove hot accessories and food safely.
FAQs
What extras do I need for an air fryer?
For enhanced air frying, consider acquiring a baking dish for sweets, a pizza tray for crusty pizzas, skewers for kebabs, a grilling pan for charred dishes, silicone moulds for petite confections, and a stacking rack to cook more food simultaneously. These add-ons facilitate a variety of cooking methods and recipes, but ensure they’re compatible in size and shape with your specific air fryer model for optimal results and safety.
Are silicone mats better than parchment paper in an air fryer?
Silicone mats and parchment paper each have merits for air frying. Silicone mats are reusable, withstand high temperatures, and offer a non-stick surface, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective over time. Parchment paper is disposable, simplifies clean-up, and is ideal for one-time uses, but it can obscure airflow and pose a fire risk if not anchored by food. Choose based on sustainability preferences, convenience, and the specific cooking task at hand.
Why not use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Using parchment paper in an air fryer requires caution; if used improperly, it can block airflow crucial for cooking and potentially be lifted by the air circulation, touching the heating element and creating a fire hazard. Always use parchment specifically designed for air fryers, with perforations to allow air to circulate. It should be placed under food to prevent it from shifting and never used during preheating or without food to weigh it down.