Most air fryers are underutilized right out of the box because the standard nonstick baskets severely limit what you can cook. After testing dozens of silicone liners, baking pans, and racks across popular models like the Ninja Foodi and Cosori Pro II, we found that the right accessories double the appliance’s versatility. Baking a cake or roasting a whole trussed chicken becomes entirely possible. You just need a few specific tools built to handle extreme, rapid heat circulation without warping or blocking airflow.
We spent four weeks evaluating the durability, heat resistance, and cleaning ease of over 30 add-ons. Our testing focused heavily on material safety. Cheap silicone melts and flimsy metal rusts after two runs in the dishwasher. We measured how well each accessory allowed air to circulate, which is the exact mechanism that makes air frying work. From precise oil misters to heavy-duty baking barrels, here are the exact upgrades that earned a permanent spot in our test kitchen cabinets.
1. Philips HD9952/01 XXL Baking Master Kit
Best Overall
Philips Airfryer XXL Baking Master Kit
The Philips HD9952/01 Baking Master Kit transforms a standard Philips XXL from a basic fry basket into a compact convection oven. The kit includes a 2.5-liter capacity non-stick baking pan and nine silicone muffin cups. During our tests, the 8.6-inch square pan fit perfectly into the drawer and handled 400°F temperatures without warping. We baked a standard box cake mix and a dense cornbread, both yielding an incredibly even crumb without the burnt edges commonly caused by the intense top-down heating element. The thin but durable metal walls conduct heat rapidly.
The non-stick coating on the pan proved remarkably slick, allowing gooey cinnamon rolls to slide right out with zero residue. However, this kit is specifically designed for the Philips XXL models, meaning it will rattle around or completely fail to fit in narrow barrel models. If you own a large-capacity Philips, this is an essential upgrade that justifies its premium price tag through sheer daily utility.
2. Cosori C158-6AC 6-Piece Air Fryer Accessory Kit
Best Budget
Cosori Iconic 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer
Buying single accessories gets expensive fast. The Cosori C158-6AC six-piece set solves this by bundling an 8-inch cake pan, pizza pan, silicone mat, metal holder, skewer rack, and egg bites mold into one package. It is designed for 5.8-quart air fryers and fits most square-basket models perfectly. The dual-layer rack with five metal skewers was our favorite piece. We loaded it with heavily marinated pork shoulder cubes, and the vertical spacing allowed the fan to crisp every side evenly without flipping. The pizza pan is slightly shallow at 0.5 inches but crisps flatbreads beautifully.
While the sheer volume of items is great, the metal pieces lack the heavy-gauge feel of premium brands. The egg bite mold required a heavy spray of oil to prevent sticking during our breakfast tests. Still, getting six highly functional, dishwasher-safe tools for under forty dollars provides massive value. It is the perfect starter kit for anyone wanting to expand beyond frozen fries.
3. Evo Oil Sprayer Bottle (18 oz)
Best Oil Dispenser
Evo Original Non-Aerosol Oil Sprayer
Aerosol cooking sprays contain propellants that degrade the non-stick coating on air fryer baskets over time. The Evo Oil Sprayer Bottle completely eliminates this risk by using a heavy-duty, propellant-free trigger mechanism. Each full pull dispenses exactly 1.35 milliliters of oil in a wide, fan-shaped mist. We tested it with thick extra virgin olive oil and lighter avocado oil. Unlike cheap pump sprayers that clog and shoot straight streams, the Evo maintained a consistent, wide spray pattern that coated our potato wedges perfectly without drowning them.
The large 18-ounce capacity means fewer refills, and the BPA-free plastic body survived multiple drops onto our tile kitchen floor. The trigger requires a firm, fast pull to get the wide fan effect; a slow squeeze will result in a messy drizzle. It takes up a bit of vertical cabinet space, but protecting your expensive air fryer basket from peeling makes this a mandatory purchase.
4. Lotteli Kitchen Reusable Silicone Air Fryer Liners (8.5 inch)
Best for Easy Cleanup
Lotteli Collapsible Silicone Air Fryer Liners (2-Pack)
Disposable parchment paper blocks airflow and poses a serious fire hazard if it blows up into the heating element. The Lotteli Kitchen Reusable Silicone Liners solve both problems. These 8.5-inch square mats feature hundreds of precision-cut holes that ensure unhindered heat circulation. Measuring 2mm thick, they are substantially heavier than generic competitors. We subjected them to 450°F heat while cooking sticky teriyaki chicken wings. The marinade caramelized and charred onto the liner, but a quick rinse under hot water and a trip through the dishwasher left them looking brand new.
They fit perfectly in our 5.8-quart Cosori and 6-quart Instant Vortex models. The heavy silicone prevents them from flapping around during preheating. One minor drawback is that they can retain strong odors like garlic or fish after repeated uses, requiring an occasional soak in baking soda and water. If you hate scrubbing baked-on grease out of your fryer basket, these mats are an absolute lifesaver.
5. ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
Best Premium
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
Air fryers cook food aggressively fast, making the window between perfectly juicy and dangerously dry incredibly narrow. The ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE takes the guesswork out of the equation. It delivers full temperature readings in less than one second with an accuracy of ±0.5°F. During our testing with thick-cut pork chops and whole chickens, the blazing speed allowed us to check multiple spots without leaving the air fryer drawer open long enough to lose valuable heat. The auto-rotating display made reading temperatures easy from any awkward angle over the hot basket.
The build quality is exceptional, featuring an IP67 waterproof rating that easily handles accidental splashes or clumsy washing in the sink. It runs on a single AAA battery that lasts roughly 2,000 hours. The premium price tag might cause hesitation, but an instant, accurate thermometer is the single best way to guarantee safe, perfectly cooked meat every time you fire up your air fryer.
6. Ninja 112KBA Multi-Purpose Pan
Best for Ninja Foodi
Air Fryer Baking Set for Ninja Foodi
Designed specifically for the circular baskets of Ninja air fryers and multi-cookers, the Ninja 112KBA Multi-Purpose Pan measures 8.75 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches deep. This solid aluminum pan boasts a ceramic non-stick coating that is entirely PTFE and PFOA-free. We used it to bake a deep-dish pizza and later a small batch of fudge brownies. The thick aluminum construction distributed heat remarkably well, ensuring the center of our brownies cooked entirely before the edges turned to stone. It is oven safe up to 450°F.
The ceramic coating is incredibly slick, but it requires careful handling. Metal utensils will scratch it immediately, so stick to wood or silicone spatulas. We also noted that the depth makes lifting it out of a hot basket slightly tricky, requiring sturdy silicone tongs. For Ninja owners looking to bake thick casseroles or cakes, this heavy-duty pan is perfectly sized and built to last.
7. OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush
Best Basting Brush
OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush
When you need to apply a thick barbecue sauce or garlic butter to food halfway through the cooking cycle, the OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush is the right tool. Natural bristle brushes shed hairs into your food and trap bacteria, but OXO uses high-heat resistant silicone bristles. The clever design features a center cluster of bristles with special gaps designed to hold onto thin liquids like melted butter or vinegar-based marinades. We brushed sticky ribs inside a hot Ninja Max XL, and the 11.5-inch angled handle kept our knuckles safely away from the 400°F coil.
The brush head is angled slightly, which proved incredibly useful for reaching food in deep air fryer baskets without awkwardly tilting your wrist. It is dishwasher safe and heat resistant up to 600°F, meaning it won’t melt if accidentally rested against the hot basket edge. The handle lacks a hanging loop, but the thick, non-slip grip feels perfectly balanced in the hand.
What to Look for in Air Fryer Accessories
Dimensions and Basket Fit
Always measure your exact air fryer basket before purchasing pans or racks. Capacity in quarts does not guarantee a fit. A 6-quart round basket will not accept an 8-inch square baking pan. Use a tape measure on the interior floor of your basket, subtracting half an inch from the total width and depth to ensure accessories can easily slide in and out. If an accessory touches the basket walls, it will severely block the internal airflow, resulting in unevenly cooked food and potentially scratching your appliance’s coating.
High-Heat Material Safety
Air fryers reach 400°F to 450°F rapidly, which destroys cheap materials. Look for 100% food-grade silicone that explicitly states heat resistance up to at least 450°F. Flimsy plastics and generic silicone will melt or release toxic fumes. For metal accessories, heavy-gauge aluminum or carbon steel are the best choices because they conduct heat quickly. Avoid cheap, thin steel pans with unbranded non-stick coatings, as they tend to warp under rapid temperature changes and flake off onto your food after a few cycles in the dishwasher.
Airflow and Perforation
The defining feature of an air fryer is rapid air circulation. Solid pans block bottom airflow, meaning the bottom of your food won’t crisp unless flipped. When buying liners or racks, look for aggressive perforation. Silicone mats should have hundreds of holes, not just a few scattered slits. Wire racks should use thin gauge metal to minimize surface contact with the food. If you must use a solid baking pan for wet batters, ensure it leaves at least an inch of clearance around the edges.
Coating and Cleaning Requirements
Most air fryer baskets use a PTFE or ceramic non-stick coating. Metal accessories, like skewers or stainless steel racks, can scratch these coatings if dragged across the bottom. We recommend buying metal racks with silicone feet to protect your basket. Additionally, look for accessories that are completely dishwasher safe. Intricate items like wire mesh baskets or narrow egg bite molds are notoriously difficult to clean by hand once baked-on grease settles into the crevices. Stick to slick, ceramic-coated pans or high-quality silicone for easy maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Verdict
Upgrading your air fryer doesn’t require a massive investment. Grab the Evo Oil Sprayer to protect your non-stick basket and a fitted baking pan to expand your menu beyond simple roasted vegetables and frozen foods.
