Air fryers are a bit like new trainers: brilliant out of the box… but so much better once you’ve got the right gear. Ever tried flipping delicate salmon with a flimsy fork? Or scraped baked-on sauce off a basket like you’re chiselling a statue? Yeah. Been there.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best air fryer accessories in the UK the ones you’ll genuinely use week after week. No clutter. No gimmicks. Just practical add-ons that improve crispiness, expand capacity, and make cleaning feel less like a punishment.
Internal link idea: If you’re still choosing a machine, start here: /best-air-fryer-uk/.
Quick picks: Top accessories (by type of cook)
Here’s the “tell me what to buy” section because sometimes you don’t want a long chat, you want answers.
| Accessory | Best for | Why it’s worth it |
|---|---|---|
| Paper liners (perforated) | Fast clean-up | Less scrubbing, great for sticky foods |
| Silicone liner | Daily cooking | Reusable, protects basket, reduces mess |
| Stacking rack | Batch cooking | Cook more at once (wings + chips, veg + sausages) |
| Skewer set | Kebabs / tikka style | Better browning, less flipping |
| Baking tin / ramekins | Cakes, egg bites | Turns your air fryer into a mini oven |
| Oil sprayer | Crisp results with less oil | Even coating = better browning |
| Food thermometer | Chicken, reheats, roasts | Takes the guesswork out |
| Soft cleaning brush | Easy maintenance | Saves the non-stick coating |
If you want a simple starter set: liners + rack + oil sprayer + brush. That combo covers 80% of what most UK households cook.
Why accessories matter (taste, crispiness, cleanup, capacity)
Think of your air fryer like a tiny fan-assisted oven. Accessories are basically “upgrades” that help it do three things:
- Improve airflow and browning (racks, skewers)
- Make cooking more consistent (oil sprayer, thermometer)
- Make cleaning quicker (liners, brushes)
And honestly? The biggest win is time. The right liner can turn a 10-minute scrub into a 20-second rinse. That’s not an accessory… that’s a lifestyle change.
Before you buy: Size, shape, and compatibility
Air fryer accessories UK searches can get messy because everything claims to be “universal”. The truth is: shape matters.
Basket vs oven-style vs dual-drawer air fryers
- Basket air fryers: most common; accessories need to fit the base area neatly.
- Oven-style air fryers: trays and racks work better than basket liners.
- Dual-drawer models: you may need two smaller sets rather than one big one.
Measuring your basket properly (the 30-second method)
Grab a tape measure and check:
- Inner length and width at the base (not the rim)
- Usable height (especially for racks)
If you’re between sizes, go slightly smaller. A too-tight liner blocks airflow like putting a blanket over a fan.
Materials checklist (silicone, stainless steel, coatings)
Look for:
- Food-grade silicone (heat resistant, flexible, easy to clean)
- Stainless steel racks/skewers (durable, doesn’t warp easily)
- Avoid anything with strong chemical smells out of the packaging (that’s a red flag)
Must-have #1: Liners (paper vs silicone vs reusable mats)
Liners are the first accessory most people buy—and for good reason. But which type actually works best?
When paper liners win
Paper liners (especially perforated) are perfect for:
- Sticky marinades
- Saucy wings
- Reheating messy foods like leftover curry-friendly chicken bites
They’re also brilliant when you’re cooking something oily and you really don’t want to deal with the aftermath.
Pro tip: Don’t preheat with an empty paper liner. The fan can lift it, and it may touch the heating element.
When silicone liners win
Silicone liners are the “everyday” option:
- Reusable (less waste)
- Protects non-stick baskets
- Great for veg, sausages, salmon, and most weeknight dinners
But remember: silicone can trap moisture. If your chips are coming out more “sad roast potato” than “pub chips”, switch to a perforated liner or skip the liner entirely for that cook.
Common liner mistakes (aka why your chips went soggy)
- Blocking airflow with a solid liner on foods that need crisping
- Overcrowding (liners don’t fix that)
- Not shaking/turning halfway through
Air fryers love space. Accessories help, but they can’t break the laws of crispy physics.
Internal link idea: Add a “how to get crisp results” section in /air-fryer-recipes/.
Must-have #2: Racks & multi-layer cooking
If you’ve ever cooked wings and then had to wait to cook the chips… racks are your new best friend.
Stacking racks for wings, veg, and bacon
A two-layer rack lets you cook more in the same time. Great for:
- Wings on top, wedges underneath
- Veg and halloumi
- Bacon without it sitting in its own fat puddle
Just don’t cram it like a suitcase before a holiday flight.
Airflow rule: the “don’t block the fan” test
If the rack (or food) sits too close to the top, airflow suffers. You want hot air to move freely—think of it like a wind tunnel, not a storage box.
Must-have #3: Skewers & kebab sets (for proper grill vibes)
Skewers are surprisingly useful, especially if you cook:
- Chicken tikka chunks
- Mixed veg kebabs
- Prawns (they cook fast—blink and they’re done)
They keep food elevated, which improves browning. Plus, it’s just fun. And food that’s fun gets cooked more often—tell me that’s not true.
Must-have #4: Baking tins, loaf pans & ramekins
If your air fryer is a “mini oven”, baking tins are the baking trays.
Best bakes: brownies, banana bread, egg bites
- Brownies: quick, gooey centre, crisp edges
- Banana bread: smaller loaf tin = faster bake
- Egg bites: silicone muffin cups or ramekins work perfectly
Look for:
- Non-stick metal tins sized to your basket
- Silicone muffin cups for easy release (and minimal washing up)
Must-have #5: Oil sprayer (and why it changes everything)
Want crisp results without drowning food in oil? An oil sprayer is the move.
Here’s the problem with pouring oil: it lands in patches. Some chips get shiny and brown, others stay pale like they’ve seen a ghost.
A sprayer gives:
- Even coverage
- Less oil used
- Better browning
Tip: Use oils that spray well (and clean the nozzle regularly). It’s a small thing, but it makes the whole experience smoother.
Must-have #6: Food thermometer (don’t guess know)
This one isn’t glamorous, but it’s hugely practical especially for:
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks
- Reheated leftovers
- Roasts in larger air fryers
It’s easy to assume “it looks done”. But looks can lie like when a jacket looks waterproof until it rains.
A quick temp check gives confidence and consistency. For UK safe cooking guidance, link out to the Food Standards Agency (external link) and keep your advice aligned with official recommendations.
Must-have #7: Tongs, spatulas & safe flipping tools
Metal tools can scratch coatings, and rough flipping can tear delicate foods.
Best tools:
- Silicone-tipped tongs (safe on non-stick)
- Soft silicone spatula (for fish, bakes, egg items)
- Small heat-safe turner (perfect for hash browns)
If you only buy one: get tongs. They’re the extension of your air-fryer personality.
Must-have #8: Cleaning kit essentials
Let’s be real: the reason people “stop using” an air fryer isn’t cooking—it’s cleaning.
Brushes, degreasers, and what not to use
What helps:
- Soft bristle brush (gets into the basket holes)
- Microfibre cloth
- Mild washing-up liquid
What to avoid:
- Abrasive scourers (they can damage coatings)
- Metal scraping tools
- Over-soaking electrical parts (obvious, but worth saying)
Internal link idea: Put a full step-by-step guide here: /air-fryer-cleaning-guide/.
Nice-to-have extras (dehydrator racks, pizza trays, toast racks)
These are the “upgrade” accessories useful, but not essential for everyone.
- Dehydrator racks: great if you make dried fruit, jerky-style snacks, or crispy kale
- Pizza tray: useful for reheating slices without sogginess
- Toast rack: surprisingly handy for crisping wraps and reheating pastries
If your air fryer is already your daily driver, these extras can keep meals interesting.
Accessory kits: Are bundles worth it?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes it’s 12 pieces of “meh” and one decent rack.
What a good kit includes (and what’s usually filler)
A good kit usually includes:
- Rack + skewers
- A baking tin
- Silicone cups or liner
- A cleaning brush
Common filler:
- Tiny cake cutters you’ll never use
- Random utensils that don’t fit your basket
- Odd-sized trays that block airflow
If you’re buying a kit, check dimensions first. “Universal” is often marketing speak for “good luck”.
Let’s match accessories to real life.
Families & batch cooking
Best picks:
- Stacking rack
- Extra liners (paper or silicone)
- Larger baking tin/roasting tray (if your model allows)
Why: you’ll cook more at once, and quick cleaning keeps you sane on busy nights.
Single-person meals
Best picks:
- Silicone liner
- Tongs
- Small tin/ramekin set
Why: easy portioning, minimal mess, fast turnaround.
Healthy cooking / low-oil
Best picks:
- Oil sprayer
- Rack (to lift food from fats)
- Thermometer (for lean proteins)
Why: better texture without relying on oil.
Baking lovers
Best picks:
- Loaf tin
- Silicone muffin cups
- Ramekins
Why: your air fryer becomes a mini bakery with less preheat and less energy.
Internal link idea: Add a “baking in an air fryer” sub-hub inside /air-fryer-recipes/.
Safety and care (keep it non toxic and long lasting)
A few simple rules keep accessories safe and your air fryer in good shape:
- Don’t block airflow (especially near the top element)
- Avoid harsh abrasives on non-stick parts
- Choose food safe materials (silicone/stainless steel)
- Let accessories cool before washing (warping is real)
- Replace paper liners often old grease build-up can smoke
Treat your air fryer basket nicely and it’ll treat your chips nicely. It’s a fair deal.
The best air fryer accessories in the UK aren’t the fanciest they’re the ones that solve everyday annoyances: soggy chips, limited space, and endless scrubbing. Start with the basics (liners, rack, oil sprayer, brush), then add baking tins or skewers based on what you actually cook. Your air fryer should feel easier, not more complicated because the whole point is fast, tasty food with less hassle.
FAQ
What are the must-have air fryer accessories for beginners?
If you’re just starting, keep it simple: liners (paper or silicone), silicone-tipped tongs, a soft cleaning brush, and an oil sprayer. That combo improves crispiness, reduces mess, and makes cleaning quick—so you’ll actually keep using your air fryer. Once you know your favourite meals, add a rack or baking tin to expand what you can cook.
Are silicone air fryer liners better than paper liners?
They’re better for different jobs. Silicone liners are reusable and great for everyday cooking, but they can trap moisture so super crispy foods may suffer. Paper liners (especially perforated) are brilliant for quick clean-up and sticky foods, but they’re single use. Many UK households end up using both: silicone for routine meals, paper for messy marinades.
Do air fryer accessory kits actually fit all models?
Not always. “Universal” often means “fits some”. The safest approach is measuring your basket’s inner base width/length and usable height, then checking the kit’s dimensions before buying. Dual drawer air fryers often need smaller accessories per drawer. If a kit doesn’t list exact sizes, it’s a gamble and you’ll end up with pieces you can’t use.
What’s the best way to clean air fryer accessories without damaging them?
Let accessories cool, then wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid abrasive scourers on non-stick surfaces and don’t scrape with metal tools. For stubborn grease, a short soak helps just keep electrical components dry. Regular cleaning prevents build-up that causes smoke and smells, and it extends the life of both your accessories and your basket.
What accessories help the most with crispier results?
For crispiness, focus on airflow and even oil coverage. A rack lifts food to let hot air circulate, while an oil sprayer coats evenly (no random oily patches). Also, don’t overcrowd crispy food needs space. If you use liners, choose perforated paper for foods like chips and wings, or skip liners entirely when you want maximum browning.