A few years ago, I jumped on the air fryer bandwagon and picked up a Cosori CP158-AF. Like many, I was drawn in by the promise of crispy fries without the mess—and it worked. I quickly ditched my old deep fryer and never looked back.
Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to charity in just five years
Diamond batteries powered by nuclear waste promise 28,000 years of clean energy
But something I didn’t expect? The real game-changer came after the purchase: the accessories. No one talks about them enough, and yet they’re what took my air fryer experience from good to great. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
A Good Oil Spray Bottle Is Essential
Sure, the air fryer uses less oil—but not no oil. A light spray can make the difference between soggy and crispy. I started with a cheap plastic sprayer that clogged constantly, then switched to a basic stainless steel one. It’s been solid ever since. Just make sure the mist is fine and even—your potatoes will thank you.
The Silicone Basting Brush I Didn’t Know I Needed
These brushes aren’t just for grilling. I use mine for brushing oil or marinades on chicken or veggies before cooking. It’s cleaner and more precise than pouring or spraying—and they’re super affordable. Look for one made of heat-resistant silicone.
The Two-Tier Rack That Doubled My Cooking Space
At one point, I was tired of cooking in batches. A small wire air fryer rack solved the problem. It lets me cook on two levels, perfect for chicken and potatoes in the same session. Some even include skewers for kebabs—just make sure the rack fits your fryer’s basket size.
A Silicone Liner Saves You Cleanup Time
Cleaning the basket after every use was getting old. That’s when I tried a silicone liner, and honestly, it was a relief. It doesn’t affect cooking much but catches the mess and rinses clean. If you’re not into scrubbing, this is for you.
Parchment Liners: Use With Caution
I’ve tested pre-cut parchment liners too. They’re convenient, especially for sticky dishes—but block the airflow if not properly vented. I now only use them for light baking or when I’m short on time, and always choose the kind with perforations.
Silicone Molds: Good for Some Things, Not All
These are great for baking muffins, egg bites, or roasting chicken while keeping the juices in. They’re reusable and easy to lift out thanks to the handles. But they also block airflow, so you’ll lose crispiness underneath. I use them selectively.
NASA warns China could slow Earth’s rotation with one simple move
This dog endured 27 hours of labor and gave birth to a record-breaking number of puppies
Are Accessory Kits Worth It?
Eventually, I bought a starter kit made for my Cosori model. It came with racks, trays, cake molds, and more. I don’t use every piece, but some—like the pizza pan and muffin cups—are now staples. If you don’t want to shop accessory by accessory, a well-matched kit is a smart buy.
Don’t Forget the Tongs
Not technically an air fryer accessory, but a must-have. A solid pair of stainless steel tongs makes flipping and retrieving food safer and easier. Mine cost less than $15 and I use them daily.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need every gadget out there—but a few smart additions can seriously improve your air fryer routine. Start simple: get a good oil sprayer, a liner, and tongs. From there, build based on how you cook.
The air fryer is already convenient—but the right tools can make it feel effortless.