A couple of years back, I jumped on the air fryer bandwagon and purchased one for myself. Specifically, I got the Cosori CP158-AF, which was all the rage at the time. I was thrilled with my new gadget—it allowed me to cook with less oil, kept my kitchen cleaner since there was no oil splatter, and made crispy fries without the guilt.
But here’s the thing: I had no idea that a whole world of accessories existed to make my air frying experience even better. It wasn’t until I started experimenting more that I realized how much easier and more versatile cooking with an air fryer could be with the right tools. So, if you’re new to the air fryer scene or looking to up your game, let me share some accessories that have become indispensable in my kitchen.
The Essential Oil Sprayer
One of the first things I discovered was the importance of an oil sprayer. Even though air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods, a light mist can make a big difference in achieving that perfect crispiness. There are plenty of options out there—some are easier to clean, others are designed to reduce clogging—but the main idea is to get a good, reliable sprayer. I opted for a simple, budget-friendly model that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Silicone Kitchen Brush for Perfect Coating
Another accessory that quickly became a staple is the silicone kitchen brush. You’ve probably seen these in cooking videos or recipe blogs. They’re great for “painting” a thin layer of oil onto your food, ensuring even coverage. Whether you’re brushing marinade onto chicken wings or lightly oiling vegetables, this tool is both versatile and inexpensive.
Expand Your Air Fryer’s Capacity with a Special Rack
I soon realized that cooking multiple items simultaneously could be a challenge due to the limited space. That’s when I found out about special racks designed for air fryers. These racks allow you to cook on two levels, effectively doubling your cooking surface. Imagine roasting potatoes on the bottom while grilling chicken on top—dinner is ready in half the time! Just make sure to check the dimensions to ensure it fits your specific model.
Silicone Liners for Easy Cleaning
Cleaning the air fryer basket can be a bit of a chore, especially if you’re not a fan of scrubbing. Enter silicone liners. These handy accessories sit at the bottom of your basket and catch all the drippings and crumbs. They’re reusable, dishwasher-safe, and make cleanup a breeze. I’ve found them particularly useful when cooking messier foods like marinated meats.
Parchment Paper Liners for Your Air Fryer
If silicone isn’t your thing, parchment paper liners are another option to keep your air fryer clean. Shaped to fit the basket, these liners prevent food from sticking and make transferring food to a plate effortless. While they can restrict airflow slightly, I’ve found them useful for baking or when cooking delicate items like fish.
Silicone Molds: A Handy Alternative
Silicone molds are a versatile addition to your air fryer toolkit. They come in various shapes and sizes, perfect for baking muffins, cooking eggs, or even making mini quiches. The molds are heat-resistant and flexible, making it easy to pop out your creations. Plus, they’re reusable and easy to clean, which is always a bonus in my book.
The All-in-One Accessory Pack
If you’re looking to dive right in, there are accessory packs available that bundle several of these items together. I eventually invested in one from Cosori that included a pizza pan, cake pan, multipurpose rack with skewers, silicone mat, and more. It was a convenient way to expand my cooking possibilities without having to hunt down each item individually.
Tongs: A Must-Have for Handling Hot Food
While not exclusive to air fryers, a good pair of tongs is essential. Flipping food halfway through cooking or safely removing hot items is much easier with tongs. I picked up a set of stainless steel tongs with silicone tips to avoid scratching the non-stick surface of the basket. They’re affordable and have become one of my most-used kitchen tools.
Looking back, I wish I’d known about these accessories when I first got my air fryer. They’ve not only made cooking easier but also expanded the types of dishes I can prepare. From perfectly crispy fries to delicate baked goods, these tools have enhanced my culinary adventures.
So, if you’re just starting out with an air fryer or looking to get more out of yours, consider investing in some of these accessories. They might seem small, but they can make a big difference in your cooking experience. Happy air frying!