When I bought my first Airfryer two years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Like many others, I was swept up in the wave of excitement surrounding the appliance and its promise of healthier, quicker cooking. I settled on the Cosori CP158-AF, which, at the time, was one of the most popular models. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen, but it wasn’t long before I realized I was missing out on some game-changing accessories that would make my Airfryer experience even better.
The Oil Sprayer: A Must-Have for Even Coating
If there’s one accessory I can’t live without, it’s the oil sprayer. Initially, I thought I could get away with just drizzling oil directly onto food or skipping it altogether. However, I soon discovered that for the Airfryer to work its magic, you still need a little bit of fat to ensure your food gets that perfect crispy texture. The sprayer allows for a thin, even coating of oil without soaking the food, and it’s particularly useful when making items like fries or chicken wings.
There are plenty of oil sprayers out there, some more expensive and intricate than others. Personally, I stick with a simple, budget-friendly model that does the job just fine. Not only does it save me money, but it’s also super easy to clean—a huge bonus in the busy world of home cooking.
Silicone Basting Brush for Precise Coating
Another accessory that I found indispensable is the silicone basting brush. You’ve likely seen it in recipe videos or cooking tutorials—this brush helps to apply oil or marinade evenly across your food. Whether you’re glazing chicken or prepping vegetables for roasting, the silicone brush is a quick and efficient tool.
What I love most about it is the versatility. You can use it to spread oil after spraying it with the sprayer or to brush a flavorful glaze on meat before air frying. The brush is easy to clean and much more reliable than trying to use a spoon or a messy drizzle from a bottle.
The Airfryer Rack: Cooking on Two Levels
One of the best purchases I made after getting my Airfryer was a rack designed specifically for Airfryers. This simple tool lets you cook on two levels, maximizing the cooking space inside your Airfryer. I can now make crispy fries on one level while cooking chicken wings on another, all in the same cooking session.
Some racks come with additional features, like skewers for cooking kebabs or grilling vegetables. The key is to find one that fits your Airfryer’s size and height, so the food gets cooked evenly without overcrowding. This little upgrade has allowed me to prepare multiple components of a meal at once, saving time and energy.
Silicone Base for Easier Cleanup
One of the most frustrating parts of using an Airfryer is cleaning the basket. Without a dishwasher, it can feel like a chore to scrub off the remnants of cooking. That’s where a silicone base comes in. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but after trying it, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. The silicone mat lines the basket, making it much easier to wipe clean after use, without all the scrubbing.
I’m a big fan of anything that makes cleanup quicker and easier, and this mat does just that. It’s also reusable, so you’re not constantly throwing away disposable liners, which is a nice eco-friendly bonus.
Parchment Paper for Airfryer: Convenience, But With Some Downsides
For those who want to minimize mess even further, parchment paper liners designed for Airfryers are an option. I’ll admit, I’ve used them on occasion, and they do a good job of keeping the basket clean. However, they’re not perfect. The paper can obstruct air circulation, which means your food may not cook as evenly as it would without it. That said, they are a convenient option if you’re just looking for an easy cleanup after frying up something greasy, like onion rings or fried fish.
Silicone Molds: The Reusable Alternative
If you’re more of a baker than a fryer, silicone molds are another must-have for your Airfryer. These molds allow you to bake items like cupcakes, muffins, or even a small cake. They come with convenient handles, making it easier to remove them from the Airfryer without burning yourself.
While they can be useful, I’ve found that they don’t allow for optimal air circulation, so they’re best used for foods that don’t require an airy, crispy finish. That said, they’ve been invaluable for some dishes, like baked chicken that needs to retain its juices while still cooking thoroughly.
The Airfryer Accessory Set: A One-Stop Solution
If you’re unsure where to start, you might consider getting a complete accessory set designed specifically for your Airfryer model. These kits often include a variety of items, like a rack, silicone mold, pizza pan, and even skewers for grilling. The great thing about buying a set is that you know the accessories will fit your Airfryer perfectly, as they’re often branded by the manufacturer, like Cosori in my case.
Many of these sets are relatively affordable, with prices ranging around 30 euros. Once you’ve got everything you need, cooking with your Airfryer becomes even more versatile and enjoyable. I recommend looking for a set that includes the essentials, but also consider what you cook most often to choose the best options for your kitchen.
Tongs for Easy Handling
Finally, tongs are an underrated yet essential accessory for handling food inside your Airfryer. Whether you’re flipping chicken drumsticks or grabbing that perfect piece of crispy fish, a good pair of stainless steel tongs is indispensable. They make the process much smoother and safer, allowing you to handle hot food with ease.
After two years of Airfryer cooking, I can confidently say that these accessories have transformed the way I use the appliance. It’s not just about the fryer itself; it’s about the little tools that make cooking more efficient and enjoyable. If you’re thinking about buying an Airfryer or already have one, I highly recommend picking up these essentials. They’ll not only save you time but will also enhance your overall cooking experience. Happy frying!