Kitchen · Accessories & Add-ons
Air Fryers: What Else You'll Need
By the Nest & Yard editorial teamUpdated 2026-08-092 min read
Our pick: the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 6-in-1, 7.6L, Black (AF300UK) — the best Air Fryers we tested, from £148.99.
So you’ve taken the plunge and invested in an air fryer – fantastic! To get the most out of your new appliance and ensure it continues to deliver delicious results for years to come, there are a few essential accessories you might not have initially considered. This guide explores commonly needed items like cable management solutions, protective cases, replacement parts, and other consumables that can significantly enhance your air frying experience.
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#1 Pick
Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK, 3.8L, 4-in-1, Digital, Grey & Black- Single or couple households
- 3.8L
Currently unavailable
Pros
- Air fry, roast, reheat and dehydrate in one 4-in-1 unit
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick basket
- Compact enough for smaller kitchens
Cons
- 3.8L capacity is snug for a family of 4+
#2 Pick
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 6-in-1, 7.6L, Black (AF300UK)- Family cooking
- 7.6L
£148.99
Pros
- Two independent drawers cook different foods at different temperatures
- Match Cook button syncs both drawers to finish together
- 6-in-1 functions including roast, bake and dehydrate
Cons
- Two-drawer design takes up more worktop and storage space than a single basket
#3 Pick
COSORI Air Fryer 5.5L Capacity, Oil Free, 11 Presets with 100 Recipes Cookbook, Non-Stick, Dishwasher Safe Basket, 1700-Watt (CP158-AF)- Family cooking
- 5.5L
£78.59
Pros
- 11 presets cover everything from fries to whole chicken
- Non-stick dishwasher-safe square basket maximises usable space
- Shake reminder helps food cook evenly
Cons
- Touchscreen controls can be fiddly with wet hands
#4 Pick
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps, Roasts, Bakes, Reheats and Dehydrates, with 5.5 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish, Grey- Family cooking
- 5.5QT
Currently unavailable
Pros
- 5.5-quart basket cooks and crisps up to 3lbs of fries
- Cooks, crisps, roasts, bakes, reheats and dehydrates in one unit
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and crisper plate
Cons
- Larger footprint than single-basket compact air fryers
FAQ
What’s usually included in an air fryer box?
Typically, you'll find the main appliance itself, a cooking basket, a crumb tray, and a recipe booklet. However, accessories like skewers or parchment paper are rarely provided as standard; check the product details for what's supplied.
Do I need to buy separate tongs?
Yes, most air fryers don’t include tongs. Long-handled tongs are incredibly useful for safely removing food from the hot basket without burning yourself – consider silicone or heat-resistant plastic options.
What about parchment paper liners?
While some smaller models may come with a few sheets, you'll likely need to purchase a larger pack of air fryer parchment paper. These are essential for easy cleanup and preventing food from sticking.
Are silicone baking mats suitable?
Absolutely! Silicone baking mats provide a non-stick surface within the basket and make cleaning much simpler than using oil or foil.
Do I need to buy skewers?
Many recipes benefit from using skewers, particularly for vegetables. Look for bamboo or metal skewers designed for air frying; wooden ones can sometimes burn.
Are extra crumb trays a good investment?
Yes, the crumb tray is essential for catching grease and crumbs during cooking but is often a separate purchase. It’s worth having spares on hand to avoid downtime when cleaning.
Should I buy a dedicated air fryer brush?
A silicone or nylon-bristled brush helps you easily remove food from the basket without damaging it, especially for sticky items like marshmallows.
Are there any specific types of oil recommended?
While not strictly necessary, using a high smoke point oil like sunflower or avocado oil can enhance flavour and prevent sticking – avoid olive oil due to its low smoke point.
What about measuring spoons for seasoning?
Air frying often requires precise seasoning; having a set of accurate measuring spoons is useful for replicating recipes accurately and avoiding over-seasoning.
Are there any accessories for larger capacity air fryers?
Larger models frequently benefit from wider skewers or trays to accommodate bigger portions, ensuring even cooking.
In depth
Expanding your air fryer experience requires more than just the appliance itself. Alongside the basket, controls, and instruction manual, several accessories and consumables will significantly enhance your ability to create delicious dishes. Often overlooked in initial purchases, these supplementary items can dramatically improve both your cooking efficiency and the breadth of recipes you’re able to tackle.
Firstly, consider a range of liners – silicone or parchment paper options are ideal. Air fryer baskets can be notoriously difficult to clean, especially after particularly greasy foods. Liners eliminate the need for extensive scrubbing, making cleanup considerably faster and easier. Silicone liners offer durability and reusability, while parchment paper provides excellent non-stick performance and is readily disposable. A pack of 10-20 liners of your preferred material will quickly become a staple in your air fryer arsenal.
Next, explore the world of cooking oils. While some foods require minimal oil, others benefit immensely from a light coating to achieve optimal crispness. Consider purchasing a selection of neutral oils – sunflower, vegetable, or canola are all excellent choices for general use. For dishes requiring a little more flavour, small bottles of olive oil or even flavoured oils (such as rosemary or garlic) can elevate your creations. Don’t forget a spray bottle – an aerosol oil sprayer provides the most consistent and controlled application, preventing excess oil buildup on the basket.
Then there's the matter of seasonings and spice blends. Air frying excels at delivering intense flavour profiles, but this relies heavily on quality seasonings. Stock up on basic spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (for a kick), and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Pre-mixed seasoning blends designed for air frying are also readily available and can simplify the process considerably, particularly when experimenting with new recipes.
Don’t overlook protective equipment. Whilst not essential for every recipe, investing in some heatproof silicone gloves is highly recommended. These allow you to safely handle hot baskets and dishes, preventing burns and offering a more comfortable cooking experience, especially when moving items between the air fryer and your work surface.
Finally, consider a small food thermometer – this is particularly useful for ensuring meats and poultry reach a safe internal temperature without overcooking them in the air fryer’s high-heat environment. Accurate temperature monitoring adds another layer of control and significantly reduces the risk of undercooked food. A simple digital thermometer will quickly pay for itself by preventing potential health concerns.
The Nest & Yard editorial team
Written and reviewed by our UK-based team of home improvement and gardening writers, who research specs, pricing and customer reviews before every recommendation. Reviewed and updated on 2026-08-09.