Weird Air Fryer Gizmos

From basket buddies to silicone doo-dads, these weird air fryer accessories earn a spot in the drawer with real-world usefulness. They focus on better airflow, easier flipping, and faster cleanup. We added pros/cons and a mini buyer’s guide for smarter picks.

Silicone Air Fryer Liners

Reusable liners keep grease off the basket and make cleanup over easy. Look for ridged bottoms to help airflow and catch crumbs. Silicone air fryer liners

Pros

• Fast cleanup; protects nonstick basket
• Ridged versions improve airflow
• Reusable; less waste vs parchment

Cons

• Can slightly slow browning if too thick
• Must match basket size

Rack Riser Set

Stack a second level for wings and veggies so everything cooks in one batch. The extra space helps airflow and crisping. Rack riser set

Pros

• Doubles capacity for small baskets
• Better airflow around food
• Great for batch meal prep

Cons

• Crowding can still reduce crisping—don’t overload
• Clean wire grids promptly to avoid buildup

Magnetic Cheat Sheets

Time and temp cheat sheets stick to the side of the fryer so you are never guessing mid-meal. Not fancy, just handy. Magnetic cheat sheets

Pros

• Saves lookup time mid-cook
• Good starting points for new foods
• Easy gift add-on with an air fryer

Cons

• Still need to adjust for your model
• Doesn’t replace a thermometer

Silicone Tongs with Nylon Tips

Grab and flip without scratching the nonstick basket. They feel a little silly until you realize you use them every day. Silicone-tipped tongs

Pros

• Protects nonstick; comfortable grip
• Heat resistant
• Daily-use tool beyond the fryer

Cons

• Hinges can trap grease—clean well
• Choose soft tips to avoid scuffs

Oil Mister Bottle

Light, even coats of oil help browning on dry foods like potatoes and breaded bites. A little spray goes a long way. Oil mister bottle

Pros

• Even light coating improves crisping
• Less waste than aerosol cans
• Use your preferred oils

Cons

• Pump heads can clog—clean regularly
• Don’t over-apply oil; it slows crisping

Perforated Parchment Sheets

Keeps messes contained while preserving airflow for crisp edges. Great for sticky glazes and saucy wings. Perforated parchment sheets

Pros

• Faster cleanup; protects basket finish
• Holes maintain airflow
• Cheap and disposable for messy cooks

Cons

• Single-use; creates waste vs silicone
• Keep weighted by food to avoid touching element

Food Divider for Baskets

Split the basket to cook two foods at once (e.g., veggies on one side, nuggets on the other). Handy for picky eaters and quick lunches.

Pros

• Two dishes, one batch
• Keeps flavors separate
• Easy portion control

Cons

• Reduces airflow if overfilled
• Not compatible with every basket size

Metal Skewers or Kabob Rack

Elevates skewers so hot air surrounds meat and veg for even browning. Great for kebabs and halloumi.

Pros

• Even browning on all sides
• Fun presentation
• Works in toaster ovens too

Cons

• Sharp ends—handle carefully
• Requires careful loading to avoid touching element

Instant-Read Thermometer

Not an accessory, but an essential add-on: nail doneness for chicken, pork, and fish without guesswork. Crisp outside, safe inside.

Pros

• Accurate doneness = safer cooking
• Ends under/overcooked meat
• Useful for grill and oven too

Cons

• Another tool to store
• Learn target temps (stick a cheat sheet on the fridge)

Ready to boost your crunch game? Pick one or two of these oddballs and enjoy an easier cleanup with crispier results.

See also: Best Air Fryers of 2025 and Trending Air Fryer Tech. Also see our Strangest Kitchen Gadgets for prep helpers.

FAQ

Can I use liners in any air fryer?

Most silicone and parchment liners work in basket-style fryers; check size and keep them below the heating element.

How much oil should I mist?

Lightly—1–2 sprays per layer is plenty. Too much oil slows crisping.

Are rack risers safe for nonstick baskets?

Choose coated or silicone-tipped racks and avoid scraping the sides when loading.

How to Choose Air Fryer Accessories

• Airflow wins: Prioritize tools that increase surface exposure (racks, perforations).
• Basket fit: Measure your basket for liners, racks, and dividers.
• Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe silicone and removable grids save time.
• Safety: Keep parchment weighted by food; avoid anything that can contact the heating element.
• Control: Pair accessories with an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness.

Quick Air Fryer Tips

• Preheat briefly for better sear on proteins.
• Don’t overcrowd: leave space between pieces for airflow.
• Toss halfway: use Silicone-tipped tongs for even browning.
• Dry surface: pat food dry and mist lightly with oil for maximum crisp.
• Keep it clean: wash baskets and liners after greasy cooks to prevent smoke.

Cleaning and Care

• After wings or fatty cooks, soak the basket and rack with warm soapy water for 10 minutes, then use a soft brush—skip abrasive pads.
• For lingering odors, run a short cycle with lemon slices or a diluted vinegar wipe (cool unit first).
• Re-season bare metal racks lightly with oil after deep cleans to reduce sticking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the basket—crisping depends on airflow; cook in two batches if needed.
• Skipping preheat for proteins—2–3 minutes helps browning.
• Forgetting to pat food dry—surface moisture fights crisping.
• Lining the basket before adding food—parchment can fly; always add after loading.

Starter Kit Recommendation

If you’re building a simple starter kit, combine perforated parchment for messy cooks, a rack riser for two-level batches, and an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. Add silicone-tipped tongs and an oil mister to round out daily use.