Air fryers have become a staple in many UK kitchens, lauded for their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil. However, to truly get the most out of these versatile appliances, a range of accessories can enhance their functionality, making cooking easier, cleaner, and more diverse. While these add-ons haven't undergone formal lab testing, an analysis of market trends and retailer data reveals several popular extras that are proving invaluable to consumers.
Among the most practical accessories is simple baking paper. Widely available in supermarkets and online, it serves as an effective barrier against grease, marinades, and melted cheese, drastically cutting down on the need for rigorous cleaning of the air fryer drawer. It also helps prevent delicate foods from sticking. Users must ensure it's always weighted down with food to avoid it blowing into the heating element during operation.
For those looking to maximise their air fryer's capacity, stackable racks are a game-changer. These allow users to cook multiple layers of food simultaneously, effectively doubling the cooking space. Specific racks are designed to fit popular models like the Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone AF400UK, but it's crucial to check dimensions for compatibility with your own appliance. Similarly, stainless steel skewer sets enable the effortless preparation of kebabs, allowing for easy flipping to ensure even cooking and crisping. Again, measuring your air fryer basket is essential to ensure the skewers fit correctly, with smaller baskets typically needing shorter skewers (around 15cm) and larger models accommodating lengths of 18-20cm.
Cleaning and convenience are further addressed by silicone liners and appropriate tongs. Reusable and often dishwasher-safe, silicone liners keep the basket clean and prevent food from sticking, with grooves designed to promote air circulation. Many popular brands, including Ninja and Tower, offer custom-fit liners. For handling hot food, smaller, lockable stainless steel tongs, such as those from Oxo, are recommended over bulky barbecue tongs. Their compact size (around 27cm) makes them easy to store and manoeuvre within the air fryer.
Finally, for those who wish to explore their air fryer's baking potential, silicone moulds for muffins or cupcakes can transform the appliance into a mini-oven. Brands like Lakeland offer convenient twin packs of four-muffin moulds with built-in handles for safe removal. To further inspire culinary adventures, an air fryer cookbook, such as 'Jamie Oliver’s Easy Air Fryer,' can provide a wealth of new recipes and cooking techniques, helping users discover the full range of meals they can create.