Air fryers are masters of convection heat, but the stock basket is only the beginning. The real upgrade comes from dedicated accessories that let you cook multiple foods at once, bake a cake, dehydrate jerky, or grill skewers without ever touching the non-stick coating. The wrong add-on can block airflow and ruin crispiness; the right one transforms your countertop appliance into a full kitchen workhorse.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I have spent hundreds of hours studying how airflow geometry, material gauge, and coating chemistry affect cooking performance in air fryers, cross-referencing owner reports across dual-basket, XL, and oven-style models to find what actually holds up.
This guide breaks down the best options by compatibility and cooking goal, helping you find the best air fryer accessories that match your specific machine and meal prep habits.
How To Choose The Best Air Fryer Accessories
Before you buy, you need to match the accessory to your exact air fryer basket shape and size. Round accessories can rattle in square baskets, and a pan that is too tall can block the heating element.
Material Matters: 304 Stainless Steel vs. Non-Stick Coating
304 stainless steel is rust-proof, dishwasher-safe, and won’t flake off over time. Non-stick coated pans are easier to release food initially, but the coating can chip after repeated thermal cycling, especially if you use metal tongs. For longevity, prioritize 304 steel racks and pans; reserve non-stick for cake barrels and muffin cups where release matters most.
Stackable Racks vs. Set Kits: Cooking Volume vs. Versatility
Stackable racks triple your cooking surface without increasing the footprint inside the basket — ideal for jerky, chicken wings, or reheating multiple items at once. Set kits (8 to 18 pieces) include pizza pans, skewer racks, egg bite molds, and liners, which expand your recipe range but take up storage space. Choose based on whether you cook single-layer proteins or full meals.
Fit: Diameter, Height, and Baffle Clearance
Measure your basket’s inner length and width. Square baskets (e.g., Cosori 6 QT, Ninja Crispi) need square racks roughly 8 inches wide. Round baskets (e.g., Philips) need round accessories. Also check the clearance between the top of the accessory and the heating coil — a stack that is too tall will scorch food before it cooks through.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geesta 16.5″ Crisper Tray | Oven Basket | Oven air frying | 16.5 x 12.5 in stainless steel tray | Amazon |
| Apluskis 18-Piece Kit | Full Set | All-around cooking | 8 in cake/pizza pans | Amazon |
| BYKITCHEN 3-Pack Rack | Stackable | Multi-layer cooking | 8 in square 304 steel | Amazon |
| Dual Basket 10-Piece Set | Dual Kit | Two-zone cooking | Fits 8-10 QT dual baskets | Amazon |
| 12-Piece Accessory Set | Large Kit | Budget-friendly versatility | Fits 5.3 QT+ round/square | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Geesta Air Fryer Basket for Oven
The Geesta Crisper Tray is not a basket insert — it is an oven-sized solution that fits standard 16.5 x 12.5 inch oven racks. Unlike most air fryer accessories that sit inside a countertop basket, this two-piece set (raised mesh tray + solid drip pan) turns any convection oven into a true air-fry zone. The raised basket prevents food from sitting in grease, while the mirror-finish bottom pan catches drips without warping.
Owner feedback consistently highlights the tray’s even heating performance for chicken wings, potato pancakes, and bacon, plus the fact that the stainless steel construction shows zero coating flaking — a common complaint on cheaper non-stick pans. The included recipe booklet is a practical bonus for learning oven-specific timing and temperature adjustments.
The main trade-off is that this set is too large for standard countertop air fryer baskets; it is designed exclusively for oven use. The mesh rack also requires a bit of scrubbing for stuck-on residue, though the drip pan rinses clean effortlessly. For anyone who wants to air fry in bulk without buying a second countertop machine, this is the most durable route.
What works
- No non-stick coating to flake off
- Raised basket promotes 360° airflow without flipping
- Dishwasher-safe and warp-resistant
What doesn’t
- Too large for countertop air fryer baskets
- Mesh rack is more effort to hand-clean than pans
2. Apluskis 18-Piece Air Fryer Accessories
With 18 pieces packed into an 8-inch form factor, the Apluskis kit covers nearly every cooking scenario a standard air fryer owner will encounter — cake barrel, pizza pan, skewer rack, toast rack, silicone egg bites mold, six muffin cups, and 100 parchment liners. The 8-inch diameter is a sweet spot: it fits Gourmia, Ninja, Phillips, Nuwave, Cosori, and Gowise models with basket capacities between 3.6 and 6.8 quarts.
Real-world testing shows the included metal holder and skewer rack perform well for kebabs and vegetables, and the silicone parts (mat, egg bite mold, muffin cups) hold up to repeated dishwasher cycles without discoloration. The square metal pan fits the Instant Vortex Air Fryer perfectly, and the pan gripper is surprisingly handy for removing hot inserts without mitts.
The most frequent criticism centers on the non-stick coating on the cake and pizza pans — several users reported flaking after a few washes. While the racks are pure stainless steel and durable, the coated pans are the weak link. If you prioritize cake release, these pans work fine initially; for daily high-heat cooking, you may want to use the steel racks instead.
What works
- Comprehensive kit covers baking, grilling, and dehydrating
- Silicone muffin cups and egg mold are BPA-free and durable
- 100 parchment liners included for mess-free cleanup
What doesn’t
- Non-stick coating on pans can peel over time
- Cake pan feels slightly thin compared to stand-alone models
3. BYKITCHEN 8″ Square Air Fryer Rack 3-Pack
The BYKITCHEN 3-Pack is the purest expression of the stackable rack concept: three identical 8-inch square 304 stainless steel grids with silicone feet that let you layer them inside the basket. The side walls act as a barrier to prevent small food items like diced chicken or mushroom slices from falling off, while the open grid design maximizes convective airflow for even crisping.
Owners report daily use with easy dishwasher cleaning, noting that the racks dramatically improve convective action for drying mushrooms and fried chicken — one reviewer described the result as “closest to barbecued chicken” from an air fryer. The 8-inch square geometry is compatible with Cosori 6 QT, Instant Vortex Plus 6 QT, and Ninja Pro XL 6.5 QT baskets. The silicone feet also keep the racks from scratching the basket coating.
The main drawback is that these racks are not as rigid as heavier-gauge competition — the wire gauge is moderate, so they can flex slightly under heavy loads like a full sheet of bacon. They also lack a non-stick coating, which means some starchy foods (e.g., breaded tenders) may stick if not placed on parchment. Still, for pure convection efficiency, this is the best multi-layer solution.
What works
- Triples cooking surface with 3 stackable tiers
- 304 steel won’t rust or flake
- Silicone feet protect basket coating
What doesn’t
- Wires flex slightly under heavy loads
- No non-stick coating — starchy foods may cling
4. Dual Basket Air Fryer Accessories 10-Piece Set
This 10-piece set is engineered specifically for dual-basket air fryers like the Ninja DZ201 and DZ401. It includes two pizza pans (one per basket), a heat-resistant cake pan, a metal skewer rack, egg bite mold, basting brush, silicone spatula, and kitchen tongs — plus paper liners. The pieces are sized to fit 3.7 to 4.2 quart individual baskets, which are common in larger 8 to 10 quart dual-zone machines.
User reviews emphasize the high build quality of the 304 stainless steel racks and the convenience of having dedicated pans for each basket — you can cook a pizza in one zone while baking egg bites in the other without cross-contamination. The tongs are a favorite small detail, sized perfectly for maneuvering hot items inside the compact baskets.
Two minor caveats: the included paper liners lack pre-punched holes, which can restrict airflow if placed under food that needs bottom crisping. Also, the egg bite mold has a mild silicone smell out of the box that requires a thorough hot-water wash to eliminate. For dual-basket owners who want a one-stop accessory collection, this set covers the bases without breaking the bank.
What works
- Tailored for Ninja DZ201/DZ401 dual baskets
- Two pizza pans enable simultaneous two-zone cooking
- Stainless steel racks are sturdy and rust-resistant
What doesn’t
- Paper liners lack perforations for airflow
- Egg bite mold has initial silicone odor
5. 12-Piece Air Fryer Accessories Set
This 12-piece set is the most wallet-friendly kit on the list, and it has been on the market since 2019 — a good sign of consistent demand. The bundle includes a cake barrel, pizza pan, cupcake pan, metal holder, skewer rack, toast rack, silicone mat, food tongs, oil brush, 100 parchment liners, four skewers, and two silicone oven gloves. It fits any air fryer sized 5.3 quarts or larger, including popular GoWise, Philips, and Cozyna models.
Real owner reports highlight the value proposition: having a cake pan and a cookbook included at the entry-level tier is rare. The silicone gloves and tongs are serviceable, with the parchment liners being the most-used item for quick cleanup. The stainless steel frame items (toast rack, skewer rack, metal holder) perform well for their intended jobs.
The most notable shortcoming is the non-stick coating durability — one owner reported the cake pan’s coating scrubbing off during the first wash. The silicone gloves are also thin and not heat-resistant enough for prolonged handling of hot metal inserts. For occasional use and for those who want a broad starting point without a large investment, this set works; heavy daily users may want to upgrade the coated pans separately.
What works
- Low entry point for a comprehensive 12-piece kit
- Includes cookbook for recipe inspiration
- Parchment liners simplify cleanup
What doesn’t
- Non-stick coating can chip after few washes
- Silicone gloves offer limited heat protection
Hardware & Specs Guide
304 Stainless Steel vs. Non-Stick Coating
304 stainless steel is the gold standard for air fryer accessories because it withstands repeated thermal expansion without warping or releasing harmful particles. Non-stick coatings (PTFE or ceramic) are easier to clean initially but typically degrade within 6-12 months of frequent use, especially when exposed to metal utensils or dishwasher detergents. If you value longevity, choose 304 steel racks and pans; reserve non-stick for cake barrels and muffin cups where release is critical.
Basket Dimensions and Height Clearance
Always measure your air fryer basket’s inner width, length, and height before purchasing. Square baskets (e.g., Cosori, Ninja Crispi) typically accept 8-inch square racks. Round baskets (e.g., Philips) need round accessories with a diameter 0.5-1 inch smaller than the basket to allow airflow around the edges. Height clearance is equally important — a stack of three racks may total 2-3 inches, leaving less than 2 inches between the top food and the heating coil, which can cause burning. Leave at least 1 inch of clearance.
FAQ
Do air fryer accessories block airflow and make food less crispy?
Can I use metal accessories in a non-stick basket without scratching it?
Are silicone muffin cups and egg bite molds safe for high heat?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most air fryer owners, the best air fryer accessories winner is the Apluskis 18-Piece Kit because it delivers the widest cooking range — from cake to skewers to egg bites — in a single purchase, with solid stainless steel racks that outperform the coated pans. If you want stackable cooking capacity for batch-prepping wings or jerky, grab the BYKITCHEN 3-Pack Racks. And for oven-style air frying in bulk, nothing beats the Geesta 16.5″ Crisper Tray for durability and no-coating confidence.