Best Air Fryer Foods and the 6 Gadgets That Make Them Crisp

The best air fryer foods are wings, thighs, fries, roasted vegetables, salmon, sausages and reheated leftovers, and the gadget that improves the most of them is an instant-read thermometer, with a stackable rack a close second. If you only buy one add-on, make it the ThermoMonster instant-read thermometer, because knowing when food is done does more for results than any accessory that changes the cooking itself.

A kitchen gadget site gets one question about air fryers more than any other: what should I cook in it, and what should I buy to make it work better? The answers are linked. Foods that suit an air fryer share a few traits. They have a surface that browns, such as skin, breading or natural sugars. They are small or thin enough to cook through before they dry out. And they benefit from air moving all around them. The accessories that help most either improve that airflow, like racks, or take the guesswork out of timing, like thermometers and cheat sheets.

This guide pairs the foods with six gadgets. We did not personally use these products. It is research-based: we compared the descriptions, sizes and features in each listing, and drew on general cooking guidance from independent publications. We leave out star ratings, review counts and exact prices, and we write not listed when a listing is silent. We also avoid health claims; air frying generally needs less added oil than deep frying, and whether a food suits your diet is a question for you and your doctor or dietitian.

You will find a table of the six gadgets, a ranked list of the best air fryer foods and which gadget helps each, a buying guide, and an FAQ. Four more accessories appear in the Also Consider list.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall Gadget: ThermoMonster 0.5 Second Instant Read Thermometer, listed with NIST plus or minus 0.5F precision.
• Best for More Capacity: HONYAO Stackable Air Fryer Racks, 2 pieces, 8-inch stainless steel, for 5 to 7.5 Qt baskets.
• Best Starter Kit: COSORI Air Fryer Accessories Set of 6, cake and pizza pan, holder, rack and skewers.
• Best Oil Applicator: FLAIROSOL Olivia 200 ml glass sprayer with portion control.
• Best for Egg Bites and Muffins: Reynolds Disposable Air Fryer Cups, 10 pack, 8 fl oz.
• Best Reference: Momo & Nashi Air Fryer Cheat Sheet Magnets Booklet, a cooking times guide.

Air Fryer Gadgets Compared

1. ThermoMonster Instant Read Thermometer: Best Overall Gadget

• Read time: 0.5 seconds, per the listing
• Accuracy: NIST plus or minus 0.5F, per the listing
• Use: oven, grill, candy, BBQ
• Format: digital, red
• Probe: instant-read

Best for: Chicken, fish, burgers and anything where doneness matters.

Skip if: You only cook frozen snacks that follow package times.

The hardest part of air frying is timing. A basket cooks faster than an oven, and the same piece of chicken can be raw in the middle or dry throughout depending on size and unit. A thermometer ends the guesswork. Poultry is generally considered done at 165F and fish at about 145F according to common food-safety guidance.

The listing claims a half-second read and tight accuracy, which are maker claims we cannot verify. The practical point is that an instant-read probe lets you check without holding the basket open for long.

Insert the probe into the thickest part, away from bone. Clean it between uses and keep it out of the air fryer itself, since the probe isn’t designed for the basket.

Pros

• Takes out the guesswork
• Useful beyond the air fryer
• Budget price tier

Cons

• Probe needs careful cleaning
• Accuracy claims are the maker’s

2. HONYAO Stackable Air Fryer Racks, 2 Pieces: Best for More Capacity

• Count: 2 racks
• Size: 8 inch square
• Material: stainless steel
• Fits: 5 to 7.5 Qt baskets, per the listing
• Use: stackable multi-layer cooking

Best for: Cooking more food at once, like skewers, wings or reheating two plates.

Skip if: Your basket is smaller than eight inches.

A rack lifts food off the basket floor and lets air flow underneath, which helps crisp. Two racks let you create a second layer, so a basket that normally holds one layer of wings can take two.

Stacking changes how air moves, so food on the lower level may cook a bit slower and need rearranging halfway. Keep layers from touching the heating element, and keep an eye on grease dripping to the lower layer.

Check your basket dimensions. The listing says it fits 5 to 7.5 quart units from Ninja, Cosori and others, but a square rack needs a square floor.

Pros

• More capacity
• Lifts food for airflow
• Stainless steel

Cons

• Needs the right basket size
• Stacking changes cook times

3. COSORI Air Fryer Accessories Set of 6: Best Starter Kit

• Pieces: 6
• Includes: cake and pizza pan, metal holder, rack, skewers
• Fits: most 5 Qt and larger units, per the listing
• Coating: nonstick, BPA free
• Dishwasher safe

Best for: Cooks who want to bake, grill skewers or cook a small pizza.

Skip if: You have a small basket or never bake.

A starter set expands what the machine can do. A cake pan lets you bake a small cake or egg bites. A pizza pan holds a personal pizza or flatbread. Skewers and a rack suit kebabs and wings. The metal holder helps lift hot pans out safely.

The listing says the set suits 5 Qt and larger air fryers and is dishwasher safe, which is helpful.

It is also a gift-friendly set. Just check the sizes against your basket before buying.

Pros

• Many accessories in one
• Dishwasher safe
• Lets you bake

Cons

• Not for small baskets
• Some pieces will go unused

4. FLAIROSOL Olivia Oil Sprayer: Best Oil Applicator

• Capacity: 200 ml glass
• Mist: fine, continuous with portion control
• Features: refillable, reusable, anti-drip
• Marketed for air fryer, salad and BBQ use

Best for: Applying a thin, even oil film to vegetables and breaded foods.

Skip if: You rarely use oil.

Many air fryer foods need only a thin film of oil, and a mister delivers that better than a spoon. A refillable sprayer also avoids the additives in pressurized cans, some of which makers advise against using on nonstick coatings.

The glass body is easy to see through to check the level. Use a clear refined oil so the nozzle doesn’t clog.

It is the most expensive gadget in this guide, but also the one you will reach for at every meal.

Pros

• Fine mist
• Refillable
• Portion control

Cons

• Premium price tier
• Needs cleaning

5. Reynolds Disposable Air Fryer Cups, 10 Pack: Best for Egg Bites and Muffins

• Count: 10 cups
• Size: 8 fl oz
• Use: air fryer, oven and grill
• Purpose: individual portion baking cups

Best for: Egg bites, muffins and meal-prep portions.

Skip if: You prefer reusable silicone.

Individual cups turn the air fryer into a small-batch baker. Egg bites, muffins, mini frittatas and baked oatmeal all come out in tidy portions and lift out easily.

They are disposable, so there is no cleanup. The 8 fl oz size is generous, holding a hearty portion.

Place cups in the basket, not touching the sides, and avoid overfilling so batter doesn’t rise into the fan.

Pros

• Easy portions
• No cleanup
• Familiar brand

Cons

• Single use
• Size may not fit small baskets

6. Momo & Nashi Cheat Sheet Magnets Booklet: Best Reference

• Format: magnets booklet
• Content: cooking times and temperatures, cookbook
• Waterproof
• Aimed at beginners

Best for: New air fryer owners who want a quick reference on the fridge.

Skip if: You are comfortable with your own timings.

A cheat sheet is not a high-tech gadget, but it solves a real problem: nobody remembers how long to cook sweet potato wedges. A magnet booklet on the fridge puts the answer within reach.

The listing describes a waterproof quick reference with times, temperatures and a cookbook element. Treat all such charts as starting points, since every unit runs differently.

Write your own adjustments in the margins.

Pros

• Beginner friendly
• Waterproof
• Low price tier

Cons

• Generic times
• Not a substitute for a thermometer

Also Consider

Lunaicorn Air Fryer Accessories Set of 12

A larger set for 5.3 Qt and bigger units, with cake and pizza pans, a holder, skewer rack and skewers.

PINTAUR Silicone Air Fryer Liners

Reusable silicone inserts sized for 5 to 6.5 Qt baskets.

OPENICE Oven Air Fryer Basket and Tray Set

A stainless steel basket and tray for oven-style air frying, with 30 parchment sheets.

TempPro TempSwift Thermometer

A 1 second instant-read thermometer with an auto-rotating backlit display.

How We Chose

We started with foods and worked backward to gadgets. We listed the foods air fryers handle best, then asked what each one needs: airflow, a precise doneness check, a way to hold small items, or a thin coat of oil. We then chose products that meet those needs and are real, currently sold items.

The guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. We read each listing for features and sizes, and general cooking guidance from independent publications such as Serious Eats and America’s Test Kitchen informed the food advice. Maker claims are labeled as such.

We avoid star ratings, review counts and exact prices.

Buying Guide

Pick gadgets that match your basket

Racks, pans and liners come in fixed sizes. Measure your basket’s floor before buying. A square 8-inch rack needs a square basket, and a cake pan must clear the walls and the fan. Check the capacity range in the listing.

If your basket is under 5 quarts, look for accessories made for compact units.

Use gadgets that improve airflow, not block it

The whole point of an air fryer is moving hot air. Racks that lift food help, while solid pans and cups reduce airflow underneath. Use solid pieces when you need containment, like batter, and racks when you want crispness.

Always leave gaps for air.

Safety first

Use only accessories made for hot cooking. Plastic, thin foil or non-heat-safe containers can melt or burn. Keep anything from touching the heating element. Use tongs or a holder to lift hot pans.

Follow the maker’s manual for allowed materials.

Material and cleanup

Stainless steel is durable and dishwasher friendly. Nonstick pans need gentle cleaning. Silicone is flexible but can hold odors. Disposable items save cleanup but create waste.

Consider how often you will use each accessory before buying.

Don’t overbuy

A thermometer, a rack and an oil sprayer cover most needs. Specialty items like pans and cups are worth buying only if you bake or meal prep. A cheat sheet is a good beginner aid and costs little.

Start small and add pieces as habits form.

Gadget Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a big accessory set before you know your basket size is the top mistake. Another is stacking racks so tightly that air can’t flow. A third is leaving a thermometer probe in a hot basket, which can damage it.

Also avoid foil or paper in an empty preheating unit, and check your manual before using any pan or cup you didn’t buy for the purpose.

The Best Air Fryer Foods, and the Gadget That Helps Each

The rule behind the table is straightforward: cook foods whose surface can brown, keep them in a thin layer, and measure doneness rather than guessing. Wings and thighs are the stars because their skin does the work. Vegetables are close behind. Frozen snacks are the easy wins. Egg bites and small bakes are a bonus that depends on having the right cups or pan.

What Air Fryers Don’t Do Well

Wet batters run through the basket. Light leafy greens blow around. Very large cuts, like a whole turkey, don’t fit or cook evenly. Cheese-heavy foods can melt and drip. Anything that needs a long, gentle braise belongs in a pot. For these, use the oven or stovetop and save the air fryer for crisping and reheating.

Technique Notes for the Top Foods

Wings. Pat them very dry, toss with a little oil and seasoning, and arrange them in a single layer or on a rack so air reaches the underside. Cook at a moderate temperature first to render fat, then raise the heat for the last few minutes. Sauce them after cooking, because sugary sauces burn in the basket.

Thighs. Bone-in, skin-on thighs are forgiving. Start skin side down for a few minutes, then flip, and check the thickest part with a thermometer. They take longer than breasts, and the extra time is what crisps the skin.

Fries and tots. Follow the package for a first run, then adjust. Shake the basket midway and avoid piling the food. A rack can help when you cook more than one layer.

Vegetables. Cut pieces to similar sizes and toss in a bowl with a thin coat of oil. Brussels sprouts do best halved and cut side down. Add cheese or breadcrumbs at the very end.

Salmon. Use a moderate temperature and check early. A thermometer prevents overcooking, and a perforated liner stops the skin sticking.

Egg bites and muffins. Fill cups two-thirds full, set them on the basket floor with space between them, and cook at a moderate temperature. Let them rest before lifting out.

How to Use an Instant-Read Thermometer Properly

Insert the probe into the thickest part of the food, not touching bone, fat or the pan. Wait for the reading to settle, which for an instant-read model takes a second or two. Check in more than one spot for large pieces. Remove the food from the basket before probing when you can, since the hot basket can distort the reading and burn your hand.

Clean the probe with hot soapy water after each use, and never put the thermometer body in the dishwasher unless the maker says it is safe. Calibrate occasionally in ice water; a good thermometer should read close to 32F. If your unit allows calibration, follow the maker’s steps. The listing for the ThermoMonster claims NIST plus or minus 0.5F precision, but we recommend a simple ice-water check to be sure.

Setting Up Your Station

Place the gadgets where you will use them. Keep the thermometer in a drawer or magnetic holder near the air fryer, the sprayer on the counter within reach, and the cheat sheet on the fridge. Store racks and pans in a cabinet at hand height so lifting them out is easy. Reserve a hot pad or silicone mat near the fryer for placing hot baskets and pans, and keep tongs close by.

A small tray or basket for all air fryer extras keeps things tidy and makes cleanup quicker. If your counter is tight, hang the sprayer and tongs from a rail or hook. The goal is to make each step easy enough that you actually do it, whether that is checking doneness or oiling the food lightly.

Gifts and Budgeting

Air fryer accessories make easy gifts because they are inexpensive and useful. A thermometer plus a cheat sheet magnet is a sensible pairing for a new owner, while the COSORI set suits someone who already uses the machine daily. If you are budgeting, buy in this order: thermometer, oil sprayer, rack, then specialty pans and cups. That order follows how much each item changes everyday results.

If you already own most items, upgrading one piece can still help. Replace a worn sprayer, swap a thin rack for a sturdier one, or add a second thermometer for larger meals. Skip anything described only as a gadget with no clear job, and remember that accessories should simplify cooking, not complicate it.

Common Food Mistakes in Plain Language

Overfilling the basket tops the list. Piled food steams, so crisp foods come out limp. Skipping the shake leaves one side pale. Cooking straight from a wet marinade creates steam and smoke. Seasoning with sugar-heavy rubs too early burns the surface. And trusting color alone, rather than a thermometer, leaves meat either raw or dry. Fix those five and nearly any food in this guide turns out well.

Final Tip

Keep a small notebook or a note on your phone with the time, temperature and result for each food you cook. After a month you will have a personal chart tuned to your own machine, which beats any generic guide. Pair it with the thermometer and you will rarely overcook anything again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best foods to cook in an air fryer?

Chicken wings and thighs, fries, roasted vegetables, salmon, sausages, egg bites and reheated leftovers are among the best.

Which air fryer accessory is most useful?

An instant-read thermometer is the most useful for most people, followed by a rack and an oil sprayer.

Do I need a rack for my air fryer?

Not always, but a rack lifts food for better airflow and can double capacity for foods like wings and skewers.

Can I bake in an air fryer?

Yes, small cakes, muffins and egg bites work with a suitable pan or cups. Check your manual for allowed cookware.

Is a cheat sheet worth it?

For beginners, yes. Treat it as a starting point and adjust to your unit.

What temperature is chicken done?

Poultry is generally considered done at an internal temperature of 165F. Use a thermometer.

Will accessories fit any air fryer?

No. Check the size range in the listing and measure your basket.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you only buy one thing, buy the ThermoMonster thermometer. If you cook for a crowd, add the HONYAO racks. If you want to bake and make skewers, the COSORI set of 6 is the starter kit, and the FLAIROSOL Olivia sprayer improves vegetables and breaded foods. Meal preppers will like the Reynolds cups, and beginners will appreciate the Momo & Nashi magnets.

Cook the foods that suit the appliance, measure doneness, and add gadgets only when a habit calls for them.

Sources

• ThermoMonster instant read thermometer product listing
• HONYAO air fryer rack product listing
• COSORI air fryer accessories set product page
• FLAIROSOL Olivia oil sprayer product page
• Reynolds Kitchens disposable air fryer cups product page
• Food-safety guidance from the USDA on safe internal temperatures
• Cooking publications such as Serious Eats and America’s Test Kitchen

Last updated: October 2026