The air fryer craze is going strong. They’re a handy kitchen appliance that doesn’t require a steep learning curve to operate. You can make the Southern-fried food you crave without all the fat and calories. BUT-and isn’t there always a but? There are some important kitchen tools you need for your air fryer that will make your life easier. Ready to give them a whirl? Check out these 8 tools.
The best part? These tools and utensils don’t have to cost a fortune. I’m sharing some of the “must-have” tools along with where I purchased them. And, yes, I purchased all of these myself and use them on a regular basis.
1. Oil Spritzer- This is a must for keeping the meat tender and juicy while producing crisp skin. Since most foods need a spritz or two of oil when cooked in the air fryer, the oil spritzer will help distribute the oil evenly. I tried one of the $1 spray bottles from the discount store and it does not work. It made a dripping, oily mess everywhere. Then, I purchased an EVO bottle. It is amazing! It applies just the right amount of oil with no spills or mess. It’s the most expensive of the tools at around $14.99, but I can use it for everything. If you purchase just one item, make this your choice. I purchased mine at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, but you can get them on Amazon.
2. Silicone Utensils. It’s best to use silicone utensils as metal ones can remove the non-stick surface from the air fryer.
*Tongs – these are perfect for turning pieces of meat and flipping vegetables, like fried green tomatoes. Yum. I purchased a pair of 7” tongs at Walmart for around $2.60.
*Spatula-I have several of these. One is a silicone pancake turner, which makes it easy to flip foods. I also have a traditional spatula I used for stirring and scrapping things down from the sides of pans. I’ve had mine for years, but you can purchase them at Walmart in a range of about $2-$4 dollars.
3. Wooden Utensils. These are also great to prevent scraping off the non-stick coating. I have a wooden spoon I use for stirring. It’s another $2 or less tool available at Walmart or Target.
4. Parchment Paper and Aluminum Foil- These are good for lining the air fryer tray to prevent foods from slipping through the cracks-literally. I use them when baking cookie dough, fried pies, wings, and anything that is messy. Parchment paper is available at most grocery stores.
5. Silicone Baking Cups- If you’re making cupcakes, muffins, or other desserts, this is the way to go. I’ve found that most metal muffin tins-even the six-cup ones-won’t fit in the air fryer. These make clean up easy too- just peel them off and the muffin is ready to go. No sticking, no mess. I picked mine up at a thrift store for around $1—so keep an eye out- but you can purchase them on Amazon or at Target for around $6 for a set.
6. Metal Baking Dishes – You’ll need dishes that fit into the air fryer basket if you plan to cook things like hamburger meat, casseroles, soups, and more. You can purchase the ones made especially for the air fryer that range from $10-$14 a pop, or you can use my budget-saving secret. Go to Walmart and look in their Main Stays line. I purchased 8” by 8” inch baking pans for less than $1.50 each. Tip: Check the size of your air fryer basket before buying pans. Mine is a 6 quart Instant Pot and these pans fit perfectly. If you have a small air fryer, these pans may be too big.
7. Instant Read Thermometer- This is essential when cooking meat to ensure it’s reached the proper temperature. Sometimes the meat can look done on the outside but still be very rare when you cut it. I purchased mine for around $10.
8. Basting Brush – Okay, this one is not *absolutely* essential, but it does make it easier to brush butter, oil, sauces, or marinades on food when cooking. You can pick one of these up for less than a dollar at Walmart.
Want to learn even more handy tips like this? Find them in our new Southern Air Fryer Cookbook, available in a Kindle edition, tomorrow, July 7th, and in print on July 21st. You can pre-order a copy here. (affiliate link)
Do you have an air fryer? What are your go-to utensils?
Thinking about purchasing an air fryer? Here’s what you need to consider before you purchase.
Looks a good tools and I think I need to buy some of these tools
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These are really good tool and must for every kitchen. I have them in hand, still i try to buy whenever I visit the store.
I never would have thought to put silicone baking cups in my air fryer. That is genious.
This is so good to know! I recently got a convection oven that doubles as an air fryer. There will come in handy.
I really like using my air fryer and I think these kinds of tools will lmake it easier to use.
I love my new Air Fryer so i need to have these tools in my kitchen!
I just got my air fryer and it is so good to know those things or tools that I need to have in using my air fryer.
I am unfamiliar with air fryers, and these are good to know about. I really would like an air fryer, since it sounds like a great kitchen appliance.
I agree with all these tools as well. I use my air fryer pretty much daily. We really love ours. It’s so great for so many foods.
I don’t have an air fryer so I didn’t know you need these things. But I’ve been wanting to get one so thanks for the tips.
We don’t have an air fryer but I am seeing them on sale everywhere!
We don’t have an air fryer but are thinking about getting one. It is nice to know what other utensils we will need, I think we just need the oil spritzer.
I lovvvve my air fryer! We use it at least once or twice a week. My favorite is to reheat pizza and fries, the best!
I love those tongs, I need to get some. I just broke the ones I have been using and those are super cute!
I”ve been wanting an air fryer but I had no idea that I needed these things too. Glad I stopped by today!
I should look into silicone baking cups. I’ve never heard of those but they sound so helpful. Thanks for all these great ideas!
I have to look into getting some of these kitchen tools.
I don’t have an air fryer but they seem like the next best thing. It seems like it cooks everything so well and with less grease.
These all look cool. I just need to get an air fryer now. I keep hearing about it, but haven’t bought one yet.