Air fryers have quietly become a vegan cook’s best friend: fast, energy-efficient, and brilliant at turning humble plant ingredients into satisfyingly crispy, caramelized dishes without drowning them in oil. But if you’ve been using only the standard basket, you’re only scratching the surface. The right accessories transform an air fryer from a one-trick “fries machine” into a compact multi-function appliance that can bake, roast, dehydrate, steam, reheat, and even proof — all while keeping meals healthy, waste-conscious, and full of texture. For vegans in particular, accessories matter because plant-based cooking often relies on technique to achieve meat-like textures and to elevate legumes, tofu, tempeh, and vegetables. Accessories like mesh racks and stacking trays let you air-roast large batches of vegetables or crisp tofu evenly; silicone mats and reusable liners make baking chickpea flour flatbreads and oil-free cookies possible; dehydrator trays unlock snacks like kale chips and fruit leather; and specialized pans and skewers permit grilling and kebabs without the smoke. Beyond expanding what you can cook, thoughtful add-ons also make cleanup easier and reduce single-use waste — a value many vegans prioritize. Choosing the right accessories means thinking about size compatibility, airflow (don’t block circulation), materials (food-safe, heat-resistant, ideally sustainable), and multi-functionality. Small changes — like adding a perforated parchment liner, a set of silicone tongs, or a thermometer — can improve results immediately. Other tools, such as an oven-safe cake pan or a low rack for baking, open up new recipe possibilities that most people don’t associate with air fryers at all. This article will walk you through the essential air fryer accessories every vegan should consider, explain why each item matters, and offer practical tips on how to use and care for them. Whether you’re aiming to perfect crispy tofu, batch-prep roasted roots and grains, or make oil-free baked goods and snacks, the right accessories will make your air-fryer cooking faster, greener, and — importantly — more delicious.

 

 

Reusable silicone liners and perforated parchment sheets

Reusable silicone liners and perforated parchment sheets are simple but extremely useful accessories for any air fryer. Silicone liners are flexible, nonstick mats or baskets cut to fit the air fryer basket; they protect the metal surface, catch crumbs, and make cleanup quick. Perforated parchment sheets are single‑use (or sometimes compostable) round or rectangle liners with holes punched through them so hot air can still circulate. Both types prevent sticking and reduce the need for oil while preserving the airflow that produces a crisp exterior on roasted or fried foods. For vegans these accessories are especially valuable. Plant proteins like tofu, tempeh, seitan, and chickpea “nuggets” can be delicate, sticky, or prone to falling apart; a silicone liner or perforated parchment keeps them intact and prevents shredding when you lift them out. Veggie fries, battered vegetables, and small baked goods (e.g., muffins, mini-loaves or cookies) benefit from the nonstick surface and even browning that the perforations allow. They also help avoid flavor transfer — useful if you cook strongly flavored animal and plant items in the same machine (or if you want to avoid any residual animal flavors in a vegan kitchen) — and they reduce waste and oil use, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable plant-based routine. To get the best results and stay safe, use these accessories correctly: never cover the entire basket with a solid liner (or a sheet of parchment without food on top) because that can block airflow or allow the sheet to fly up and touch the heating element; use perforated liners so hot air can circulate freely. Check the temperature rating on silicone liners (and the manufacturer’s instructions for your air fryer) before using at high heat, and avoid placing liners or parchment in direct contact with the heating element. Clean silicone liners with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher and replace parchment when it becomes greasy or torn. Choose liners sized to your model and with sturdy perforations—this balances nonstick convenience with the crisping power that makes air-fried vegan cooking so appealing.

 

Stackable/adjustable air fryer racks

Stackable and adjustable air fryer racks turn a single cooking chamber into a multi-level oven, multiplying capacity without sacrificing the circulation that creates crisp, evenly browned results. For vegans who often prepare batches of tofu, tempeh, vegetable “wings,” roasted chickpeas, or skewered kebabs, racks let you cook several items at once—great for meal prep or feeding a group—while keeping pieces spaced so hot air reaches all surfaces. Adjustable racks (and tiers with removable legs) also let you change the vertical clearance to suit different foods: close together for thin crisp snacks like kale chips or spaced farther apart for taller items like stuffed mushrooms or stacked veggie burgers. Beyond capacity, racks broaden the range of vegan techniques you can use in an air fryer. Use the lower tier to catch drips from marinated tofu on the upper tier, or place a perforated pan beneath racks when roasting saucy vegetables to avoid smoking. Racks are ideal for dehydrating thinly sliced fruits and herbs at lower temperatures, for finishing crispy tofu evenly after a brief pre-bake on a tray, or for stacking small baking molds like silicone muffin cups to bake mini frittatas or chickpea flour “omelettes.” Bear in mind that adding tiers changes airflow dynamics: you may need to increase cook time slightly or rotate tiers midway to maintain even browning, and very dense or heavily sauced items should still be given a single level to ensure maximum crispness. When choosing and using racks, prioritize fit and material: stainless steel constructions or chrome-plated racks resist warping, tolerate higher heat, and clean easily (many are dishwasher-safe), while cheap nonstick coatings can flake or degrade. Check that the rack set is sized for your air fryer model and that stacking doesn’t block the top heating element or the fan intake. Clean racks promptly after use to remove sticky marinades or burned bits—soak and scrub with a nonabrasive brush if needed—and avoid overcrowding tiers so each layer gets proper airflow. With the right rack set and a few small technique adjustments, stackable/adjustable racks become one of the most versatile accessories a vegan air-fryer kitchen can own.

 

Mesh crisper baskets and perforated baking pans

Mesh crisper baskets and perforated baking pans are designed to maximize hot air circulation around food, producing a golden, crunchy exterior without excess oil—exactly what many vegan recipes need. The open weave of a mesh basket lets heat reach all sides of items like tofu cubes, chickpeas, cauliflower florets, or homemade vegetable fries, so you get even browning and crisp texture that mimics deep-frying. Perforated baking pans offer the same airflow advantage for flatter items (like sheet-style tempeh “bacon,” flatbreads, or cookies) and are especially handy when you want a crisp bottom and rapid moisture release. When choosing and using these accessories, pay attention to material, hole size, and fit. Stainless steel mesh baskets are durable and often dishwasher-safe; nonstick-coated versions can help with delicate foods but may require gentler cleaning to avoid scratching. Perforated pans come in a range of hole sizes—too fine and they can clog with batter or small crumbs, too large and small items can fall through—so select a pattern that matches the typical foods you make. Practical tips: don’t overcrowd (single layer cooks best), preheat the fryer a few minutes before loading, spray or toss foods lightly with oil using an oil mister for better browning, and shake or flip halfway through the cook time for uniform results. Perforated parchment or reusable liners can help with sticky batters, but ensure they don’t block airflow. For a vegan kitchen, mesh crisper baskets and perforated pans are among the most useful air fryer accessories because they expand what you can cook and improve texture while keeping meals lower in oil. They pair well with stackable racks (for multi-level cooking), silicone liners (for easy cleanup of sticky or greasy items), and an oil mister (for controlled oiling). Look for sizes and shapes that fit your specific air fryer model, choose durable, food-safe materials, and follow care instructions to prolong life—then you’ll reliably get crispy tofu, crackling chickpeas, perfectly roasted veggies, and a wider range of baked goods from your air fryer.

 

Silicone muffin cups, loaf pans, and baking inserts

Silicone muffin cups, loaf pans, and baking inserts are flexible, nonstick, heat-resistant tools that adapt well to the confined space of an air fryer. Their pliability makes it easy to remove delicate vegan bakes (muffins, mini loaves, terrines) without tearing, and their low thermal mass promotes even browning and quicker baking compared with bulky metal pans. Because silicone is lightweight, these inserts can be stacked or placed on racks to create multi-level cooking setups, allowing you to bake several small items at once while maintaining proper air circulation. For vegans, these accessories expand what the air fryer can reliably produce: single-serve chickpea-feta muffins, banana or zucchini mini loaves, tofu quiches, lentil or bean-based meatloaf portions, and raw-to-cooked frozen batter snacks. They enable portion control and meal prep (freeze batter or cooked loaves for later), cut waste by replacing single-use paper liners, and help reduce added oil since the air fryer’s hot circulating air crisps edges without deep-frying. The inserts also let you experiment with texture contrasts—soft, moist centers with crisp tops—important for plant-based baking where achieving the right mouthfeel often requires careful control of heat and surface exposure. When choosing and using these accessories, prioritize food-grade silicone rated for typical air-fryer temperatures, and confirm dimensions fit your basket or drawer. Use a stable base or rack under softer inserts to prevent slumping, and avoid sharp utensils that can cut the silicone. Most are dishwasher-safe and easy to store, but a light oiling or a quick spray can help release very moist batters. With the right sizes and routine care, silicone muffin cups and loaf pans become indispensable for any vegan cook who wants versatile baking, minimal waste, and consistently successful air-fryer results.

 

 

Oil mister/spray bottle and silicone basting brush

An oil mister or refillable spray bottle and a silicone basting brush are simple but transformational accessories for air-frying vegan foods. A fine mister lets you apply a very even, ultra-thin coating of oil so foods crisp up without becoming greasy; that’s especially helpful with tofu, tempeh, vegetables, and roasted chickpeas where surface-area contact matters. The silicone brush is ideal for applying thicker marinades, glazes, or for gently coating fragile foods so they pick up seasoning and color without breaking apart. Together they give you control over texture, browning, and flavor while keeping oil use to a minimum. For vegans, the choice of oil and how you apply it are both important. Prefer refillable misters made of glass or stainless steel and fill them with high–smoke-point oils (avocado, refined olive, grapeseed, or light olive oil) for high-temperature air-frying; use flavor-forward oils (like extra-virgin olive or sesame) sparingly or for finishing. Misters allow tiny, even doses that reduce overall fat and calories while still producing crisp exteriors; the silicone brush is best used to build layers of flavor—brushing on a marinade before a mid-cook flip or a finishing glaze in the last few minutes prevents burning and promotes even caramelization. Avoid aerosol nonstick sprays, which can leave residues on baskets and reduce their lifespan; a refillable mister is healthier, cheaper, and more eco-friendly. Care and maintenance are straightforward: choose food-grade silicone brushes that are heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe, and rinse or run the mister through warm soapy water between oil changes to prevent rancidity or clogging. Don’t saturate the basket—apply thin mists or light brushing and shake off excess to avoid pooling oil that can smoke or trigger the air fryer’s smoke alarm. By using these tools thoughtfully, vegan home cooks can improve texture and flavor, cut down on waste and excess fat, and get more consistent, crispy results from their air fryer.