Essential accessories for perfect air fryer baking: Your guide to easy recipes

Air fryer ovens have changed home cooking by providing a healthier way to make different dishes, including baked items. Unlike standard air fryers with a basket for frying, air fryer ovens have a larger space, making them great for baking. They use strong convection heating to circulate hot air, which cooks food evenly and gives it a crispy texture, making them suitable for cookies, cakes, bread, and pastries.
To get the most out of your air fryer oven for baking, the right accessories are essential. Accessories like silicone baking mats, which prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, and specialised baking pans that fit the oven’s dimensions, can significantly enhance your baking results. Silicone cupcake liners, kitchen tongs, and parchment paper are also valuable tools that simplify the baking process, allowing for easy and efficient preparation of delicious, homemade treats.
Using an air fryer for baking offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for home cooks. One of the primary advantages is faster cooking times. Air fryers use powerful convection heating to circulate hot air rapidly around the food, which speeds up the baking process. This means that cakes, muffins, and other baked goods can be ready in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.
 
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Silicone Baking Cups
Silicone baking cups are perfect for making muffins and cupcakes. They are flexible, non-stick, and can be used multiple times, making them an eco-friendly choice. These cups make it easy to remove baked goods without sticking or breaking.
 
Baking Pans
Baking pans designed for air fryers are essential for making cakes, bread, and casseroles. These pans fit perfectly inside the air fryer, ensuring even cooking and great baking results.
Grill Racks
Grill racks help bake items like cookies, pizzas, and pastries by allowing hot air to circulate evenly. They are useful for baking multiple items at once and achieving crispy textures.

Parchment Paper Liners
Parchment paper liners prevent food from sticking to the air fryer basket or tray, making cleanup easy. They are great for baking sticky or delicate items and help reduce the need for extra oil.

 
Also read: Best air fryers under ₹5000: Achieve delicious, low-fat meals with top 9 picks
 
 
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An air fryer oven uses a combination of a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air around the food. This rapid air movement cooks food quickly and evenly, creating a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil.
Air fryer ovens are versatile and can cook a wide range of foods, including fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, and baked goods. Some models also have settings for roasting, grilling, and dehydrating, allowing for even more cooking options.
Yes, cooking with an air fryer oven is generally healthier than deep frying. It requires less oil—often just a tablespoon or less—while still achieving a crispy texture. This reduces the fat and calorie content of your meals compared to traditional frying methods.
Many air fryer ovens do not require preheating, but some recipes may benefit from it for better results. It can help ensure that food cooks evenly and achieves the desired texture more quickly. Always refer to the specific model’s instructions and recipes.
Cleaning an air fryer oven is usually straightforward. Most have removable trays, baskets, and racks that are dishwasher-safe. The interior can be wiped with a damp cloth. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of grease and food particles, which can affect performance and taste.