A good pair of kitchen tongs is the cheapest and most used accessory with an air fryer. They let you flip pieces halfway through cooking, take them out without burning yourself and move food around without scratching the nonstick coating.

• Silicone tips. They don't scratch the basket and handle heat well.
• Wood or bamboo. An alternative that also protects the coating.
• Unprotected metal. Avoid it on nonstick baskets: it can scratch them.

1. Flip large pieces halfway through cooking (drumsticks, fillets, croquettes).
2. Take them out carefully, because the drawer and the food are very hot.
3. Avoid piercing the skin of meats: the juices escape.

The steps for each recipe are in air fryer recipes. And if you're looking for something more for the basket, see the racks and trays.

• Using unprotected metal tongs on a nonstick basket.
• Flipping too many times. Every time you open it, you lose heat.
• Taking food out by hand or carelessly. The drawer and the food are very hot.

Those with silicone or wooden tips, which protect the nonstick coating and stand up to heat.

They can scratch the basket's coating. If you use them, be careful or choose a pair with protected tips.

It depends on the recipe, but once halfway through cooking is usually enough for large pieces.

• Air Fryer Accessories: What's Actually Worth Buying — The air fryer accessories you'll actually use: perforated liners, racks, silicone moulds, tongs and oil sprayers, with tips for choosing them.
• Air Fryer Liners: Types and How to Use Them — Air fryer liners: perforated parchment, baking paper and silicone, what they're for, how to place them so they don't lift, and what to check before buying.
• Air Fryer Racks and Trays: What They're For — Air fryer racks and trays: what they're for, when to use a second level, and which sizes and materials to check before you buy.
• Air Fryers: How They Work and How to Choose Yours — Everything about air fryers: how they work, types (basket, oven, dual-basket), what to check before buying, and links to brands, guides and recipes.