Silicone liners for air fryers have become a popular accessory, and the BYKITCHEN set designed for the Ninja SL401 Double Stack and similar dual-basket models is a specific take on this idea. These are rectangular, perforated silicone trays meant to sit inside the air fryer baskets, catching drips and crumbs while allowing air to circulate. After spending a few weeks using them in a Ninja DoubleStack XL, I have a balanced perspective on how they perform in daily cooking.
The primary draw here is convenience. Instead of scrubbing the non-stick basket after every meal, you can lift out the liner, rinse it, or put it in the dishwasher. In practice, this works reasonably well for foods that don’t produce excessive grease or sticky sauces. Frozen french fries, chicken nuggets, and vegetables come out cleanly, and the liner prevents most residue from reaching the basket. The perforations are evenly spaced and do not seem to block airflow noticeably; food crisps up about the same as without the liner, though I noticed slightly less browning on the bottom of items like breaded fish fillets.
Key functional features include the high-temperature silicone material (rated up to 450°F), the exact-fit design for the Ninja SL401 and DoubleStack XL baskets, and the reusable nature that aims to reduce waste compared to disposable parchment liners. The silicone is flexible but holds its shape well when placed in the basket. Cleaning is straightforward: most food residue slides off under running water, and a quick soap wash removes any lingering oil. They are also lightweight and store easily flat or rolled.
However, there are trade-offs. The perforated design means that very small food items—like loose quinoa, rice, or tiny crumb coatings—can slip through the holes into the basket below. This partially defeats the purpose of keeping the basket clean. Also, while the liners are marketed as non-stick, sticky marinades or cheese can still adhere, requiring a bit of scrubbing. Over time, silicone can absorb odors from strongly spiced foods (like curry or fish), and these liners are no exception; occasional baking soda soaks help, but the smell never fully disappears.
Compared to disposable parchment liners, these are a more eco-friendly option if you use them repeatedly, but they are less convenient for quick disposal. Parchment liners are often cheaper per use and can be tossed without washing, but they may not fit as precisely and can blow around in the basket. For someone who cooks frequently and wants to reduce waste, the BYKITCHEN liners are a reasonable middle ground—but they require commitment to cleaning and storage.
Who is this product suitable for? It works best for people who cook moderate amounts of dry or semi-dry foods like frozen snacks, roasted vegetables, or reheated leftovers. It is also good for those who want to minimize scrubbing and are comfortable with a bit of maintenance. On the other hand, it is less ideal for heavy users who cook very greasy or saucy dishes daily, as the liners will still need thorough cleaning. It is also not recommended for those who expect zero mess or who prefer the convenience of single-use products. If you have a different brand of air fryer with non-standard basket dimensions, check the fit carefully; these are tailored to the Ninja Double Stack line.
Overall, the BYKITCHEN silicone liners do what they claim: they reduce basket cleanup and are reusable. They are not a miracle solution—food can still stick, small items escape, and odors linger—but they are a practical upgrade for regular air fryer use. If you already own a compatible Ninja model and find yourself scrubbing baskets often, these are worth considering, provided you set realistic expectations about their limitations.