Can You Put Water in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can put water in most air fryers, but the more important question is, is it safe? It’s also worth noting that any water you add to an air fryer will wind up in the food. This is good if you are air frying food that easily dries out, like pork chops, or wetter foods like vegetables.

Besides, if you look hard enough, you will find air fryer models that have a steaming function. These air fryers have features that make them steam-friendly, such as a steamer basket and trays. But even if they don’t come with these accessories, you can easily purchase them for a reasonable price.

Reasons To Add Water to an Air Fryer

Like many, you might want to add water when air frying for added moisture to the food. The water can be added to the drawer or directly onto the food, which is the safer option.

Doing this ensures that what you are cooking doesn’t dry out and retains its flavor. The downside of this cooking process is that the food won’t get the typical crispiness produced by air fryers because the food will be softer.

Another reason to add water when cooking in an air fryer is to reduce smoke production from cooking greasy food like bacon, sausage, or ground meat.

When fatty foods heat up, the excess fat drips to the bottom of the air fryer, which creates smoke. This smoke produces an off flavor to your food and can potentially cause a fire. A few drops of water help eliminate this by adding moisture to the inside of the air fryer.

Can Using Water Damage an Air Fryer?

Water, if not used correctly, will damage an air fryer. If water gets onto the heating element or electrical components, it will short out or potentially cause a fire.

Another dangerous element is the fans that are designed to blow hot air around. If too much water is added, the water could blow into the heating element or ruin food by making it a soggy mess.

How To Add Water Inside an Air Fryer

To add water to an air fryer, use a tablespoon or measuring cup. Once you have it measured out, slowly pour the water into the drawer or steamer basket. Make sure that no water touches any electrical part of the air fryer, especially the heating element.

Step 1: Check the air fryer’s manual to see if they recommend adding water or if it has a steam option.

Step 2: Unplug the machine.

Step 3: Measure out the water in a measuring cup.

Step 4: Slowly add the measured water to the air fryer drawer or directly to the food.

Step 5: Plug the air fryer back in and set the temperature to the desired setting.

How Much Water To Add to an Air Fryer?

When adding water to an air fryer, a few tablespoons in the bottom should be enough, but larger models can handle up to ¼ cup. You can add the water to the bottom of the tray, but the safest option is to drizzle or spray water directly on the food.

Anything more than a few tablespoons is too much water and can be a potential fire hazard. But if you need more than a few drops, you can add water to a metal baking tray and place the pan in the air fryer drawer.

This is similar to the drip pan you would use in a smoker. Baskets in air fryers with a built-in steaming method have a fill line on them so you don’t overfill the basket.

What To Do if You’ve Added Too Much Water

If you’ve added too much water to an air fryer, the best way to draw it out is with a towel, cup, or turkey baster. The turkey baster is the quickest option, but if there is only a little bit of water in the bottom, a cloth or paper towel will do the job.

Make sure you wipe any moisture left and let the air fryer air dry before plugging it in. If you don’t do this, the heating elements or electrical components can rust, or it can cause a potential fire if you turn the air fryer on.

Can You Steam Food in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can steam food in an air fryer, but unless the air fryer has a steam option, it is best to use an Instant Pot or other cookware specifically designed for steaming food.

If you do steam food in an air fryer, carefully measure out the water into the drawer, wrap the food in aluminum foil, and place the wrapped food into the basket. If you don’t pay attention to these extra steps, you risk having soggy food.

Remember that if you are steaming food, water is the cooking medium, and air fryers don’t expel moisture. This means that the food won’t be crispy because it is using water, not hot air, to cook. What’s more, most of the water that has been added will be absorbed into the food.

Can You Boil Water in an Air Fryer?

While you can cook foods of all kinds, you cannot boil water in an air fryer because the temperature doesn’t get hot enough for the water to boil. More importantly, it poses a serious safety issue.

The fans designed to circulate the hot air would blow the boiling water around the cavity of the air fryer and may cause damage to the appliance.

Another reason you cannot boil water in an air fryer is because the basket is not solid. This is because air fryers require air to circulate around the food to evenly cook it. The steaming basket is specifically designed for this purpose, and a regular air fryer basket should not be used.

Can You Reheat Liquids in an Air Fryer?

We don’t recommend reheating liquids in an air fryer for the many reasons we listed earlier. The biggest concern is safety.

Hot liquids with fans blowing on them can splatter and short out the air fryer, presenting a fire hazard. If you need to reheat liquids, a better option is to use a saucepan on the stove or another appliance like an Instant Pot or microwave.

Can You Use Oil Inside an Air Fryer?

A major point of confusion is if you can add cooking oil to an air fryer. Oil can be used in an air fryer, but you will only really need just a few drops. You don’t want hot oil blowing around inside because it can ruin the electrical parts.

Using oil in an air fryer is beneficial because it adds moisture to food and helps produce that signature crispy exterior that air fryers are known for.

Although you don’t need oil or as much oil as you do in an oven or on a stovetop, adding a few drops is okay. You can also use non-stick cooking spray to produce crispy results.

How Does Adding Water Help in an Air Fryer?

The most beneficial thing about adding water to an air fryer is that it keeps smoke production down from cooking greasy foods. This is particularly useful when air frying thick cuts of meat. Adding water is also a healthier cooking method because you don’t need to use oil or fat.

Since it will reduce the smoke that comes from hot grease dripping onto the heating element, it will make cleanup easier.

The condensation that builds up from using water in an air fryer means that grease or other sticky food particles will not stick to the frying basket or interior walls. Once you are done cooking, simply wipe down the interior with a damp cloth, and that’s it.

Just a few drops of water in the bottom of the air fryer can make a big difference in the outcome of the food. Water keeps food hydrated and adds moisture to the air fryer. This moisture is great for refreshing baked goods.

Does Water Evaporate in an Air Fryer?

Water will evaporate slightly in an air fryer. In fact, expect wetter foods like vegetables to retain more moisture than dryer items like chips.

If you intend to keep your food moist, add just a few drops of water to the bottom drawer or unto the food. The more water you add, the longer it takes to evaporate, which can be detrimental to the finished dish.

Can You Put Water in an Air Fryer To Clean It?

If you’re going to do this, make sure to disassemble it first. You don’t want to introduce water and dish soap to the electrical components and heating elements. If you used a liner in the basket, remove that first and wipe the interior with a damp cloth and warm soapy water.

When cooking food that leaves a greasy mess, clean the air fryer by soaking it in warm soapy water. For really stubborn messes, you can use an advanced version of the soaking method.

Just prepare about one inch of soapy water in an oven-safe dish and place it inside the air fryer basket. Then, set it at 200°F and allow it to cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Since this will create steam, it will help target any stubborn grease spots or stuck-on food.

Cleaning the Interior of the Air Fryer

As obvious as it sounds, the first thing to do is to let the air fryer cool before attempting to clean it. In fact, keep in mind to always unplug any electrical appliance before cleaning to prevent electrocution.

Next, remove the air fryer basket and drawer and then set them aside. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth, making sure to get the dried-on bits off the heating coil and other nooks and crannies.

Once the interior of the air fryer is clean, repeat the process with the basket and drawer before putting them back in. For more stubborn messes, you can either soak them in soapy water or use the advanced cleaning method we talked about earlier.

The Verdict on Water in an Air Fryer

Your air fryer will quickly become your favorite cooking appliance, and with just a little homework and practice, you’ll be making delicious food in no time. While an air fryer can cook anything from chicken nuggets to French fries, liquids are not recommended.

Adding a few drops of water to an air fryer basket can retain and even enhance the moisture level of food. Add too much, and you risk starting a fire or causing permanent damage to your air fryer.

If you add water to your air fryer, it’s best to add it directly to your food. This helps form a crispy exterior and aids in eliminating smoke from greasy foods that drip onto the heating coil.

That said, a better option than water is cooking oil. The oil produces a beautiful brown crust and also adds moisture to the food. Oil is heavier than water, so it won’t splatter. If you decide to go this route, use no more than a tablespoon or so.

To cook or reheat liquids, you’re better off using a microwave or Instant Pot instead. Because air fryers cook food similar to a convection oven, adding water means it will blow steam around the interior, which can create smoke or start a fire.

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