Can you put water in an air fryer? Important things you should know (2024)

Can you Put Water in an Air Fryer?

The short answer is no, you should not put water in an air fryer to steam or to boil.

An air fryer essentially works by circulating hot air using a heating coil and an inbuilt fan. It is basically a convection oven and designed to cook food with little to no oil, making air frying a healthier alternative to using a deep fryer. Most air fryers are not built to have water or wet batter in them, and therefore do not have a compartment to hold liquid.

When using an air fryer, it's always a good idea to first read the entire manual.

Whilst all air fryers work with the same technology, there might be slightly different safety information depending on the brand and manufacturer. To be on the safe side, ensure you first read the entire manual and have understood any safety requirements for your device.

Can you Boil Water in an Air Fryer?

You should not attempt to boil water in an air fryer, as this can cause water droplets to get into the electric parts, such as the heating element, creating a short circuit and permanently damaging your device and even creating a dangerous fire hazard. Keep water away from the electronic parts of your air fryer at all times and never submerge an air fryer in water.

However, adding small amounts of water at the bottom of your air fryer can be a good idea to help catch any food drippings or food particles, such as hot oil, and prevent the formation of smoke.

As someone who uses their air fryer on a regular basis, I've found that adding a little bit of water to the bottom of my air fryer can be a great way to prevent my food from becoming too dry while also making cleanup a breeze - but be cautious not to add too much water.

A safer and better option for catching any drippings is adding a layer of aluminum foil to the bottom of the air fryer basket or use a perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers. These liners are non-stick and can be easily removed and disposed of after use, making cleanup quick and easy. Additionally, they do not affect the cooking process or the taste of your food.

I personally like to use these reusable air fryer liners that fit my air fryer just perfectly - but the size you require may vary depending on your type of air fryer.

When to Use Water in an Air Fryer and How Much to Add

Adding a little bit of water can help to hydrate the food in your air fryer and prevent it from becoming too dry. It adds moisture into the atmosphere of your air fryer and it's a great way to refresh any baked items you might want to cook in your air fryer.

A little water can also be helpful in avoiding burned grease at the bottom of your air fryer. Small amounts of water at the bottom of your air fryer can help catch any food drippings or food particles inside of the air fryer during the cooking process and prevent the formation of smoke.

When cooking greasy food at high heat, such as burgers, french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings etc., you can add a little water to your frying basket.

Without the water, grease from the fatty foods might drip down and it can burn on the bottom of the air fryer. This is not only an inconvenience when cleaning your air fryer, but can also cause toxic smoke production, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

To prevent burnt grease and toxic fumes, you can add a little bit of water at the bottom of your air fryer, just below the air fryer basket.

Check for the air fryer's bottom drawer, as some models might have a tiny drawer underneath the basket for this purpose. Some air fryers can even have a little maximum fill line inside their bottom basket, keep an eye out for it and never exceed the amount of water added. If your air fryer doesn't have a fill line, it's safest to stick to a few tablespoons of water at most.

Risks of Filling Your Air Fryer with Water or Submerging Food in It

Keep water away from the electronic parts of your air fryer at all times and never submerge an air fryer in water.

How to Clean Your Air Fryer

Cleaning your air fryer is easy and I have written a comprehensive guide to cleaning your air fryer, so you have simple step-by-step instructions to hand.

Here is a brief summary on how to clean your device:

1. First unplug the air fryer and let it cool down completely.
2. Remove the air fryer basket from the main unit.
3. Use a damp cloth with a little bit of warm water to carefully wipe down the inside and outside of the electric appliance.
4. To clean the air fryer basket, you can place it into a mixture of warm water and dish soap. If there are any stubborn stains or burnt-on food inside the basket, add dish soap and baking soda and submerge the basket in hot water to soak overnight.
5. Make sure to rinse the air fryer basket with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel before placing it back into the electric unit.

In summary, adding a little bit of water to your air fryer can be beneficial in some cases, but it's important to understand the risks and limitations. Never submerge your air fryer in water and always read the manufacturer's manual before using it. By following these tips, you can achieve delicious and healthy meals with your air fryer.

For more information on air fryers and air fryer recipes, check out these links:

• Best Practices for Using an Air Fryer
• How to Properly Clean Your Air Fryer
• Can you Put Aluminum Pans in an Air Fryer

The Best Foods to Cook in an Air Fryer

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryers