Can You Put Water in an Air fryer?

Can I put water in air fryer is commonly asked question related to air frying.

Air fryer is a very handy appliance that is like a compact oven. It takes much lesser space and cooks delicious food faster.

The best part is that one can achieve a fried appearance by using just a brushing of oil.

It is a game changer as one can eat 'fried' foods made healthier by skipping deep frying.

I am a Certified Nutritionist and Recipe Developer. I have been using an air fryer for a decade now.

I have two air fryers currently and use them on a daily basis.

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In my Air fryer 101 series, I am trying to address queries that many people often ask me. These are some queries related to use of water in air fryer:

Can You Put Water in Air fryer?

I have not needed to use water in air fryer for most of my recipes.

This air fryer cabbage steaks recipe and poached eggs recipe are the ones where I put a little water in the compartment.

This is so that cabbage air fries perfectly while staying moist and the egg poaches in water..

Also this water must not submerge the food cooking in the air fryer basket, perhaps just touch it.

Else, your cooking will be altered.

But do remember to use very little water at one time like just 1 to 2 tablespoon of water.

Very little water can be sprinkled if needed on the food that you are air frying or at the bottom of the air fryer in the drawer.

Remember, air fryer is an electrical appliance, and it is not safe for water to come in contact with any electrical parts. That is a fire hazard.

So be very careful while adding any water to the air fryer.

It is also advisable to check your air fryer’s manual for instructions regarding the same.

When Should You Add Water to the Air fryer?

If you are cooking very greasy food like fried chicken, bacon etc. then you can add a tsp. of water at the base of the air fryer in the drawer to dilute that grease.

This prevents overheating of the grease to stop generation of smoke.

Otherwise, this smoke makes your walls greasy and also the air smoky.

Adding some water to the grease that drips down also makes cleanup later easier.

Can You Boil Water in Air fryer?

The simple answer is no. Air fryer is not a steamer and will not reach the temperature to boil water.

You can use an instant pot, microwave or stove for boiling water.

Can You Steam Foods in an Air fryer?

Air fryer cooks by circulation of air at high temperature. It does not generate moisture to steam foods.

Hence, you cannot steam foods in an air fryer.

You can use your instant pot or stove top for steaming foods.

How Much Water Can I Add to the Air fryer Bottom Drawer?

A few tsps. to a couple of tbsp. of water is fine. Don’t add too much water.

Always ensure that no electrical parts are in contact with water.

Can You Clean Your Air fryer with Water?

You can soak your air fryer basket mesh and bottom drawer in warm water and soap. Then you can clean them.

But, this must ensure that no water is touching any electrical parts.

Here's how to clean your air fryer with a detailed video.

Hope these help you understand how to use water in air fryer or whether it is safe to do so.

Do let me know if you have any questions regarding this.

You may also download my FREE Beginner's Guide to Air fryer Cooking

You can buy my Indian Air fryer Recipes Cookbook here and buy Air fryer Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes cookbook here.

Also join my Awesome Air fryer Recipes Facebook Group for more recipes, conversations and fun.