Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. Their ability to cook food that tastes crispy and fried using little to no oil is appealing to many health-conscious cooks.
But there are still a lot of questions surrounding how to properly use an air fryer. One common question is: can you put water in an air fryer?
How An Air Fryer Works
To understand if you can put water in an air fryer, it helps to first understand how air fryers work.
Air fryers circulate extremely hot air around food at high speeds to cook it. This rapid air circulation mimics the results of deep frying without submerging food in oil.
The combination of hot air and speed allows food to cook quickly while getting a crispy exterior.
Most air fryers have a cooking chamber, a heating element, and a fan. The heating element and fan work together to blast hot air at temperatures typically between 300 and 400°F. The high heat and air circulation cooks food and gives it a crispy texture.
Why You Should Not Put Water In An Air Fryer
With this design in mind, putting water in an air fryer is not recommended. Here are some key reasons why:
- Safety hazards – Putting water in a hot air fryer can be very dangerous, as it can cause hot oil and water to splatter, steam, and potentially start a fire. The heating elements can heat to 400°F or more, so water placed inside can quickly cause problems.
- Damage to the appliance – Air fryers are not designed to hold or heat liquids. Putting water in the cooking chamber could damage the heating element or fan over time. It can lead to rust, corrosion, or electric shorts.
- It doesn’t serve a purpose; there’s no benefit to putting water in an air fryer. Air fryers use dry heat and air circulation to cook food crispy, so water interferes with this process. Any steam created reduces the crispiness.
- Improper cooking: Adding water to an air fryer disrupts the airflow needed to properly cook and crisp food. Food may end up soggy instead of crispy if cooked with water present.
Alternative Ways To Use An Air Fryer With Liquid
While you should avoid putting plain water in an air fryer, there are some safe ways to cook with a little liquid in an air fryer:
- Use oil or cooking spray. Lightly brushing or spraying oil on food helps it get crispy in the air fryer. A little oil aids browning and conducts heat efficiently.
- Add marinades and sauces – Brushing or tossing food with thick, sticky marinades or sauces before air frying provides flavor and allows a thin coating. Just avoid excessive liquid.
- Steam vegetables: Placing a steaming tray or basket with a little water underneath vegetables allows them to steam gently while air-frying.
- Make pan sauces by cooking meat or veggies first. Remove them, then add a little liquid like wine, broth, or juice to the hot pan to make a flavorful sauce.
- Use a baking dish or oven-safe pan. Cook items like casseroles in a dish inside the air fryer to hold in moisture. Select a dish that can withstand the heat.
Tips For Cooking With An Air Fryer
Here are some additional tips to get the best results when cooking with an air fryer:
- Cut food into smaller, uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. Size smaller pieces, like fries or wings, appropriately.
- Don’t overcrowd the cooking chamber, which can prevent proper air circulation. Cook food in batches if needed.
- Flip or shake the food midway through cooking to expose all sides to the circulating air.
- Brush or spray oil on foods to get the ideal crispness. Avoid excessive oil that can cause splattering.
- Pat food dry before cooking to allow it to crisp up better.
- Adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed if following a generic recipe not designed specifically for air fryers.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, especially for thick foods like chicken breasts. Air fryers can cook very quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryers and Water
Here are answers to some other common questions about using water with air fryers:
Can you put water in the bottom of an air fryer?
No, do not put plain water in the bottom of the cooking pot or drawer. The water can potentially damage the appliance and interfere with the hot airflow needed to cook and crisp up food.
Should you spray water on food while air-frying?
Lightly spraying a very small amount of water on food before air-frying is OK but not recommended. A couple spritzes of water won’t drastically disrupt the cooking process. But excessive moisture prevents browning and crispiness.
Can you put a wet marinade on food before air-frying?
Yes, brushing a sticky, wet marinade on food can add lots of flavor. Avoid excessive liquid that will drip to the bottom. Let marinated foods sit for a few minutes before cooking so the exterior can dry out a bit.
Is it okay to steam vegetables in an air fryer?
Steaming vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus in an air fryer is fine. Use a steaming tray or basket with a little water underneath the veggies. Monitor the water level and add more as needed.
Can you put a baking dish with liquid in an air fryer?
Yes, oven-safe baking dishes and ramekins work well. The dish holds moisture for items like mac and cheese or casseroles. Be sure to use a dish rated for high oven temperatures and watch closely.
The Takeaway on Water in Air Fryers
While air fryers are versatile appliances, you should avoid putting plain water directly into the cooking pot or drawer. Water can be hazardous and damage the appliance.
However, there are safe ways to incorporate a small amount of liquid when air frying certain foods, like using oil, marinades or steaming. Follow air fryer best practices and enjoy crispy, healthier fried favorites at home.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.