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Can you put water in an air fryer? | Ultimate Amazing Guide

Can you put water in an air fryer?. Find out where to put any liquid in the fryer? And know how much is too much? 

In the past two years, 25 million air fryers have been sold. According to the NYTimes, it is a must-have electric kitchen appliance with annual statistics of 36%. 

On average, We all use our fryers at least once a day. But what about putting water into it? Or, you may feel inspired by a viral Tik Tok air fryer hack? 

It is safe to use a few spoons of water in your air fryer. Water is the ideal ingredient for reducing smoking while roasting meat. It prevents the dripping fat from overheating. If you don’t want a short circuit or faulty heating element, stick to the two tbs rule. 

Being health enthusiastic, I prefer air frying. From poaching my eggs to casserole reheating, it takes only a tiny amount with technique. So, here is your complete information on putting water in air fryers. 

Is It Okay If I Put Water In My Air Fryer?

Adding a small amount of water to air fry your meals is fine.

Two tablespoons of water help from having smoke everywhere while cooking greasy foods.  

Flooding your electrical appliance with any liquid is dangerous. But, a tiny calculated amount works well.

Can you put water in an air fryer
Can you put water in an air fryer

How Does Water Help In Air Frying?

Water in the frying basket provides additional moisture for a perfectly fine for certain foods texture. 

  • It traps the flavors and keeps your vegetables fresh.
  • It cools the excessive grease while deep frying chicken thighs or fatty food.
  • Reheating the leftover pizza in the air fryer will be quick by putting a small quantity of water.

Be very gentle and don’t overuse liquid at once for safety concerns. 

If you’re cooking french fries and want the perfect crisp, then we don’t recommend it.

How Can I Pour Water Inside Of My Air Fryer?

Pour a few tbs at the base of the inner basket. 

Don’t put cold liquid or oil directly when the fryer’s basket is hot. 

Heating the gravy and stew in a bowl is safe. But, trying to boil milk or water in-basket is not secure.

Is It Safe To Use Water For Air Frying?

It depends on the quantity. Too much water will overspill due to the rotation of the fan. 

There is no compartment for fluid. A few spoons are enough and work well for frozen heating meals.

If you don’t want to end up with a broken fryer or a messy kitchen, use as little water. 

We recommend not to add wet better also. It will only drip off due to the hot air circulation around it.

Can I Steam My Greens In An Air Fryer?

No, you cannot use your kitchen air fryer as a steamer. The working mechanism of air cooking resembles the convection oven. 

The key differences between air fryers vs convection ovens are the time and sensitive heating segments.

A dry condition is created with a heating coil or element for air frying. In a nutshell, you can’t steam any food in it. There are no venting holes which makes a steamer far different from your air frying appliances.

Can I Cook Rice In My Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook rice within fifteen minutes. Here’s how to cook perfect rice using an air fryer every time;

Method

  • Rinse your rice and make sure you dry them properly. 
  • Use a non-stick bowl and pour a little hot water. 
  • Add one tbsp of vegetable oil and then put dry rice into it.
  • Leave it at 350 °F for 10 minutes.
  • Toss them gently and cover the bowl with aluminum foil halfway.

By doing so, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked rice every time. To enrich the flavors, you can also add salt and Selmon sinuously. Air frying cooking is quick. Don’t be surprised when you’ll see it takes only 7-10 minutes to air fry chicken nuggets.

What Can I Not Put Water Inside An Air Fryer?

It is strongly advised never to use non-stick food cooking sprays.

Food

An air fryer doesn’t go well with frozen butter. Also, you should avoid putting popcorn or frozen food straight out of the freezer, chunks of cheese, and thick-coated battered fish. 

These foods will put a threat of fire. And cheese will create a whole lot of mess.

Liquid

Oils that can not beat high temperatures are unsuitable for air frying. This include:

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Peanut oil
  • Coconut extract oil
  • Sesame oil

Can I Use Oil Inside My Air Fryer? 

Yes, you can use only a little vegetable oil in air frying. Vegetable oil is resistant to high temperatures so that it won’t burn.

Where To Put Oil In Air Fryers? 


The oil always goes on food, not in the base of the fryer. You can mix water and oil for frozen greens or fries.

Best Oil For Air Frying

Canola and Regular vegetable oil are considered best for air frying. 

These are suitable for over 230°C use. Avocado oil is most nutritious to use under 200°C for roasts and wings.

What Are The Best Foods I Can Cook With An Air Fryer?

After my years of experimental cooking, I can confidently say that there are many recipes you can enjoy with it. I have a Nuwave air fryer which makes absolute crispy french fries every time. Here is the list I have tried so far;

  • Soft roast potatoes
  • Crispy chicken wings
  • Flavourful lamb with rosemary
  • A quick salad
  • Yummy onion rings

I advised you never to put popcorn and pyrex in your air fryer. You can use the aluminum foil while frying but make sure it doesn’t cover the heating unit or element. 

Wrapping It Up!

So Can you put water in an air fryer? It is safe to use a little water in your air fryer. It will prevent white smoke from catching fire. Oils that can’t bear high temperatures are unsuitable for putting in an air fryer. 

Due to safety concerns, never boil soup or water in it. There is always a threat of fire if you overfill it with water. Stick to the two tbsp water rule while enjoying air frying!