Can You Put Water in the Air Fryer?

When cooking fatty foods like bacon, burgers, sausages, or chicken thighs, dripping grease hits the hot drawer and burns — producing smoke and a burning smell. Adding 1–2 tablespoons of water to the drawer (below the basket, not in the basket) keeps the drawer surface cooler and prevents the grease from reaching its smoke point. This is especially useful for long cooking sessions.

No more than 2–3 tablespoons for most basket-style air fryers. The drawer has a limited depth and you do not want water splashing up into the heating element or fan above. A thin film of water at the bottom of the drawer is the goal — not a pool. Check your model's manual; some manufacturers explicitly allow it and some do not.

Never pour water into the basket with the food — this prevents crisping entirely and can cause hot water to splash. Do not add water while the unit is on and hot; steam can blow back. Do not submerge the drawer or basket in water with electronics attached. Never use the air fryer to boil or steam — the water does not reach a consistent enough temperature, and the electronics are not rated for sustained steam exposure.

If smoke from fatty foods is a recurring issue, consider: (1) trimming visible fat before cooking, (2) cooking at a slightly lower temperature to slow rendering, (3) using an air fryer with a built-in drip tray that sits lower, or (4) placing a thin slice of bread in the drawer to absorb dripping grease (a common hack that works well).

Can you put water in the air fryer drawer?

Adding a small amount of water (1–2 tablespoons) to the drawer below the basket is generally safe and can reduce smoke when cooking fatty foods like bacon or burgers. The water prevents dripped grease from burning on the hot drawer surface. Do not fill the drawer more than about ¼ inch deep — too much water can splash onto the heating element or create steam that interferes with crisping. Never put water in the basket itself or on the food.

Can you steam food in an air fryer using water?

Air fryers are not designed for steaming and do not produce enough steam to cook food through steam alone. Adding water creates some humidity, which can help keep lean proteins (chicken breast, fish) slightly more moist, but it also reduces crispiness. For true steaming, use a steamer basket on the stove. The air fryer is best used for its designed purpose — dry, circulating hot air that crisps and roasts.

How much water is safe to put in an air fryer drawer?

Generally 1–3 tablespoons of water in the outer drawer is the safe range — enough to catch dripping grease and create a tiny bit of steam without the risk of water sloshing into electrical components if the drawer is pulled out quickly. Never fill the drawer more than about a quarter inch deep. Always let the air fryer cool before carrying or tilting it after cooking with water, as the water will still be hot and can spill.