This is a question that many people ask when it comes to using an air fryer – can you put water in an air fryer?
You may be wanting to clean this appliance and put water in it. Or perhaps, you wanted to steam your meals and think about whether it is possible to put water in your air fryer.
In this case, you need to understand what the effects are when you put water in it – if it is a good idea or not. This way, you can prevent causing some problems with this appliance and achieve your goal for your recipes.
Keep reading to know just what to expect when you put water in an air fryer. Let’s jump right into it.
Can You Put Water In An Air Fryer To Clean?
You need water to clean your appliances. Even if it is spraying the inside with some kind of fluid, you still need to make sure that there are no dangers to doing so.
With an air fryer, it is generally not advisable to put water in it. You cannot clean this appliance with water since it is not built to be submerged in water or moisture.
The best way to clean the machine is by wiping the exterior and interior with a damp cloth. You can also use a cleaner with a non-abrasive quality in removing tough stains and grime. Also, you need to take note of the fact that air fryers come with removable parts. Now, these components such as the rack, tray, and basket can be cleaned with water.
In fact, you may also be able to put these in your dishwasher for a more efficient and thorough cleaning. But never wet other components that are part of the electrical system, since this can cause more harm than good to the machine and its performance. When in doubt, we strongly advise that you check the manual to know for sure the best way to clean your air fryer and to achieve the results you want.
Every air fryer model comes with its unique features, so you need to know what is specific to your particular machine.
Best Ways To Clean And Air Fryer
Since you cannot put water in an air fryer to clean it, the next question is how to clean it well without water.
Although you do not typically put a lot of oil in your food when cooking it in your air fryer, the machine does get dirty with grime and grease sometimes. This is why it is good to understand how to clean this machine to preserve its lifespan and performance.
Here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Empty the machine and remove some components
The first thing you need to do is to empty your machine of any debris or leftover food items. You also need to take the tray and basket out, as well as other components that are removable. Then, you should be able to wash these items either manually or in your dishwasher. Warm soapy water is best for cleaning these components, but for stubborn grime, you can use baking soda, too.
2. Wipe the inside and outside.
With a damp cloth (not dripping wet), wipe the outside and the inside of your air fryer. But in the case of stubborn stains, you can spray some non-abrasive cleaner to effectively remove these. Never use scouring pads or steel brush when cleaning the surface of the machine. These will only scratch the air fryer’s surface and can even cause damage to the paint or material.
3. Clean your heating element.
You need to maintain the cleanliness of the air fryer’s heating element as this is important in cooking your meals. When wiping the heating element, you can use either a soft toothbrush or s gentle brush in removing debris or food particles thoroughly but without causing damage to the component.
4. Dry the machine and reassemble the components.
Once you have cleaned the inside, outside and the removable parts, you can now dry the parts that you have wiped including the components. Be sure that everything is completely dry before putting them back in the machine. If you leave the parts moist, then this can lead to corrosion on the metal components.
Put the parts back in and then your air fryer should be ready for use. Now, it is clean and free from debris, which also helps with its performance and lifespan.
Always make it a point to consult the manual when you clean the machine since every unit is different and there may be specific instructions you would not want to miss out.
Also, you need to unplug the machine before you start cleaning. This is a safety precaution that will prevent you from getting into safety risks, especially due to electrical hazards.
Can You Put Water In An Air Fryer To Steam
Many air fryers have a function for steaming food. However, this also depends on the type of machine you have. If there is a steam basket or steam setting in your machine, then you can definitely add water for steaming your food.
But at the same time, you need to be very careful when doing this since water once boiled can generate steam and cause burns. Check your manual to know for sure what your machine is capable of to avoid any safety concerns.
When using the steam setting in your air fryer, be sure to use the right tools. The steam basket or a heat-proof dish is essential for properly steaming your meals. You can also use a foil steam pouch when you do not have a heat-proof dish available.
But overall, be very careful when you steam your meals and handle boiling water to prevent injuries and accidents.
Final Thoughts
If you are wondering whether it is safe to put water in an air fryer, the answer depends on the machine model you have and whether it is designed for use with water. Always check your manual to familiarize yourself with your machine’s function and prevent any issues along the way.
