Can you cook liquid in an air fryer?

Author: Mossie Gusikowski  |  Last update: Sunday, December 28, 2025

It's generally not recommended to put liquid directly into an air fryer due to the risk of steam, splattering, and potential damage to the appliance. But you can still make yummy dishes by using a small amount of liquid alongside other ingredients.

Is it okay to put water in an air fryer?

No, adding water to your air fryer and turning it on can damage the appliance and won't actually clean it. Always clean removable parts separately and wipe the interior with a damp cloth.

Can you cook liquid meals in an air fryer?

Hearty dishes including stew, chilli con carne or bolognese are midweek favourites, but Good Food's food copy editor Samuel Goldsmith advises against using an air fryer to cook them. As the hot circulates inside the air fryer, this can cause hot liquids to splatter, which can be dangerous and messy.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

Any food with a wet batter should not be placed in the air fryer. You also want to avoid putting food that has a wet batter, like corndogs or tempura shrimp, in air fryers.

Can you boil pasta in an air fryer?

Can pasta be cooked in the air fryer? Yes!

Top 12 Air Fryer MISTAKES → How to Use an Air Fryer

Can you heat liquid in an air fryer?

According to general safety principles and usage guidelines, it is not recommended to directly heat liquid foods, especially in their containers or packaging, in air fryer ovens. Air fryer ovens are mainly suitable for cooking solid and semi-solid foods like meats, vegetables, breads, cookies, etc.

Can you pour liquid in air fryer?

It's generally not recommended to put liquid directly into an air fryer due to the risk of steam, splattering, and potential damage to the appliance. But you can still make yummy dishes by using a small amount of liquid alongside other ingredients.

What is unhealthy about an air fryer?

The two biggest concerns are potential carcinogens called acrylamides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are created in the process of cooking.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

Can you put wet things in an air fryer?

Though certain foods become crispy and juicy in an air fryer, others can get messy or dry. Pros recommended using an air fryer when preparing frozen food, cookies, and bacon. Avoid putting overseasoned food, wet batters, and cheese in your air fryer — they can make a mess.

What material can you not put in an air fryer?

Plastic and certain types of glass should never be placed in an air fryer. The high temperatures can cause those materials to warp, melt, or shatter, resulting in a seriously annoying and potentially dangerous cleanup.

Can you put raw meat in an airfryer?

Yes, that's right. You can cook raw meat in the air fryer. As a suggestion, what you want to do is take out the meat you would like to prepare out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or so.

Can you use water instead of oil in an air fryer?

Remember, air fryers need a lot less fat than traditional frying pans too. You can fry with water too. Just add a little water to the bottom of your air fryer to use the natural juices that run off from meat, fish and vegetables. You don't need oil to roast meat, fish, and vegetables in your air fryer either.

Where does the water go in an air fryer?

Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket. This water will catch the grease and will prevent smoke. Don't grease the drawer with cooking spray.

What is the mistake for cleaning the air fryer?

The exterior of the air fryer is also prone to gathering dust, fingerprints, and grease, so it's crucial to wipe it down with a cloth, paying particular attention to buttons and the control panel. Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto electronic elements to steer clear of any damage.

Can you wet fry in an air fryer?

Here's what you should never attempt to air fry. Battered Foods – A very wet batter, like the cornmeal batter on a corndog, will not cook successfully in an air fryer. Any coating that is particularly heavy and wet will drip through the perforated basket before it has time to crisp.

What can you not cook in an air fryer?

The biggest issue is moisture. An air fryer's fast-moving convection heat can cause meat and certain vegetables to dry out. Leafy greens, lean meats and certain seafoods, for instance, are no longer welcome in my air fryer. Here are eight foods I recommend cooking somewhere else.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of an air fryer?

A slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer can help collect grease without making a mess.

Can I put a paper towel in an air fryer?

Airflow is essential to the machine, so while a paper towel is useful for cleaning, it should not be used while cooking food in the air fryer. It can restrict the airflow of the machine and even catch fire. It's important to remember that the air inside the air fryer can get very hot.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

Why are air fryers bad for your heart?

In one study, air frying of fish raised the amount of a substance called "cholesterol oxidation products" (COPs). COPs form when the cholesterol in meat or fish breaks down during cooking. Studies connect these substances to coronary heart disease, hardening of the arteries, cancer, and other diseases.

What is the controversy with air fryers?

Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

Can I heat liquids in an air fryer?

According to general safety principles and usage guidelines, it is not recommended to directly heat liquid foods, especially in their containers or packaging, in air fryer ovens.

Why put water in the bottom of an air fryer?

Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer can create steam, which keeps the inside of the food tender while allowing the outside to crisp up. For baked goods, such as pastries or bread, a little water can mimic the humid environment of a traditional oven, giving a softer texture or a better rise.

Where do the juices go in an air fryer?

After you air-fry

The tray below the mesh basket tray collects a lot of juices from the cooked foods above and catches any marinades that you pour over the food. If the drippings are not too greasy, you can use this flavorful liquid as a sauce to pour over the food.

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