Can You Put Water in an Air Fryer?
A tablespoon in the drawer under the basket is a standard trick for fatty food. Water in the basket itself defeats the point.
Updated 9 September 2026
It depends
A tablespoon in the drawer under the basket is a standard trick for fatty food. Water in the basket itself defeats the point.
A tablespoon in the drawer under the basket is a standard trick for fatty food. Water in the basket itself defeats the point. Below is exactly how to do it and what to expect.
How to do it
- 1For fatty food that smokes, add a tablespoon or two of water to the drawer beneath the basket to stop dripping fat burning.
Tips for the best results
- What to expect: It stops the smoke without affecting crisping. Filling the basket with water just steams the food and it will never brown.
The verdict
It depends. A tablespoon in the drawer under the basket is a standard trick for fatty food. Water in the basket itself defeats the point. It stops the smoke without affecting crisping. Filling the basket with water just steams the food and it will never brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you air fry water?+
It depends. A tablespoon in the drawer under the basket is a standard trick for fatty food. Water in the basket itself defeats the point.
What should I do instead?+
For fatty food that smokes, add a tablespoon or two of water to the drawer beneath the basket to stop dripping fat burning.