Have you noticed that some foods (chicken, cheese, fish, etc.) smoke or dry out too much during cooking? Adding a little water to the bottom of the Air Fryer drawer helps to:

• Limit smoke from grease or grilled residue 🫧
• Keep food more moist, especially white meats or reheated leftovers 🥩
• Makes cleaning easier after cooking (grease loosened by steam) 🧽

This is a tip shared by many experienced users and validated by specialist guides, such as on Odelices and our Air Fryer Neary guide .

Adding water isn't a rule for every recipe. Here are some times when it can be really useful:

• When cooking fatty foods (sausages, bacon, minced steak…) to avoid excessive smoke 🔥
• While reheating dishes that tend to dry out (lasagna, rice, pre-cooked vegetables) 🥗
• To remove stubborn residue after cooking that has stuck 😅

How to do it? Simply pour two to three tablespoons of water into the bottom of the drawer (under the basket, never on top of the food). Above all, never exceed the level of the basket: too much water disrupts the circulation of hot air and can damage your appliance.

• Never put water directly on the heating elements : risk of electrical damage and short circuit! 🚫
• Avoid overfilling : the water should never exceed the bottom of the basket
• Beware of scalding steam : at the end of cooking, open your Air Fryer carefully, the steam can be overwhelming 😲
• No "classic" steam cooking : the Air Fryer is not designed for cooking in large amounts of water, it prioritizes cooking without immersion 🥄

If in doubt, always refer to the instructions for your model or to our Air Fryer guide .

Water is also your ally in keeping your Air Fryer spotless:

1. Allow to cool down and unplug the device ⚡
2. Pour a little hot water with a drop of dish soap into the drawer
3. Soak for 10 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge 🧼
4. Rinse and dry thoroughly before storing

For easier cleaning, find all our tips in the Air Fryer cleaning guide and on our dedicated page .

• Can you steam food in an air fryer? No, the appliance isn't designed for steaming like a conventional steamer. You can just add a little water to reduce smoke.
• Does water damage the coating? Not if you add only a small amount of water and clean it after use. Avoid immersion or abrasive products.
• Can you add spices or stock cubes to the water? Yes, but in very small quantities! This adds a subtle flavor without any risk.
• My Air Fryer smells burnt: will water help? Yes, a little water under the basket reduces odors and makes it easier to loosen grease.

For suitable recipes, check out our Air Fryer recipe blog .