In general, you do not need to put water into the air fryer basket when cooking food. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to cook it, and the presence of water can interfere with the air circulation and may cause splattering or steaming instead of achieving the desired crispy texture.
However, there are a few cases where adding a small amount of water to the air fryer can be beneficial:
Greasy foods: If you're cooking foods that are particularly greasy or have a high fat content, such as fatty cuts of meat or bacon, placing a small amount of water in the bottom of the air fryer basket can help prevent excessive smoking and reduce the chances of the grease causing a mess or splattering.
Drip tray: Many air fryers come with a drip tray or pan that sits below the cooking basket to collect any excess grease or drippings. In this case, you can fill the drip tray with water to help prevent smoking and make cleanup easier.
Steam cooking: Some air fryer models come with additional accessories or features that allow for steaming. In these cases, you may be instructed to add water to a designated reservoir or tray to generate steam for cooking certain foods.
It's important to consult your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions regarding the use of water or any other liquids. Each air fryer model may have its own guidelines and recommendations.