Steamers Vs Air Fryers: What's The Difference?

Air fryers and steamers work in two completely different ways. Air fryers circulate hot air to crisp up food, whereas steamers heat water to create steam that cooks food. Therefore, you cannot steam food in an air fryer as it is designed to make food crispy, not moist. However, with the right techniques and equipment, it is possible to steam food in an air fryer. For example, by using a non-stick silicone steaming basket or a perforated steaming tray, you can steam vegetables and seafood. Additionally, you can use the air fryer's baking pan and cover it with tin foil to create a steam bath for your food.

Can you steam vegetables in an air fryer?

Yes, it is possible to steam vegetables in an air fryer, but it depends on the type of air fryer you have. Some air fryers are steam-enabled and come with a steaming basket or tray, allowing you to cook food using steam. If you have a regular air fryer, you can still steam vegetables with a few adjustments and some simple techniques.

Steaming vegetables in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to prepare a nutritious side dish. It helps retain the nutrients, natural colours, and goodness of the veggies. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures even and efficient cooking without overcooking.

Here's a step-by-step guide to steaming vegetables in an air fryer:

• Select your favourite vegetables. Good options for steaming include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts.
• Wash the vegetables and cut them into bite-sized or uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 375°F to 380°F.
• Place the vegetables in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. You can use a steaming basket or a parchment paper-lined tray to prevent smaller items from falling through the holes.
• Drizzle some olive oil or your preferred cooking oil over the vegetables (optional). Oil adds flavour and prevents sticking.
• Season the vegetables with herbs and spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, or thyme.
• Set the timer according to the recommended cooking time for steaming vegetables, typically 5-10 minutes, depending on the type and size of the vegetables.
• Carefully remove the basket from the air fryer when the timer goes off, using tongs or oven mitts to handle the hot basket.

Some additional tips for steaming vegetables in an air fryer include:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and cook the vegetables evenly.
• Adjust the steaming time for your desired texture. For a crunchier bite, steam for a shorter time, and for softer vegetables, steam for a bit longer.
• Experiment with different combinations of vegetables to create colourful and flavourful dishes.
• You don't need to add water to the air fryer when steaming vegetables, as the moisture from the veggies is sufficient.
• You can steam multiple types of vegetables together, but ensure they have similar cooking times and are separated to avoid cross-contamination.

So, if you're looking for a simple and healthy way to cook vegetables, steaming them in your air fryer is a great option!

Can you steam dim sum in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a fantastic kitchen appliance that can cook food quickly and efficiently with a small amount of oil. They work by circulating hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and helping to remove excess moisture. While air fryers are not specifically designed for steaming, it is possible to steam certain foods in an air fryer with the help of some accessories or alternative methods.

Using a Steamer Basket

One way to steam dim sum in an air fryer is to use a steamer basket. You can place a heat-resistant dish or bowl inside the air fryer basket and fill it with a small amount of water. Then, put your dim sum on top of the dish and close the air fryer. The heat from the air fryer will create steam inside the basket, cooking your dim sum.

Creating a DIY Steaming Rack

Another option is to create a DIY steaming rack. You can do this by placing a few small balls of aluminum foil in the bottom of the air fryer basket to create a stand. Then, balance a heat-safe plate or bowl on top of the foil balls. Poke holes in the plate or bowl with a toothpick to allow steam to circulate.

Using a Bamboo Steamer

You can also use a bamboo steamer to steam dim sum in an air fryer. Line the bamboo steamer with parchment paper and put it on top of a pizza pan filled with boiling water. Add your dim sum to the bamboo steamer, cover it with aluminum foil, and then place the pizza pan and bamboo steamer inside the air fryer.

Tips for Steaming in an Air Fryer

• Cover the food with foil or parchment paper to trap the steam and prevent it from escaping.
• Use a steamer basket or heat-safe dish to elevate the food above the water and allow the steam to circulate evenly.
• Cook at a lower temperature for a longer time than you would for air frying, as steaming requires gentler heat.
• Check the water level periodically and add more if needed, as the steam will evaporate during cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.

Benefits of Steaming in an Air Fryer

Steaming in an air fryer offers a healthier alternative to frying, as it doesn't require any oil. It also helps retain the nutrients, vitamins, and moisture in your food. Additionally, steaming in an air fryer is quick and convenient, making it a great option for busy individuals.

Drawbacks of Steaming in an Air Fryer

While steaming in an air fryer is possible, it's important to note that air fryers are not as efficient at steaming as traditional steamers. You may need to experiment with cooking times and temperatures to get the perfect results. Additionally, not all air fryers are designed for steaming, so you may need to purchase additional accessories or use alternative methods.

In conclusion, while air fryers are typically used for frying, it is possible to steam dim sum in an air fryer by using a steamer basket, creating a DIY steaming rack, or using a bamboo steamer. By following the tips outlined above and experimenting with your air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly steamed dim sum with a crispy exterior.

Can you steam rice in an air fryer?

Yes, it is possible to steam rice in an air fryer. However, it is worth noting that air fryers are not designed for steaming and there are some key differences between the two cooking methods. Air fryers use hot air circulation and a small amount of oil to cook food, while steamers heat water to create steam, which then cooks the food.

To steam rice in an air fryer, you will need a cake tin or barrel, a sieve, water, a kettle, and a pinch of salt. Start by straining your rice with warm water to remove the starch. Long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, works best with air fryers as they have less starch and are less likely to stick together. Boil the kettle and preheat your air fryer to 200°C for a few minutes. Once the rice is strained, place it in the cake tin and add the boiled water and salt. Cover the tin tightly with aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer for 25 minutes.

When the rice is done, be sure to use oven gloves as the tin and foil will be very hot. Remove the foil, let the rice dry, and fluff it up with a fork before serving.

While this method is convenient and requires less supervision than cooking rice on a stove, it is important to note that the texture and flavour of the rice may differ from that of traditionally steamed rice. Air fryers cook food in a dry environment, resulting in crispier food, similar to roasted vegetables. Steamed rice, on the other hand, can be wet and lacks the crispy texture that air-fried rice offers. Additionally, the dry environment of an air fryer can help retain the flavour of any spices added to the rice.

Can you steam fish in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook food with little to no oil. They work by circulating hot air around the food, which is placed in a fryer-style basket. This results in crispy and golden food, similar to deep-fried dishes.

Steaming, on the other hand, is a cooking method that uses steam to cook food. This is done by boiling water to create steam, which then cooks the food placed above it in a steamer basket.

So, can you steam fish in an air fryer? The answer is yes, but it depends on the type of air fryer you have.

Steam-Enabled Air Fryers

Steam-enabled air fryers combine hot air with moisture, releasing steam that cooks your food. These air fryers typically come with a steaming basket or tray, allowing you to cook food using steam. This method is perfect for cooking fish, as it keeps the food moist and juicy while also providing a crispy texture.

Regular Air Fryers

If you have a regular air fryer, you can still steam fish with some adjustments. Here are some tips for successful steaming:

• Place a small amount of water at the bottom of the basket before adding your fish.
• Cover the fish with foil or parchment paper to trap the steam and prevent it from escaping.
• Use a steamer basket or heat-safe dish to elevate the fish above the water, allowing steam to circulate evenly.
• Cook at a lower temperature for a longer time than you would for air frying, as steaming requires gentler heat.
• Check the water level periodically and add more if needed, as steam will evaporate during cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper steam circulation and even cooking.

Benefits of Steaming Fish in an Air Fryer

Steaming fish in an air fryer offers several advantages:

• Healthier Cooking: Steaming doesn't require any oil, making it ideal for those watching their fat intake.
• Nutrient Retention: Steaming helps retain more nutrients and vitamins in your food compared to other cooking methods.
• Quick and Convenient: With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly steamed fish in a short amount of time.
• Even Cooking: Air fryers are designed to cook food evenly, ensuring your fish is cooked thoroughly without any hot spots or undercooked areas.

Preparing Fish for Steaming in an Air Fryer

To prepare fish for steaming in an air fryer:

• Season the fish with salt and pepper and place it in a foil packet with sliced lemon and herbs.
• Place the packet in the air fryer basket with a small amount of water.
• Set the temperature to 350°F and steam for 8-10 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; the fish is ready when it reaches 145°F.

Whether you have a steam-enabled air fryer or a regular one, you can definitely steam fish in your air fryer. By following the tips and instructions provided, you can enjoy healthy, delicious, and perfectly steamed fish anytime!

Can you steam dumplings in an air fryer?

Yes, it is possible to steam dumplings in an air fryer. However, it's important to note that air fryers are not specifically designed for steaming, and you may need to experiment with different techniques and accessories to achieve the desired results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam dumplings in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Dumplings

You can use frozen or thawed dumplings for this method. If using frozen dumplings, there is no need to thaw them first. Goya shrimp dumplings are a popular choice for steaming in an air fryer.

Step 2: Gather the Equipment and Ingredients

You will need an air fryer, a pizza pan, a bamboo steamer, parchment paper, aluminium foil, and boiling water. It is important to use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers to avoid any safety issues.

Step 3: Set Up the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, boil some water in a kettle or pot.

Step 4: Prepare the Steamer

Line the bamboo steamer with the air fryer parchment paper. Place the boiling water into the pizza pan and put the bamboo steamer on top of it. Add the dumplings to the bamboo steamer, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for even cooking.

Step 5: Steam the Dumplings

Cover the bamboo steamer completely with aluminium foil. This is important to prevent the original bamboo lid from burning underneath the air fryer's heating element. Place the pizza pan with the bamboo steamer on top of a grill pan and put it into the air fryer. Steam the dumplings for 8-10 minutes for thawed dumplings or 10-12 minutes for frozen dumplings.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the foil and take the bamboo steamer out of the air fryer. Serve the dumplings immediately.

Tips and Tricks

• It is easier to use a grill pan with low sides to place the pizza pan and bamboo steamer inside the air fryer.
• Do not put the original bamboo lid on top of the steamer, as it may burn.
• You can also use a steamer basket or a heat-safe dish instead of a bamboo steamer to elevate the dumplings above the water and allow the steam to circulate evenly.
• If you don't have a bamboo steamer, you can place the dumplings directly on an air fryer rack above the boiling water in the pizza pan and cover them with foil.
• You can add flavour to your dumplings by using flavoured boiling water or by dipping them in sauces like soy sauce or Thai sweet chilli sauce.

While you can steam dumplings in an air fryer, it is important to remember that air fryers are primarily designed for, well, air frying! If you're looking for a dedicated steamer, you might be better off investing in a separate appliance. However, if you want to experiment with steaming in your air fryer, the above steps will help you achieve delicious steamed dumplings.

Frequently asked questions