Unlocking The Air Fryer's Steaming Superpowers

Air fryers and steamers are two very different appliances. While air fryers circulate hot air to crisp up food, steamers heat water to create steam, which cooks food. Air fryers are designed to make food crispy, while steamers are designed to make food moist. Therefore, you cannot steam food in an air fryer, as the two appliances have opposing functions and design features.

Can you steam vegetables in an air fryer?

Yes, you can steam vegetables in an air fryer, but it depends on the type of air fryer you have. If you have a steam-enabled air fryer, then you can easily steam your vegetables. However, if you have a regular air fryer, you can still steam vegetables with some adjustments.

Steaming vegetables in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to prepare a nutritious side dish. It helps retain the nutrients and natural colours of the vegetables, making them a healthy addition to your diet. When steaming in an air fryer, the hot air circulates around the vegetables, ensuring they cook evenly without overcooking.

• Select your favourite vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
• Wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized or uniform pieces.
• 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 parchment paper-lined tray to prevent them from falling through the holes.
• Optionally, drizzle some olive oil or your preferred cooking oil over the vegetables to add flavour and prevent sticking.
• Season the vegetables with herbs and spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, or thyme.
• Set the timer for 5-10 minutes, depending on the type and size of the vegetables. Check for doneness and adjust the timing accordingly.
• Once done, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts.

It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can cause the vegetables to steam instead of browning. Leave enough space between the vegetables for the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. Additionally, avoid adding water to a regular air fryer, as this can create unnecessary steam and affect the cooking results. Instead, the moisture from the vegetables is sufficient for the steaming process.

Can you steam dim sum in an air fryer?

Steaming and air frying are two completely different cooking methods. Steamers work by heating water to create steam that cooks food, while air fryers circulate hot air to cook food and give it a crispy texture. Therefore, it is impossible to steam dim sum in an air fryer.

However, if you want your dim sum to be crispy, you can steam them in a steamer basket or electric steamer and then put them in your air fryer for a few minutes afterward.

If you want soft dim sum, steaming them without using an air fryer is the best option.

Air-frying dim sum

If you want to cook dim sum in an air fryer, you can cook them from frozen. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C or 390°F, and place the dim sum in the basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket often. You can also lightly coat the dim sum with oil for a crispier texture.

Steaming dim sum

To steam dim sum, you can use a pot with some water and a steamer basket placed above it. Make sure the basket fits snugly into the pot so the steam doesn't escape. You can also use an electric steamer, which is handy as it doesn't take up space on the stovetop.

Can you steam rice in an air fryer?

Yes, you can steam rice in an air fryer. However, it is worth noting that this method of cooking rice differs from traditional steaming. Air fryers use dry heat to cook food, whereas steaming uses wet heat.

To steam rice in an air fryer, you will need a couple of extra items. First, you will need a cake tin or barrel to hold the rice. You will also need a kettle to boil water, which you will then pour into the tin or barrel. It is also recommended to have a sieve to strain the rice and remove excess starch.

Long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is the best type of rice to use in an air fryer. This is because these varieties have a lower starch content, which prevents the rice from becoming gummy and sticking together.

• Rinse the rice in a sieve or colander until the water runs clear.
• Boil a kettle and set your air fryer to preheat at 200°C for a few minutes.
• Place the strained rice into the cake tin or barrel and add the boiled water.
• Tightly cover the tin or barrel with aluminium foil and place it in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 300°F for 30 minutes.
• Turn off the air fryer and let the rice sit in the basket for 15 minutes before removing the foil.
• Use oven gloves to remove the tin or barrel and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

It is important to note that the texture of rice cooked in an air fryer will be slightly different from rice cooked in a pot or rice cooker. Air fryer rice will be slightly more "al dente" or crispy. You may need to experiment with timing and ratios to perfect the cooking process to your personal taste.

Can you boil water in an air fryer?

Air fryers are electrical appliances that use hot circulating air to cook food at high speeds and temperatures. They are essentially countertop convection ovens.

While most air fryers can achieve temperatures far beyond the boiling point of water, it is not advisable to boil water in an air fryer. The strong fans in the appliance would cause the water to splatter and potentially reach the heating elements and electrical components, which could damage the appliance or cause it to overheat.

However, it is possible to add a small amount of water to your air fryer in certain scenarios. It can help retain moisture in the food, prevent burning, and reduce smoke when cooking greasy foods. It is generally safe to add up to 1/4 cup of water, but always refer to the user manual for specific instructions.

Steaming in an air fryer

Steaming is a healthy and convenient cooking method that can be adapted for an air fryer with the right techniques and equipment. It is a healthier option than traditional frying methods as it requires little to no oil.

To steam food in a regular air fryer, place a small amount of water in the bottom of the basket before adding your food. Cover the food with foil or parchment paper to trap the steam. Use a steamer basket or heat-safe dish to elevate the food above the water, allowing the steam to circulate evenly.

It is important to note that steaming in an air fryer may not produce the same results as a dedicated steamer appliance or a pot with a steamer basket on a stovetop. The purpose of an air fryer is to make foods crispy, while steaming is intended to make foods moist.

Other uses of water in an air fryer

Water can also be used in an air fryer for reheating food and cooking greasy foods. Adding a small amount of water to the air fryer drawer or pan can help rehydrate leftovers and prevent them from drying out. When cooking greasy foods, adding water can help keep the smoke at bay and prevent the release of toxic fumes.

Water can also be used for cleaning the air fryer. Placing a small amount of water in the air fryer while cooking can prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the basket, making it easier to wipe away grease and hot oil. For routine cleaning, add warm soapy water to the bottom of the air fryer, let it run for a few minutes, and then rinse and wipe the basket clean.

Can you steam shrimp in an air fryer?

Yes, it is possible to steam shrimp in an air fryer, but it depends on the type of air fryer you have. If you have a steam-enabled air fryer, steaming shrimp is possible as these air fryers typically come with a steaming basket or tray. However, if you have a regular air fryer, you can still steam shrimp with some adjustments.

To steam shrimp in a regular air fryer, place a small amount of water at the bottom of the basket before adding the shrimp. It is recommended to cover the shrimp with foil or parchment paper to prevent steam from escaping. Use a steamer basket or a heat-safe dish to elevate the shrimp above the water, allowing the steam to circulate evenly. Remember to set the temperature to 350°F and steam for about 8-10 minutes.

It is important to note that the purpose of an air fryer is to make foods crispy, while steaming aims to make them moist. Therefore, the two cooking methods are quite different, and you may need to experiment to find the right balance. Additionally, adding water to an air fryer can be dangerous and may damage the appliance.

If you are unsure about steaming shrimp in your air fryer, consider using a dedicated steamer appliance or a pot with a steamer basket on your stovetop for better results.

Frequently asked questions