Fix Your Smoking Air Fryer With This Water Trick - Tasting Table

"As fatty foods like bacon, sausages, or game-day chicken wings cook, they release grease that falls to the bottom of the air fryer (which, of course, is the biggest drawcard of an air fryer). When this grease comes into contact with the superheated surface of the drip pan, it burns, producing smoke. Not only can this process fill your kitchen with unpleasant odors, but it can also impact the flavor of your food and potentially trigger smoke detectors."

"By adding just two to three tablespoons of water to the drip pan before cooking, you can help prevent this burning process. The water acts as a cooling barrier, keeping the temperature of the grease below its smoke point. So, instead of instantly charring when it hits the hot surface, the fat lands in the water, where it's less likely to burn. This small adjustment can be especially helpful when cooking high-fat items, allowing you to air-fry without the added annoyance of smoke."

"While this tip can make a big difference, it's important to use the water properly and safely. Only a small amount, enough to lightly coat the bottom of the drip pan, is needed. Too much water may cause splashing or interfere with air circulation, which is essential for the crisp texture for which your air frying is known. Make sure the water stays below the basket level to avoid it coming into contact with food or"

Air fryers can produce smoke when grease drips onto the superheated drip pan and burns, causing odors, affecting flavor, and potentially triggering smoke detectors. Adding two to three tablespoons of water to the drip pan creates a cooling barrier that keeps grease below its smoke point so fat lands in the water instead of charring. Only a small amount of water, enough to lightly coat the pan, is needed. Excessive water can splash or disrupt air circulation, and the water must remain below the basket to avoid contacting food.

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