How to Use Steam Function in Air Fryer | Food Comes Out Tender

Steam air fryers bridge two cooking methods: they deliver the quick, even heat of an air fryer while injecting steam to keep food moist and tender — ideal for vegetables, fish, and reheating without drying out. The catch is that the steam feature is strictly hardware-based: you need a model with an integrated water reservoir, like the Philips 5000 Series, Sunbeam SteamFry, or certain President units. This article covers the exact steps for the most common models, how to actually set up the steam cycle, and what not to do.

Which Air Fryers Have a Steam Function?

The steam feature is exclusive to specific models engineered with a built-in water reservoir. Compatible models include the Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket (supports “Steam,” “Steam & Airfry,” and “Steam Clean”), the Sunbeam SteamFry 7L Air Fryer + Steam, and the President air fryer with steam function (which uses a screw-valve reservoir). The function is hardware-based with no subscription plans required. If your model doesn’t have a water tank, do not attempt to add water to the basket — this is not safe.

How to Use the Steam Function on a Philips 5000 Series

Philips’s top-tank design is the most common steam air fryer setup. Follow these steps exactly:

1. Fill the water tank: Remove the top-mounted tank (holds about 800 mL), fill it to the MAX line with tap water, and snap it back onto the appliance.
2. Prepare the basket: Remove the big pan and basket. Place the basket into the big pan and add your ingredients.
3. Insert the pan: Slide the pan back into the Airfryer.
4. Select the function: Press Power On/Off, select Big Pan, then choose the Steam function.
5. Set time and temperature: Adjust settings per the official food table. For vegetables, aim for 220°F to 250°F. The Steam Clean cycle runs 20 minutes (15 minutes steam + 5 minutes dry).
6. Start cooking: Press Start/Pause to begin. The machine will prompt you to shake the pan about halfway through.
7. Check doneness: When the timer rings, remove the food with barbecue tongs — the contents will be hot and moist.

Using the Steam Function on a President Air Fryer

The President model uses a different reservoir design, but the procedure is straightforward:

1. Fill the reservoir: Remove it, unscrew the valve, fill with tap water to about 1 cm below the rim, screw the valve back on, and reinsert the reservoir.
2. Select Steam Fry: Touch Start to show the menu, then choose Steam Fry.
3. Add food: Place food in the cooking pot (use the rack for everything except Cakes and Poultry). Ensure food stays below the pot’s non-stick rim.
4. No oil: Oil is only for Air Fry and Poultry combined modes.
5. After cooking: Remove and empty the reservoir, then run the Draining Water function to clear the internal lines.

Common Mistakes and Safety Rules

• Never add water to a standard air fryer. If your model lacks a steam button, do not pour water into the basket — water can drip onto electrical components, causing shorts or fires.
• Don’t exceed the MAX line. Overfilling the tank can cause water to overflow; underfilling may prevent steam from generating.
• Keep temperatures low for steaming. High heat (over 300°F) creates crispy exteriors rather than tender steamed textures. Stick to the 220°F–250°F range.
• Do not block air vents. Covering vents with foil or lids disrupts airflow and can cause overheating or fire.
• Don’t overfill the cooking pot. Food must stay below the non-stick rim to allow proper steam circulation.

The key is using the function for what it’s built for: tender, moist results. If you want crispy textures, skip the steam and run a standard air fry cycle instead. For those considering buying a steam model, a good air fryer with steam roundup compares the current top options.