If you’re looking for the Best Air Fryer for your kitchen, you may have noticed a newer category competing with conventional basket-style models: steam air fryers.
Traditional air fryers use powerful hot-air circulation to cook food quickly and create a crisp exterior. Steam air fryers add controlled steam to the cooking process, aiming to retain more moisture while still providing browning and crisping.
So, which should you choose?
The answer depends on what you cook most often. A traditional air fryer can be excellent for chips, frozen foods and crispy snacks, while a steam air fryer can be particularly appealing if you regularly cook chicken, fish, vegetables or foods where keeping the centre moist matters.
This guide compares both technologies across cooking performance, speed, versatility, cleaning, capacity, energy use and value for money.
For more comparisons, buying guides, recipes and UK air fryer recommendations, you can also explore Best Air Fryer.
Steam Air Fryer vs Traditional Air Fryer: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Steam Air Fryer | Traditional Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking technology | Hot air plus steam | Rapid hot-air circulation |
| Crispiness | Very good, depending on programme | Excellent for many foods |
| Moisture retention | Excellent | Good, but can dry some foods |
| Cooking speed | Fast, though steam programmes vary | Generally very fast |
| Chicken & fish | Excellent for juicy results | Very good |
| Chips & frozen foods | Very good | Excellent |
| Vegetables | Excellent for retaining moisture | Very good |
| Baking | Good to very good | Good |
| Reheating | Excellent for moist foods | Very good |
| Versatility | Usually higher | Depends on model |
| Capacity | Often larger on multi-function models | Wide range of sizes |
| Cleaning | More components to maintain | Usually simpler |
| Energy use | Depends on programme | Generally efficient for small batches |
| Price | Usually higher | Wider range, including budget models |
| Best suited to | Moist, tender and versatile cooking | Fast, crispy everyday cooking |
What Is a Traditional Air Fryer?
A conventional air fryer is essentially a compact cooking chamber designed around rapid forced-air convection.
A heating element warms the air while a fan circulates it around the food. Perforated baskets or trays allow hot air to reach more of the food’s surface.
This combination encourages moisture to leave the exterior of the food, helping create browning and crispness. Independent testing has found that basket-style air fryers can be particularly effective at quickly removing surface moisture and producing crispy results.
Traditional air fryers are especially good at foods such as:
- Chips
- Chicken wings
- Breaded chicken
- Hash browns
- Frozen snacks
- Roasted vegetables
- Sausages
- Reheated pizza
- Crispy leftovers
For people who mainly want fast, crispy food, a conventional air fryer remains difficult to beat.
What Is a Steam Air Fryer?
A steam air fryer combines hot-air cooking with a controlled supply of steam.
Instead of relying solely on dry circulating air, the appliance introduces moisture into the cooking chamber during selected programmes.
The objective is to balance two things:
Steam helps retain moisture inside the food, while hot air provides browning and crisping on the outside.
This can be particularly useful when cooking foods that can become dry during conventional air frying.
Research and testing on steam air fryers highlights the potential benefit of combining steam with air frying: moisture can help keep the interior tender while the air-frying stage creates a crisp exterior.
However, steam does not automatically make every food better. Too much moisture can work against crisping, so the appliance’s programme and steam control are important.
Steam vs Traditional Air Fryer: How Do They Cook Differently?
Traditional air frying
The conventional approach focuses on:
- Heating air
- Circulating it rapidly
- Removing surface moisture
- Browning the food
- Producing a crisp exterior
This makes it particularly effective for foods where texture is the priority.
Steam air frying
Steam models add another stage:
- Heat and circulate air
- Introduce controlled steam
- Help food retain moisture
- Continue hot-air cooking
- Brown and crisp the exterior
The result can be more forgiving for foods such as chicken breasts and fish, where excessive moisture loss can leave the centre dry.
Which Is Faster?
A traditional air fryer generally has the advantage when the sole objective is rapid crisping.
Basket-style air fryers are compact and designed around concentrated heat and strong airflow. Testing by RTINGS found that basket-style air fryers reached a defined moisture-loss target faster than the air-frying toaster ovens it tested, although performance varies significantly between individual appliances.
Steam air fryers can also cook quickly, but the cooking programme may involve additional stages.
For example, a steam-assisted chicken programme might first use steam to cook the food gently before switching to dry heat for browning.
Winner for speed: Traditional air fryer
If your priority is getting chips or frozen food onto the plate as quickly as possible, conventional air frying is usually the simpler option.
Which Produces Crispier Food?
This is one of the biggest advantages of traditional air frying.
Crisping relies heavily on removing surface moisture. High-speed airflow helps dry the exterior of food, allowing browning reactions to take place.
Traditional air fryers are therefore excellent for:
- Chips
- Potato wedges
- Chicken wings
- Breaded foods
- Croquettes
- Hash browns
- Frozen appetisers
Steam introduces moisture, which sounds counterproductive for crisping.
However, modern steam air fryers are designed to control when steam is introduced. Some programmes can use steam during the cooking process and then finish with dry heat to create a browned exterior.
Winner for maximum crispiness: Traditional air fryer
Winner for crispy outside + moist interior: Steam air fryer
Moisture Retention: Steam Has the Advantage
If you’ve ever cooked a chicken breast in an air fryer and ended up with a dry centre, steam cooking may be attractive.
Steam adds moisture to the cooking environment and can reduce excessive drying.
This is one of the main reasons steam-assisted cooking can work well for:
- Chicken breast
- Fish
- Salmon
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Reheated rice
- Reheated pasta
- Bread and baked goods
The key is balance. Too much moisture can prevent the surface from becoming properly crisp.
As a result, the best steam air fryers don’t simply fill the chamber with steam throughout the entire cooking process. The most useful models give you control over how and when steam is used.
Winner: Steam air fryer
Versatility and Cooking Functions
This is another area where steam models can have an advantage.
A traditional air fryer may offer functions such as:
- Air fry
- Roast
- Bake
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
- Grill
- Broil
The exact selection depends on the model.
Steam air fryers can add functions such as:
- Steam cooking
- Steam air frying
- Steam baking
- Reheating with steam
- Roasting
- Air frying
- Baking
- Dehydrating
That additional functionality can make a steam air fryer more useful as an all-round countertop appliance.
Winner for versatility: Steam air fryer
However, don’t pay for functions you won’t use.
If you mainly cook chips and chicken wings, a simpler air fryer may provide better value.
Capacity and Cooking Space
Capacity varies considerably between both categories.
Traditional basket air fryers are available in everything from compact single-person models to large dual-basket appliances.
Steam air fryers tend to be larger when they incorporate multiple cooking functions, water reservoirs and larger chambers.
For one or two people
A compact traditional air fryer can be ideal.
For couples
A medium-sized basket may provide sufficient space for everyday meals.
For families
Consider a larger basket, dual-basket model or oven-style appliance.
For batch cooking
A larger steam air fryer can be attractive if you want to cook different foods using different methods.
Remember that quoted capacity doesn’t always equal usable cooking space. Basket shape and the amount of food you can spread into a single layer often matter more than the headline litre figure.
Ease of Use
Traditional air fryers generally have the advantage here.
Most require you to:
- Add food
- Select temperature
- Set time
- Shake or turn food if necessary
- Serve
Steam models can involve more steps, particularly if you need to fill a water reservoir or select a combined cooking programme.
That isn’t necessarily a disadvantage.
If you regularly cook foods that benefit from steam, the additional controls could make the appliance more useful.
Easier for everyday cooking: Traditional air fryer
More cooking control: Steam air fryer
Cleaning and Maintenance
A traditional air fryer is usually simpler to maintain.
The main components you’ll normally need to clean include:
- Basket
- Crisper plate
- Cooking chamber
- Exterior
- Heating-area surroundings
Many models have dishwasher-safe baskets and trays, although you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Steam air fryers introduce additional maintenance requirements.
You may need to clean:
- Water reservoir
- Steam outlet
- Steam-producing components
- Cooking chamber
- Basket and trays
- Condensation or moisture areas
Water quality can also matter. If your manufacturer specifies filtered or softened water, follow those instructions.
Winner for simplicity: Traditional air fryer
Energy Efficiency
Air fryers can be efficient for smaller portions because they heat a much smaller space than a full-size oven.
However, energy consumption isn’t determined simply by whether an appliance uses steam.
It depends on:
- Power rating
- Cooking temperature
- Cooking time
- Preheating
- Cooking programme
- Quantity of food
- Frequency of use
A short air-frying cycle may use less energy than heating a large oven for a small meal.
A steam programme may use additional energy to generate steam, but that doesn’t automatically mean the overall cooking process is inefficient.
Winner: Model-dependent
Look at actual cooking times and power consumption rather than assuming one technology is always cheaper to run.
Steam Air Fryer: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Helps retain moisture
- Excellent for chicken and fish
- Can combine steaming and air frying
- Often offers more cooking functions
- Good for reheating foods without drying them excessively
- Useful for vegetables
- Can provide crispy exteriors with tender interiors
Cons
- Usually more expensive
- More complicated to operate
- Water reservoir needs filling
- More components to clean
- Steam can reduce crispiness if overused
- Larger models can take up considerable counter space
Traditional Air Fryer: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent crisping performance
- Fast cooking
- Simple controls
- Wide range of prices
- Many compact models available
- Easy to clean
- Excellent for chips and frozen foods
- Plenty of dual-basket options
Cons
- Can dry lean foods if overcooked
- Less effective at steam-style cooking
- Limited moisture control
- Some models have relatively small baskets
- Basic models may have fewer cooking functions
Which Foods Are Best in Each?
| Food | Steam Air Fryer | Traditional Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh chips | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Frozen chips | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Chicken breast | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chicken wings | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Salmon | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Vegetables | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Reheated pizza | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Reheated rice | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Bread | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cakes | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Frozen snacks | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Crispy potatoes | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
These ratings are general guidance rather than laboratory scores. Individual appliance design and cooking programmes can produce different results.
Which Is Better for Different Households?
Best for students
Traditional air fryer
Students often prioritise affordability, speed and easy cleaning.
A compact air fryer can handle frozen foods, chips, sausages, chicken and vegetables without taking up too much space.
Best for couples
Either type
A traditional model makes sense if you mainly want quick crispy meals.
A steam air fryer is worth considering if you cook fresh meat, fish and vegetables frequently.
Best for families
Steam air fryer or large-capacity air fryer
Families may benefit from a larger cooking chamber.
If different family members prefer different foods, a dual-basket traditional air fryer can also be extremely practical.
Best for healthy home cooking
Steam air fryer
If your priority is cooking fresh ingredients while retaining moisture and texture, steam assistance can be valuable.
Best for chips and crispy food
Traditional air fryer
For maximum crispiness with minimal fuss, a well-designed conventional basket air fryer remains a strong choice.
Best for batch cooking
Large steam air fryer or oven-style model
The larger cooking space and broader cooking functions can be useful when preparing multiple components of a meal.
Air Fryer Buying Guide
Before choosing between these two technologies, consider the following.
1. Decide what you cook most
This should be your starting point.
If you mainly cook:
Chips + frozen foods + crispy snacks → Traditional air fryer
If you mainly cook:
Fish + chicken + vegetables + reheated meals → Steam air fryer
2. Check the usable capacity
Don’t choose based solely on the advertised litre figure.
Look at:
- Basket dimensions
- Cooking surface
- Number of shelves
- Basket configuration
- Maximum food quantity
- Whether foods can be cooked in a single layer
3. Consider cooking functions
A steam air fryer can offer impressive versatility, but additional functions only have value if you’ll use them.
Pay attention to whether the appliance offers:
- Steam
- Air fry
- Roast
- Bake
- Grill
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
- Proof
- Automatic programmes
4. Look at temperature control
A useful air fryer should provide enough temperature adjustment for the foods you regularly prepare.
Precise controls are particularly useful if you cook a variety of foods rather than relying exclusively on preset programmes.
5. Check cleaning requirements
For traditional air fryers, check whether the basket and tray are dishwasher-safe.
For steam models, investigate how easily the water tank, steam system and cooking chamber can be cleaned.
6. Don’t overlook counter space
A steam air fryer can be substantially larger than a simple basket model.
Measure your available space before purchasing.
Also consider ventilation requirements and whether you’ll need to move the appliance after every use.
7. Compare the complete package
Don’t compare only the purchase price.
Consider:
- Capacity
- Accessories
- Warranty
- Cleaning requirements
- Cooking programmes
- Replacement parts
- Running costs
- Ease of use
A £200 appliance that replaces several other kitchen appliances could represent better value than a £70 air fryer you rarely use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a steam air fryer better than a traditional air fryer?
Not universally. Steam air fryers are better suited to people who value moisture retention and broader cooking functionality, while traditional air fryers are excellent for fast, crispy cooking.
Does a steam air fryer make food crispy?
Yes, depending on the model and programme. Steam itself does not create crispiness, so the appliance needs a dry-heat or air-frying stage to brown and crisp the surface.
Are steam air fryers healthier?
The technology itself doesn’t automatically make food healthier. Both types can cook with little added oil. The nutritional result depends largely on the ingredients, preparation and cooking method.
Can you cook chips in a steam air fryer?
Yes. Many steam air fryers have dedicated air-fry programmes. However, if crispy chips are your main priority, a good conventional basket air fryer may be the simpler choice.
Can a traditional air fryer cook chicken without drying it out?
Yes. Temperature, cooking time, food thickness and the particular appliance all matter. Avoiding overcooking is key.
Are steam air fryers harder to clean?
Usually they require more maintenance because of the water and steam systems. A conventional basket air fryer is generally simpler to clean.
Do steam air fryers use more electricity?
Not necessarily in every situation. Energy consumption depends on the programme, power rating and cooking time. Steam generation may add energy use, but the complete cooking cycle needs to be considered.
Are steam air fryers worth the extra money?
They can be if you’ll regularly use steam cooking. If you mainly want chips, frozen foods and crispy snacks, a traditional air fryer may offer better value.
Steam Air Fryer vs Traditional Air Fryer: Final Verdict
There isn’t one Best Air Fryer technology for everyone.
A traditional air fryer is the better choice if your priorities are speed, simplicity, crispiness and affordability. It is particularly strong for chips, frozen foods, chicken wings and other foods where a crunchy exterior matters.
A steam air fryer is more compelling if you want greater versatility and frequently cook foods where moisture retention is important. Chicken breast, fish, vegetables and reheated meals can benefit from the additional moisture control.
Choose a traditional air fryer if you:
- Want maximum crispiness
- Have a smaller budget
- Prefer simple controls
- Mainly cook frozen foods and chips
- Want easier cleaning
- Need a compact appliance
Choose a steam air fryer if you:
- Cook fresh meat and fish regularly
- Want to retain more moisture
- Prefer a multi-function appliance
- Reheat food frequently
- Want steam cooking as well as air frying
- Don’t mind paying more for additional functionality
Ultimately, the Best Air Fryer for your kitchen isn’t necessarily the appliance with the most programmes. It’s the one that matches the food you cook, the space you have, your household size and your budget.
For more air fryer comparisons, buying advice, recipes and UK deal guides, explore Best Air Fryer and compare your options before making a purchase.
