The best microwave crisping trays and pans: Enhancing the Crispness of Microwave Cooking
Microwave cooking has become a convenient and time-saving method for many people. However, a common challenge for microwave users is achieving the desired crispness in their cooked foods. Soft and flaccid textures are not always satisfying, especially when it comes to foods such as bacon, French fries, pizza, chicken wings or grilled cheese sandwiches. To address this issue, microwave crisping trays and pans have been designed to help achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist and tender interior.
What is a microwave crisping tray?
Microwave crisping trays are specifically designed to enhance the crispiness of food while it is being cooked in the microwave. Unlike traditional cooking methods, microwaves often struggle to deliver the desired texture that comes with a crispy crunch. The purpose of these trays is to create a crispy exterior by allowing heat to transfer evenly to the outer edges of the food. The result is a delicious crunch that enhances the overall eating experience.
How microwave crisping pans work
Microwave crisping pans come in a variety of designs, each with its own unique way of achieving crispiness. In general, a basic microwave crisping pan has tiny feet that prevent direct contact with the surface of the microwave. This allows the pan to be preheated so that heat is transferred to the outer edges of the food as the microwave cooks it.
Some crisping pans have grooves, holes, or grill shapes. These elements create pockets of air between the food and the tray, simulating a broiling effect inside the microwave. The air pockets help focus more intense heat on the surface of the food, resulting in a crispier texture.
Other types of crisping pans are designed with a lid. The lid acts as a barrier, protecting the food from direct microwave energy. Instead, the food is cooked using only the heat generated by the pan itself. This allows for a faster cooking time while ensuring that the outer edges are crispy and delicious.
Using a Microwave Crisper Plate
When using a microwave crisping tray, it is important to follow the instructions provided with the specific product for best results. However, most microwave crisping trays follow a similar set of steps. Here is a general guide to using a microwave crisping pan:
- Prepare your food according to the recipe or instructions.
- Preheat the crisping tray or browning dish in the microwave for the recommended time, usually about 3-4 minutes. This step helps transfer heat directly to the outside of the food, which increases crispiness.
- Place your food in a single layer on the crisping pan, leaving as much space as possible between each piece.
- Cook the food according to your recipe, making sure to turn the food at least once during cooking to ensure even crisping on both sides. If your food needs to be browned or crisped on more than two sides, adjust accordingly.
- The side of the food that touches the tray will be the side that is browned or crisped.
The 5 Best Microwave Crisper Pans and Trays
To help you choose the right microwave crisping pan or tray, we have compiled a list of the top picks currently available on the market. These products offer unique features and functions that enhance the crispiness of your microwave cooked foods.
1. Whirlpool Microwave Crisping Pan with Handle
The Whirlpool Microwave Crisper Pan with Handle is compatible with select Whirlpool microwave models as well as most standard-sized major brands. This pan is designed for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen foods such as pizza, French fries or onion rings. It features a detachable handle that makes it easy and safe to remove the hot pan from the microwave. The non-stick surface ensures that your crisped foods come off the pan cleanly. However, it does not come with a lid, so precautions must be taken to avoid splattering while cooking.
2. Allstar Innovations Reheatza Microwave Crisper
The Allstar Innovations Reheatza Microwave Crisper is a popular choice that has received positive reviews. This product works well with leftovers or any microwave dish that requires a crispy exterior. It fits in most microwaves with a rotating plate and comes with a lid that allows for indirect microwave cooking. Heat from the microwave is transferred to an element in the bottom of the dish, providing conductive heat similar to stovetop cooking. This combination of microwave speed and pan-fried crispness provides a unique cooking experience. The Reheatza Microwave Crisper includes a cooking guide for different types of food.
3. Prep Solutions by Progressive Microwaveable Bacon Grill
Microwave crisping pans come in a variety of designs, each with its own unique way of achieving crispiness. In general, a basic microwave crisping pan has tiny feet that prevent direct contact with the surface of the microwave. This allows the pan to be preheated so that heat is transferred to the outer edges of the food as the microwave cooks it.
Some crisping pans have grooves, holes, or grill shapes. These elements create pockets of air between the food and the tray, simulating a broiling effect inside the microwave. The air pockets help focus more intense heat on the surface of the food, resulting in a crispier texture.
Other types of crisping pans are designed with a lid. The lid acts as a barrier, protecting the food from direct microwave energy. Instead, the food is cooked using only the heat generated by the pan itself. This allows for a faster cooking time while ensuring that the outer edges are crispy and delicious.
Using a Microwave Crisper Plate
When using a microwave crisping tray, it is important to follow the instructions provided with the specific product for best results. However, most microwave crisping trays follow a similar set of steps. Here is a general guide to using a microwave crisping pan:
- Prepare your food according to the recipe or instructions.
- Preheat the crisping tray or browning dish in the microwave for the recommended time, usually about 3-4 minutes. This step helps transfer heat directly to the outside of the food, which increases crispiness.
- Place your food in a single layer on the crisping pan, leaving as much space as possible between each piece.
- Cook the food according to your recipe, making sure to turn the food at least once during cooking to ensure even crisping on both sides. If your food needs to be browned or crisped on more than two sides, adjust accordingly.
- The side of the food that touches the tray will be the side that is browned or crisped.
The 5 Best Microwave Crisper Pans and Trays
To help you choose the right microwave crisping pan or tray, we have compiled a list of the top picks currently available on the market. These products offer unique features and functions that enhance the crispiness of your microwave cooked foods.
1. Whirlpool Microwave Crisping Pan with Handle
The Whirlpool Microwave Crisper Pan with Handle is compatible with select Whirlpool microwave models as well as most standard-sized major brands. This pan is designed for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen foods such as pizza, French fries or onion rings. It features a detachable handle that makes it easy and safe to remove the hot pan from the microwave. The non-stick surface ensures that your crisped foods come off the pan cleanly. However, it does not come with a lid, so precautions must be taken to avoid splattering while cooking.
2. Allstar Innovations Reheatza Microwave Crisper
The Allstar Innovations Reheatza Microwave Crisper is a popular choice that has received positive reviews. This product works well with leftovers or any microwave dish that requires a crispy exterior. It fits in most microwaves with a rotating plate and comes with a lid that allows for indirect microwave cooking. Heat from the microwave is transferred to an element in the bottom of the dish, providing conductive heat similar to stovetop cooking. This combination of microwave speed and pan-fried crispness provides a unique cooking experience. The Reheatza Microwave Crisper includes a cooking guide for different types of food.
3. Prep Solutions from Progressive Microwaveable Bacon Grill</
FAQS
How do microwave crisping trays and pans work?
Microwave crisping trays and pans work by transferring heat evenly to the outer edges of food, creating a crispy exterior. They accomplish this through features such as grooves, holes, or grill shapes that create air pockets, or by using lids to protect food from direct microwave energy.
Can I use any microwave crisping tray or pan in my microwave?
While many microwave crisping trays and pans are designed to be compatible with most microwaves, it’s important to check the product specifications and guidelines to ensure compatibility with your specific microwave model.
What types of food can I cook with microwave crisping trays and pans?
Microwave crisping trays and pans are versatile and can be used to cook a variety of foods, including bacon, French fries, pizza, chicken wings, grilled cheese sandwiches and more. They are especially useful for reheating leftovers that benefit from a crispy texture.
How do I use a microwave crisping tray or pan?
To use a microwave crisping tray or pan, preheat according to the instructions, place food in a single layer and cook according to the recipe. Flip the food as needed to ensure even crisping on both sides.
Are Microwave Crisping Trays and Pans safe to use?
Microwave crisping trays and pans are generally safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to use oven gloves or handles when removing hot trays from the microwave and to take precautions to avoid splattering during cooking.
Are microwave crisping trays and pans easy to clean?
Most microwave crisping trays and pans have non-stick surfaces that are easy to clean. They can usually be washed by hand in warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.