My toaster oven is the appliance that gets the most use in my kitchen. I love it because its so versatile and perfect for doing many things, all without the wait or heating of the oven and with more convenience to clean than the broiler in the oven. It works better for small families due to its size, but a 6 slice toaster oven in slightly larger than a 4, so I find it a good balance.
Toaster Oven Toasting
Of course, a toaster oven should be able to toast. The advantages to a toaster oven over a toaster are that it can toast wide or thick things like bagels and Texas toast. When you toast items on a sheet, its easy to toast open face sandwiches like Patty or Tuna Melts, as well as things that can get messy or tricky in a toaster, such as cinnamon bread or bread with raisins.
Toaster Ovens really shine at Broiling
Broiling is the healthiest way to cook meat, and a good toaster oven needs to be able to broil. Broiling is not only the healthiest method, but can be done quickly and efficiently with a toaster oven. Keep in mind that different ovens heat at different rates and have different temperatures when set to broil, so pay attention to how long it takes to cook meat through with YOUR oven. Times may vary. Here are some suggestions. Use meats that do well grilled, meaning they can tolerate dry heat.
Steaks
For all these foods, I cover my tray in aluminum foil to make clean up easy. For steaks or chicken breasts, I spray Pam on a rack and place the rack on the tray. (Tray and rack sets are available for toaster ovens if yours does not have them). I add garlic powder and fresh ground black pepper to both sides, then broil from 5- 10 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the steak. It should be nicely browned and done to your taste. You may need to cut it in the middle to test and put back for a minute or two if not done enough.
Safety Tip
Do NOT leave the kitchen when there is food in the broiler. Because of the closeness of the meat to the heating elements, any fat can catch or start a fire. If this happens, unplug the toaster oven from the wall, allow it to cool a minute and CAREFULLY drain any fat from the tray. Preheat again before putting the meat back in.
Chicken Breasts
I usually coat chicken breasts in Kraft’s Greek Dressing before I put them on the Pam coated rack atop the foil covered tray. How long is tricky because chicken breasts vary so much in size. However, you can use an instant meat thermometer to be sure its up to 165
Salmon or other fish
For salmon, I cover the tray in aluminum foil then place the salmon skin side down on the foil. I then broil in a preheated toaster oven about 11 minutes give or take. Its almost right on that time or a bit more, seldom less. Cook only until the fish separates easily from the skin. Do not overcook. If there is no skin, spray the foil with Pam first.
I will admit I have not cooked other fish this way but am sure it would work.
Baking – more of a challenge for good results
I have baked a few things in the toaster oven, but the space is so small that it would take too many rounds to bake a normal recipe of cookies or scones, or whatever. Also, the airflow is not ideal in such a small space. Having said that, it is great to heat things up, like pizza or rolls. It also works well if you have dough for a few cookies (if you make a whole recipe and only bake a few as needed/ wanted).
To me the toaster oven is essential. If you are a one or two person household, you might try it, especially for quick and healthy broiling of meats.
Bon appetit!
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