How To Make Food Crispy in the Microwave (Easy Guide)

Categorized as Microwave Cooking
making food crispy in microwave

Microwaves are an incredibly convenient tool in the kitchen, allowing you to quickly heat up leftovers, defrost frozen foods, and even cook entire meals. However, one thing that microwaves struggle with is making food crispy.

Whether you’re reheating a slice of pizza or trying to crisp up some chicken tenders, the microwave often leaves your food limp and soggy. But fear not! There are some simple tricks you can use to achieve that desirable crispy texture in the microwave.

In this guide, we’ll share some tips and techniques for making food crispy in the microwave, so you can enjoy delicious, crispy snacks and meals in no time.

To make food crispy in the microwave, wrap damp paper towels around the food, cook, remove the towels, and enjoy. Or, use a microwave-safe mug filled with water, a crisper tray that bounces heat, or the convection setting.

Why It Is So Hard to Get Food crispy in a Microwave?

Microwaves are a kitchen staple, but one thing they struggle with is achieving a crispy texture when cooking food. Why is that, you ask? Well, microwaves work by getting those water molecules in your food all excited and vibrating, generating heat. But as the water molecules heat up, they turn into steam and rise to the surface of your food.

Now, in a traditional oven, that steam is carried away by the hot circulating air, allowing your food to crisp up beautifully. But in a microwave, the steam has nowhere to go, so it just condenses back onto your food, leaving it soft and soggy. Sad times, indeed.

This is especially true for foods with a high water content, like veggies, bread, and pizza. Plus, microwaves tend to heat food unevenly, so you may end up with some parts of your meal being overcooked and others undercooked. Not ideal.

However, there are ways to combat these challenges and achieve that coveted crispy texture. Try using paper towels, a microwave-safe mug filled with water, or a microwave crisper tray to reduce moisture and promote even cooking. And if your microwave has a convection setting, use it to circulate hot air and achieve that crispy perfection.

So don’t let the microwave’s limitations get you down. With a little know-how and some simple techniques, you can enjoy crispy, delicious meals and snacks in no time.

How To Make Food crispy in a Microwave

However, there are a few things you can do to make your food achieve the minimum level of crispiness in the microwave. Let’s take a look at a few of the most effective methods:

1. Use Paper Towels

One of the simplest ways to make your food crispy in the microwave is to use paper towels. Paper towels are absorbent, so they will soak up any extra moisture in the food, leaving it crispy (A great option for this purpose is the Bounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, which you can find here).

All you need to do is soak the paper towels in water, then wring them out so they’re damp but not dripping. Next, wrap the damp paper towels around your food, making sure that all of the surface areas are covered.

Then, place the wrapped food in the microwave and nuke it for the recommended time. After the food is done cooking, remove the food from the microwave and let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, unwrap the paper towels and enjoy your crispy meal.

2. Use a Microwave Safe Mug Filled with Water

Another simple way to make your food crispy is to use a microwave-safe mug filled with water. Just like paper towels, water will absorb any extra moisture in the food, leaving it crispy.

To use this method, simply fill a microwave-safe mug (my favorite is Cricut Beveled Blank Microwave Safe Mug) with water and place it in the microwave. Next, place your food on a plate and put it in the microwave next to the mug of water.

Cook the food for the recommended time, then remove it from the microwave and let it sit for a few minutes. The water will help to keep the food crispy.

3. Try a Microwave Crisper Tray

If you’re looking for a more durable solution, you may want to try a microwave crisper tray such as Maconee 10inch Universal Microwave Crisper Pan.

Microwave crisper trays are specially designed to help crisp up food in the microwave. In short, the tray works by bouncing extreme heat off of the food, making the outer crust crispy.

To use a microwave crisper tray, simply preheat the tray in your microwave for a few minutes before adding your food. Once the tray is preheated, you can then place your food on it and cook it as you would normally in the microwave.

The hot surface of the tray will then cook the outer surface of the food, resulting in a crunchy texture that is delicious and satisfying. This is especially useful for foods that are typically difficult to cook in the microwave, such as pizza or bacon.

4. Use Convection Microwave Settings

If your microwave has a convection setting, you’re in luck. Convection microwaves work by circulating hot air around the food, similar to a traditional oven. This circulation of hot air helps to crisp up the food, making it crunchy on the outside.

The TOSHIBA 3-in-1 EC042A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is an example of a microwave with a convection setting that can help you achieve that crispy texture.

To use the convection setting on your microwave, simply place your food in the oven and select the convection mode. Cook the food for the recommended time, then remove it from the microwave and enjoy your crispy meal.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using convection settings:

Consult your microwave’s manual first

Manuals are there for a reason. They provide essential information on how to use a product safely and effectively. This is especially true for complex products like convection microwaves, which can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

When using the convection feature on a convection microwave, it is important to consult the manual first. The manual will provide guidance on how to set the temperature and cook time, as well as how to position the food in the oven.

By taking the time to read the manual, you can ensure that you get the most out of your convection microwave and avoid any potentially dangerous situations.

Only use accessories and utensils that are safe for convection microwaves

Not all accessories and utensils are safe for use in a convection microwave. In fact, some materials can actually be dangerous when exposed to the high heat of a convection oven.

When using a convection microwave, it is important to only use accessories and utensils that are safe for convection microwaves. This includes items such as glass, ceramic, or metal cookware.

Do not use items made of plastic, paper, or cardboard in a convection microwave, as they can catch fire or melt when exposed to high heat.

Do not overcrowd or stack the food

One of the most common mistakes people make when using a convection microwave is overcrowding or stacking food. Foods should not be overcrowded or stacked when using a convection microwave.

This can cause uneven cooking and lead to undercooked or burnt food. It is also important to leave space between pieces of food so that hot air can circulate evenly.

Thing to Consider

There’s no doubt that microwaves are convenient. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or preparing a quick meal, they can be a huge time-saver. However, not all foods are created equal when it comes to microwaving.

For example, pizza is notoriously difficult to reheat in the microwave without making it soggy. On other hand, pasta tends to dry out and gets very chewy when microwaved.

That’s why it’s important to take into consideration the type of food you’re dealing with when you’re using a microwave.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making food crispy in the microwave may seem like a challenge, but with these tips and techniques, you can achieve that desirable crispy texture. Using paper towels or a microwave-safe mug filled with water are simple methods, while a microwave crisper tray or convection settings provide a more durable solution.

However, it’s important to consult your microwave’s manual, use only safe accessories and utensils, and not overcrowd or stack the food when using convection settings. Remember to also take into consideration the type of food you’re dealing with when using a microwave. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious, crispy snacks and meals in no time.

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!