HOW TO GRILL IN THE MICROWAVE
Cooking up a smoky, flavorful feast doesn’t have to be off the table just because it’s not grilling season or you don’t live in a space with a yard. Whether it’s raining, you live in a condo without a patio or just lack outdoor space, it’s still possible to grill at home without an actual grill. With a little creativity and the right microwave, it’s possible to achieve char-broiled flavors for an in-home barbecued meal.
WHAT IS THE GRILL SETTING IN A MICROWAVE
Microwave technology has evolved beyond the basic heat-and-serve functionality that simply warms up food. Today, microwaves come with a variety of advanced features, such as Grill Mode, which allows you to achieve that flame-broiled taste by pressing a few buttons.
Microwaves with Grill Mode typically have an additional heating element that mimics the outcome of a grill by searing the food with direct heat. Microwave models that have the ability to perform more complex tasks like grilling, steaming and broiling often have a higher wattage of at least 1,000+ watts.
WHAT FOODS CAN YOU GRILL IN A MICROWAVE?
It’s possible to grill up a variety of recipes in your microwave, from vegetables to juicy sausages and steak. A microwave with Grill Mode typically uses a basket or Grill Rack to help create a crispy, seared texture.
HOW TO USE A MICROWAVE’S GRILL MODE
Grilling in a microwave oven can be pretty simple—as long as it has Grill Mode or a similar feature. Your model-specific owner’s manual should be able to tell you if your microwave has grilling capabilities and provide instructions on proper use and how to use the Grill Rack, if provided.
If you have a KitchenAid® microwave with Grill Mode, the instructions below can help guide you:
- Place your food on the microwave-safe Grill Rack (provided in select models) or the Air Fry Basket, if provided.
Place a microwave-safe, ovenproof dish below the Grill Rack or Air Fry Basket, but on top of the turntable. This will help to catch any drippings from juicy meats.
Depending on your microwave model, there may be a Grill preset button, where you can either select a specific type of dish you are cooking, like beef steak or bone-in chicken, or you can manually adjust the time and power level to cook your dish.
Press the Start button, wait for your food to cook and enjoy!
MICROWAVE GRILLING TIPS
There are several small things you can do to help your creations come out tasting delectable when using the grill function in the microwave.
- Use the designated accessories or Grill Rack for the microwave. The Air Fry accessory can help place your food closer to the grilling element in your microwave for faster and more thorough grilling. Your microwave model may also come with a Grilling Rack. Check your model-specific user manual on the best way to use these tools with Grill Mode.
Don’t forget the drip pan. Placing a microwave-safe and oven-ready drip pan or plate on top of your turntable will help keep juices from making a mess in your microwave. Some microwave models may come with an ovenproof pan to catch the drippings.
Grab the cooking oil. To encourage a nonstick result, apply a small amount of cooking oil on the Grilling Rack or Air Fry Basket before placing your food on the rack.
Slip on the oven mitts. Your food, in addition to your microwave door and interior, will be hot once it’s done grilling in the microwave. Protect your hands by using oven mitts to handle your dish.
- Use the dishwasher. Your KitchenAid® Grill Rack and Air Fry Basket (each available on select models) can go in the dishwasher, but be sure to steer clear from abrasive scrubbers or cleaners to avoid damage.
