Guides · Technique & kitchen
Cooking method substitutes
How to swap one cooking method for another when the equipment a recipe assumes is not there, with the temperature and time adjustments each swap needs.
Instead of an oven
4 swaps| Use | How |
|---|---|
| Toaster oven | Suits small batches; reduce temperature by 25°F |
| Air fryer | Reduce temperature by 25–50°F and cook time by 20% |
| Stovetop | Use a covered pan on low heat for slow cooking |
| Microwave | Use microwave-safe dishes and stir frequently |
Instead of a stovetop
4 swaps| Use | How |
|---|---|
| Electric skillet | Holds a consistent temperature |
| Slow cooker | Low heat for 6–8 hours, high for 3–4 hours |
| Pressure cooker | Cuts cooking time by about 70% |
| Grill | Use a cast iron pan for indoor grilling |
Baking without an oven
4 ways- Use a Dutch oven on the stovetop for bread.
- Steam cakes in a covered pot with a trivet.
- Use a cast iron skillet for skillet cookies.
- Try no-bake recipes for desserts.
Grilling without a grill
4 ways- Use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Broil in the oven for a similar charred effect.
- Use a cast iron skillet for searing.
- Pan-sear over high heat.
Frying without a deep fryer
4 ways- Use a deep pot with a thermometer.
- Shallow-fry in a skillet.
- Use an air fryer for a lower-fat option.
- Pan-fry with a little oil.
Temperature conversions
| From | To | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Toaster oven | Reduce by 25°F |
| Oven | Air fryer | Reduce by 25–50°F |
| Stovetop | Slow cooker | Low ≈ 200°F, high ≈ 300°F |
Tips
4 tips- Preheat the stand-in the way you would the original: a cold air fryer or skillet gives a different result.
- Use a thermometer rather than the recipe clock: the time was written for the other method.
- Check doneness early: an air fryer runs about 20% faster, a slow cooker on low takes 6–8 hours.
- A wide, shallow vessel cooks faster than a deep one at the same temperature.
Also on file
One ingredient at a time
Every ingredient has its own card: the swap, the amount, and every option stamped.