Frozen Food Guides

Cooking Frozen Foods in a Toaster Oven

The toaster oven is the best-kept secret for frozen foods — crispier than a microwave, faster than a full oven. Here's the simple method, plus a starting-point chart.

The Method

• Preheat so food starts crisping right away.
• Arrange in a single layer (parchment helps) — crowding makes things soggy.
• Turn convection on if you have it for extra crunch, and drop the temp ~25°F.
• Flip halfway for even browning.
• Pull them when golden and crisp — go by look, not just the box.

Starting-Point Chart

Times are starting points — every toaster oven runs a little different, so check early the first time. For chicken and other meats, heat until steaming hot all the way through (165°F).