If you were looking for a good and durable non-stick baking sheet option for your toaster oven, look no further! Parchment paper is the power tool of every baker. You just need to know how to use it properly so you can avoid any possible mistakes.
Can You Use Parchment Paper in a Toaster Oven?
Yes, you can use parchment paper in a toaster oven, but do so consciously. Parchment paper can withstand temperatures of up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit after which it can catch fire. Pay extra attention to the oven temperature and make sure that the parchment paper is not even near the heating elements.
If your recipe requires you to cook at temperatures greater than 420 degrees Fahrenheit you should consider other options such as aluminum foil or Silpat.
IMPORTANT: Do not use parchment paper if you have a halogen toaster oven. This type of oven uses halogen lamps which causes them to heat up fast. This is a potential fire hazard, thus we recommend avoiding parchment paper in this case.
How to Use Parchment Paper in a Toaster Oven
Parchment paper is the go-to baking sheet for many toaster oven users around the world. It is preferred If you don’t want to grease the pan or If you just want a sheet that is non-stick.
It is important that the parchment paper isn’t in contact with any of the heating elements in your toaster oven.
Cut the parchment paper to the size of your toaster oven tray, or even a bit smaller. Do this so it doesn’t exceed the tray and touch the walls of the oven interior. This way you keep the paper from catching fire.
Though parchment papers are very durable due to their silicone coating, they are not entirely safe for use. They can catch fire if you use them at temperatures of over 420-460 degrees Fahrenheit. Their exact temperature durability is highlighted on the label.
Safety Reminder:
- Take into account the temperature limits highlighted on the label
- Make sure the parchment paper isn’t touching any part of the heating elements
- Make sure the parchment paper isn’t touching the walls of the toaster oven interior
- Do not use parchment paper in a halogen toaster oven
Can You Reuse Parchment Paper?
Contrary to the popular opinion, you can reuse parchment paper and thus reduce your waste and cost per bake. This applies when the food you are making isn’t too messy. In such cases you can use it for at least another round of cooking/baking. However, avoid reusing parchment paper if it gets greasy, sticky or messy.
Alternatives to Using Parchment Paper in a Toaster Oven
Parchment paper is a great non-stick baking sheet option for use up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can be replaced by other types of baking sheets as well.
Silpat
Silpat or silicone baking mat is a long-lasting baking mat made of silicone and can withstand temperatures of up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Silpats come in toaster-oven sizes, thereby they’re safe for use in a toaster oven. They’re non-stick as well as reusable, therefore easy to clean.
Aluminum Foil
Another alternative to using parchment paper is aluminum foil. Aluminum foil doesn’t have the non-stick feature, so you will need to drizzle some oil in order for your food not to stick to the foil. Similarly to parchment paper, it is partially reusable.
Although aluminum foil is heat-resistant, you need to be careful when using it. If you decide on using aluminum foil I recommend you checking out my guide on safely using aluminum foil in a toaster oven.
Greased Pan
This technique is the forerunner to using baking sheets. Instead of placing the baking sheet onto the pan or tray, you grease up the surface with any kind of grease to avoid the food sticking to the bottom.
Cooking Spray
Cooking spray is basically oil in a form of spray. It greases up the surface just enough for the food not to stick. Another useful feature of the cooking spray is that your hands don’t get greasy when using it.
Non-Stick Sheet Pan
Non-stick sheet pans are made of materials that can withstand temperatures between 400 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The quality of these pans vary. Some lower-quality pans might need an additional coat of grease or a baking sheet in order for the food not to stick. Non-stick sheet pans are not very long-lasting as the non-stick layer tends to fade every couple of years.
IMPORTANT: Do not substitute wax paper for parchment paper. Despite the fact that they’re both non-stick sheets, look almost identical and are similar to the touch, wax paper shouldn’t be used in a toaster oven. The paraffin on the wax paper makes the paper melt when it comes in contact with heat, and basically cannot withstand any heat other than room temperature.
Bake Away!
To every baking sheet option there are advantages and disadvantages. Parchment paper is no different. Although it is non-stick, it is only heat-resistant to a certain limit. If you are newly into baking, it’s best if you do your research beforehand to find out what option suits you best. And when you find it – Bake Away!
