Baking in a non-convection microwave oven can be a bit challenging, and it may not produce results as good as a traditional oven or a convection microwave oven. However, it is possible to bake certain items reasonably well with some adjustments to the cooking process.
Non-convection microwave ovens work by emitting microwaves that heat up the water molecules in food, causing it to cook from the inside out. Baking typically requires even heating from all sides to achieve the desired texture and browning, which is easier to achieve in a traditional oven or a convection microwave.
If you want to attempt baking in a non-convection microwave oven, here are some tips to improve your results:
Use microwave-safe bakeware: Ensure you are using microwave-safe baking dishes, pans, or silicone molds that are suitable for use in microwave ovens.
Low-power setting: Most microwave ovens have adjustable power levels. Use a lower power setting to slow down the cooking process and prevent overcooking or burning.
Time adjustments: Microwave ovens cook faster than traditional ovens, so you'll need to reduce the baking time. Keep a close eye on your food while it's baking to avoid overcooking.
Rotate and stir: To promote more even cooking, rotate the dish or stir the batter regularly during the baking process.
Add moisture: Microwave baking can dry out food quickly. Consider adding a small bowl of water in the microwave while baking to maintain some moisture.
Preheat: Preheating the microwave for a few minutes can help provide a more stable cooking environment.
Despite these tips, certain baked goods may not turn out as well in a non-convection microwave oven compared to traditional baking methods. For more complex baked recipes or items that require precise temperature control and browning, it's best to use a traditional oven or a convection microwave oven if available.
If you enjoy baking frequently, investing in a convection microwave oven or a traditional oven will give you more consistent and better results for a wide range of baked goods.