but what happens when a broiler pan isn't part of your arsenal (a slotted oven pan designed to let fat drip away while exposing food to intense top heat)?
The upside? You don't actually need a broiler pan to get amazing results. There's a good chance you already own a few substitutes that can pinch-hit perfectly.
From practical swaps like cooling racks to creative uses for baking dishes, these ideas can save the day. Stick with us, and we'll show you how to keep broiling without missing a beat.
5 Options to Broil Food without Broiler Pan
As the famous saying goes, "Necessity is the mother of invention." And when it comes to cooking, this rings true as well. Sometimes we have to get creative with our kitchen tools and find substitutes for items we don't have on hand.
Here are five options you can use in place of a broiler pan:
1 - Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are a solid choice (heavy, carbon-iron cookware that retains and evenly distributes heat). They hold heat well and give your food a great sear.
They're heavy and durable, making them a long-lasting tool.
We love using our cast iron for broiling. The high heat creates a perfect crust.
I once used it to make a steak and it came out beautifully - similar to an air fryer flat iron steak for weeknights.
The flavors are strong, thanks to the seasoned surface. The skillet can go from stove to oven with ease.
It's versatile and reliable.
Just make sure to preheat it properly. A well-heated skillet ensures even cooking and a fantastic final product.
2 - Non-Stick Frying Pan
Non-stick frying pans are handy for quick broiling. They distribute heat evenly, which is great for consistent cooking (thanks to aluminum or hard-anodized bases that transfer heat quickly).
The non-stick surface means less oil, making it easier to cook lighter meals; see loaf pan substitutes for versatile baking.
Cleanup is a breeze. After cooking, just wipe it down.
Broiling chicken in a non-stick pan?
Left it crispy and juicy.
Watch the temperature, though. Non-stick coatings can be sensitive to high heat.
Perfect for fast and easy broiling.
3 - Stainless Steel Wok
Stainless steel woks handle high heat and cook evenly (often 18/8 or 18/10 stainless that tolerates high temperatures). Great for quickly searing meat.
They don't hold flavors as cast iron does, so you taste your food, not the pan.
We tossed veggies in our wok for a stir-fry. They came out crunchy and caramelized.
Cleanup was quick with warm water and soap.
Important to us, it handles acidic ingredients without any reaction. Tomato-based dishes work perfectly.
Another plus, a wok's size. It fits more food and cooks it all well.
Perfect for anyone needing a broiler substitute and ideas for one-pot breakfasts like steel cut oats with blueberries for creamy breakfasts.
4 - Baking Sheet
Baking sheets are a trusty broiler stand-in (rimless or rimmed aluminized steel pans that spread heat evenly). They're flat, so heat spreads evenly across whatever we're cooking.
Plus, they're easy to find and use; see baking powder substitutes to rev up recipes.
Slap some foil on there and clean-up becomes a breeze. We've broiled salmon on a baking sheet, and it came out flaky with a crispy skin.
Pro tip: add a wire rack. This lifts the food, letting the heat circulate around it.
Our steak on a wire rack? Perfection.
Just keep an eye on the food. Baking sheets can warp under high heat.
5 - Air Fryer Basket
Air fryer baskets are fantastic for broiling (their perforated metal design allows rapid, even air circulation similar to broilers). They circulate hot air evenly, delivering a crispy finish.
We've thrown chicken wings in the basket; see basket cheese substitutes for extra flavor.
Cleanup is easy, which we appreciate.
Great for small batches. We broiled some veggie sticks and loved the crunch.
The basket's size makes it convenient for quick meals.
Keep an eye on cooking times. The rapid air circulation means food cooks quickly.
We recommend checking on your food often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a cast iron skillet retains heat well and can mimic the effect of a broiler pan when placed under high heat.
Yes, but ensure that your non-stick pan can withstand the high temperatures of broiling to avoid damaging the coating.
A stainless steel wok can hold heat evenly, making it a good option for broiling food, especially if you're cooking smaller items.
Yes, a baking sheet works well, but make sure to line it with foil to catch drips and ensure even cooking.
Air fryer baskets allow for good heat circulation, providing a similar effect to broiling, especially for small portions.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
