No Broiler Pan? 5 Handy Substitutes You Can Use Today

Broiling can take your dish from good to golden and crispy in no time, but what happens when a broiler pan isn’t part of your arsenal? It’s a situation plenty of us have faced mid-recipe, looking for a quick solution that doesn’t involve ditching dinner plans.

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.

Save for Later!

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. 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.

The flavors are robust, 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.

The non-stick surface means less oil, making it easier to cook lighter meals. We’ve used them for fish and veggies, and the results were fantastic.

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. 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.

4 – Baking Sheet

Baking sheets are a trusty broiler stand-in. They’re flat, so heat spreads evenly across whatever we’re cooking. Plus, they’re easy to find and use.

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. They circulate hot air evenly, delivering a crispy finish.

We’ve thrown chicken wings in the basket. They came out with a perfect golden crust. 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.

Overall, it’s a handy substitute with great results.