We’ve all been there, staring at a recipe asking for a broiler pan and feeling stumped.
Not everyone has one lying around in their kitchen arsenal. Good news for all of us: there are super simple alternatives at our fingertips.
From baking sheets to roasting pans, there’s more than one way to get that perfect sear on your meal.
We’re sharing our top six broiler pan substitutes that’ll keep your cooking on point. Let’s get creative and make sure we never hit a snag again in our culinary adventures.
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.
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.