By microwaving it for a few seconds, the internal moisture is redistributed, resulting in a slice that toasts more evenly and retains a softer interior. This process prevents the bread from becoming too dry and crumbly, which can happen if it goes straight into the toaster.
A microwave will heat bread, but won't be able to crisp/brown it. Because of the different means of transmitting heat it won't heat the bread much past the boiling point of water, which isn't hot enough to start the chemical reactions responsible for browning.
Once your bread has been microwaved, the steam evaporates and the sugars harden, producing a loaf that is dry and tough. On the other hand, toasters are powered by infrared radiation, which is less selective than microwave radiation, and doesn't specifically target certain components in your food.
Microwaves and toaster ovens can effectively cook or reheat a number of the same dishes, but they're each best suited for certain types of food. Toaster ovens can brown, crisp and toast foods in ways that a conventional microwave can't.
Both are safe; toaster ovens now have automatic shutoffs and microwaves are no longer seen as scary sources of radiation. Microwaves remain fairly cool to the touch inside after cooking, while toaster ovens are hot, so require more care. Both contain hot foods that could burn you if you don't handle carefully.
Instead of a toasted surface and tender middle, microwaved bread starts browning on the interior first, and it happens fast, so you wind up with scorched spots on the inside, while the outside of the slice is still white and raw.
Use Your Oven
The easiest way here is to turn on the broiler and set your bread on the rack beneath it, keep the door cracked, and wait. This will toast fast. I started bread on fire once with this method, so don't go take a nap while you broil bread (and have a fire extinguisher handy).
Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat. Put the sandwich in the pan and fry for 3 minutes on one side, pressing down lightly with a spatula every so often, or until the bread is golden brown.
Preheat oven to 375°F and split English muffins with hands or a fork on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
When one of those sugar molecules reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it melts, which softens it. This is why bread can actually feel soft and fluffy when it first comes out of the microwave. But then when it cools, that molecule recrystallizes and hardens, causing the bread to become chewy and hard.
Place the microwave-safe loaf pan inside your microwave and close the door, then microwave the bread on high for about four minutes.
While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.
Frying an egg in an air fryer is much easier than you might imagine with this simple air fryer fried egg recipe. Simply crack your eggs into a small skillet, or metal heatproof dish, season and air fry! Try it served with smashed avocado, buttery toast and chopped chives. Looking for more Air Fryer recipes?
Air fryers can do many of the things toaster ovens can do, plus (you guessed it) air fry. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, can do many things an air fryer can, plus broil. They're also slightly better at toasting, but the winner here depends on which cooking methods you want most.
Bread isn't dangerous to microwave, but it doesn't taste great! Microwaving heats bread from the inside out, so you miss out on the nice crunchy exterior you get from toasting. Plus, microwaving bread re-gelatinizes the starch in the dough, giving it an unpleasant soft and chewy texture.
Toshiba Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
This Toshiba countertop model includes microwave, convection, broiler, defroster, toaster, yogurt maker, and air fryer. This space-saving appliance is versatile and can do the job of many others.
“The microwave works by rapidly vibrating water molecules, causing quick evaporation,” says Steph Chen, CEO and founder of microwave cookware brand Anyday. “Without a lid to trap that moisture, your food turns dry and rubbery. A lid is more than just a cover—it's the key to a tastier, juicier meal.”
As the best microwave overall, we chose the Panasonic Microwave Oven; it combines a 1,200-watt motor with a compact exterior. If you're looking to save money and space, the Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave is the best budget microwave: simple but effective, much like microwave cooking itself.
Which is better: an air fryer or a microwave? An air fryer is ideal for cooking healthier, crispy dishes, while a microwave is best for quick reheating and defrosting. Choose the appliance that aligns with your specific cooking needs and preferences.
While the toast setting takes longer than most toasters (over seven minutes for dark toast), we found the light, medium and dark toast settings to yield evenly and accurately toasted slices of bread (as shown below). The air fry setting also yielded golden, crispy and very moist and juicy chicken wings.