Halogen ovens use a particular heating element in the lid of the instrument which reaches high temperatures faster than a traditional oven. They are also equipped with a fan that allows air circulation and uniform cooking. Although halogen ovens are different from normal ones in many respects, they are still quite simple to use for preparing classic dishes.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Basic Operations
Step 1. Choose a pan that fits into the halogen oven
Before starting the recipe, you must be sure that the pan or the pan in which you will transfer the food fits into the appliance.
- Any plate or tray suitable for use in the oven will do well, even those made of metal, silicone and Pyrex.
- The halogen oven is smaller than the conventional one, so you need smaller cookware. Make sure the pans are smaller than the oven so you can take them out without difficulty.
Step 2. Follow the recipe you wish to prepare
Regardless of whether you are using a specific halogen oven recipe or a standard one, the instructions should be followed to the letter.
- A recipe for a halogen oven should be respected from start to finish.
- A generic recipe must be followed to perfection as regards the preparation, but changes must be made to the cooking times and temperatures.
Step 3. Be careful when using aluminum foil
If you decide to use it to cover the pan, make sure it fits snugly against the edges of the pan.
- Aluminum prevents food from browning too quickly.
- The fan inside the oven is very strong and could move the aluminum foil without difficulty if it has not been well wrapped. If the sheet lifts, it begins to float inside the oven causing damage to the heating element.
Step 4. Consider preheating the oven
Set a correct temperature for your recipe 3-5 minutes in advance.
- Many recipes don't mention preheating, as the halogen oven really takes a few minutes to get up to temperature. However, this step gives you better results.
- Some models have a preheat button. If you operate it, you will bring the oven to 260 ° C for 6 minutes. Others need to be set manually.
Step 5. Place the pan in the halogen oven
Be careful and place the pan on the lowest shelf of the appliance. At this point, once the food is safe, you can close the lid.
- Halogen ovens usually have an upper and lower shelf. Use the latter for cooking, roasting, defrosting, steaming, and for reheating food (and for most uses). Place the pan on the top shelf for grilling, toasting or browning food.
- Leave at least 1 cm of space between the pan and the internal walls, the "ceiling" and the "floor" of the oven. In this way the air will circulate freely and cooking will be uniform.
Step 6. Set the timer
Turn it clockwise until desired cooking time. Push the handle down after this. The red power light will illuminate.
- Most halogen oven timers are programmed for a maximum time of 60 minutes.
- Remember that the oven switches off at the end of the time set by the timer. In this way it is very difficult to overcook food or even burn it compared to traditional ovens that continue to operate despite the timer.
Step 7. Set the temperature
Turn the knob clockwise until the required temperature is reached. If the timer is already set, the green light lights up and the oven switches on automatically.
- Make sure the lid is in place before turning on the appliance.
- Usually the halogen oven does not work until the safety handle is lowered.
- When you remove the lid halfway through cooking, the cooking process stops, as do the heating element and the fan. To restart the oven, put the lid back in place and lower the safety handle again.
Step 8. Once the dish is cooked, carefully remove the pan
Most of the models are equipped with specific pliers to remove the trays. If that's not the case for you or the supplied ones don't give you a good grip, get kitchen tongs with long handles.
- Just like in a regular oven, the pan is hot when you take it. Wear oven mitts to protect your hands and wrists.
- Place the hot pan on a cloth, on a cooling rack or on a trivet after removing it from the halogen oven.
Part 2 of 2: Cooking Times and Temperatures
Step 1. Follow the specific recipes for halogen ovens to the letter
If the recipe you are using is designed for this type of appliance, rely entirely on its instructions.
If it's a standard recipe, you'll need to change the cooking times and temperatures. However, follow all other instructions regarding food preparation or respect the advice that is offered regarding alternative preparations
Step 2. Observe recommended cooking times and temperatures
Each recipe is different, but below you will find some useful guidelines that you can consider when cooking with a halogen oven.
- Brownies: 18-20 minutes at 150 ° C.
- Hamburger bread: 10-12 minutes at 200 ° C.
- Layered cakes: 18-20 minutes at 150 ° C.
- Plumcake: 30-35 minutes at 150 ° C.
- Corn bread: 18-20 minutes at 180 ° C.
- Biscuits: 8-20 minutes at 160 ° C.
- Rolled biscuits: 10-12 minutes at 160 ° C.
- Muffins: 12-15 minutes at 180 ° C.
- Pastries and shortcrust pastry: 8-10 minutes at 200 ° C.
- Stuffed cakes: 25-30 minutes at 160 ° C.
- Stuffed cakes with double layer of shortcrust pastry: 35-40 minutes at 180 ° C.
- Bread rolls: 12-15 minutes at 180 ° C.
- Loaves: 25-30 minutes at 160 ° C.
Step 3. Adjust the cooking temperature when following a regular recipe
To adapt it to cooking in the halogen oven you have to reduce the temperature. If you use the original instructions, the outside of the preparation will burn while the inside will be partially raw.
- For cakes, lower the temperature by 10 ° C.
- For all other recipes, a lower temperature is usually required with uncovered dishes (70-100 ° C).
- Check the food being cooked through the glass container. Some cook faster than expected.
Advice
The halogen oven light turns off when the programmed temperature is reached. It will continue to turn on and off during cooking to keep the temperature constant
Warnings
- Do not use the halogen oven outdoors.
- Do not use the oven if the cable, plug or any other element is damaged.
- Do not immerse the cord, plug or cover in water or any other liquid. You could be electrocuted.
- Watch for children who get too close to the oven. This is an appliance that reaches very high temperatures and you should not allow children to play around while it is in operation.
- Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners to clean the oven.
