Can You Microwave Parchment Paper? Yes and here’s how!

Parchment paper is the kitchen “must-have” for any professional chef or amateur cook. It’s versatility extends to ovens, toaster ovens, skillets, and even microwaves. You can roast vegetables, steam fish, and even crisp foods up.

What’s the appeal? Parchment paper is non-stick, easy clean up, and grease resilient! It’s hard to say no to that.

But, can you microwave parchment paper? You sure can! It’s actually one of the best alternatives out there for cooking and reheating foods alike. And parchment paper can keep foods crispy or tender, instead of turning into a soggy mess.

Read on to learn more about microwaving food using parchment paper!

What is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is a special type of paper that is coated with silicone, able to withstand high temperatures. It’s used primarily in baking and cooking but can also be used for other purposes such as wrapping food or lining trays.

Benefits of Microwaving Parchment Paper

There are several benefits to cooking and reheating food using parchment paper in the microwave! Here are a few of them.

• The primary benefit of parchment paper is its nonstick surface, which reduces the chances of food sticking to the surface of your microwave-safe dish or container. This makes cleanup much easier and eliminates the need for scrubbing or soaking dishes afterwards. Parchment paper also minimizes splatters, making your microwave cleaner and free from messes.
• It also helps to create an even heat distribution, which is important when cooking or reheating food in the microwave! Parchment paper is an excellent conductor of heat and allows air particles to fully circulate around the food, promoting even heating.
• Parchment paper is grease-resilient. This makes parchment paper perfect for microwaving those fatty and greasy foods, like bacon!

Is it Safe to Microwave Parchment Paper?

When cooking with parchment paper, it is important to be mindful of safety concerns. Parchment paper is designed to be heat resistant and typically used in oven temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, it is not intended for direct contact with a heat source such as the broiler or open flame. You should also keep it away from the microwave heating element and never microwave parchment paper by itself! Should you opt to use parchment paper in either of these scenarios, be sure to read the instructions of your particular parchment paper before attempting this method.

In addition, parchment paper can easily ignite if exposed to temperatures above 450 degrees Fahrenheit or left in an oven preheated for too long, so it’s always best to keep a close eye on your food when cooking with parchment paper and remove the dish promptly once the timer has gone off.

How Do You Use Parchment Paper When Microwaving Food?

Cooking with parchment paper can make microwaving food items easier and tastier. To get started, you need to choose a piece of parchment that’s at least one inch wider and longer than the dish containing the food. Then, simply lay it on top of the dish, covering all of the food. When it’s time to cook, set your microwave and press “go”!

The parchment paper helps keep moisture in while cooking, so you don’t have to worry about dry or burnt pieces. You can also add seasonings right on the parchment paper or pre-mix some ingredients to line your plate so you can flavor your meal even further! Enjoy!

Different Ways to Use Parchment Paper in the Microwave

Here are some different way to effectively use parchment paper in the microwave for the best tasting food!

What to do With Used Parchment Paper

Cooking with parchment paper in the microwave is a great way to ensure food doesn’t get stuck and clean-up is easy! The question remains, what do you do with the used parchment paper? It is safe to compost the parchment paper but be sure to break it into small pieces to help it decompose. To speed up the process, shredding it can also be helpful.

Before composting, make sure the parchment paper was not exposed to any toxins like oil or butter as these will harm your compost pile.

As long as you take care in how you use your parchment paper and properly break it down for composting, you should have no trouble keeping your cooking area clean and free of waste!

Safety Tips for Using Parchment Paper in the Microwave

Here are a few further safety tips to keep in mind when microwaving parchment paper.

• Do NOT use previously used parchment paper with grease stains. Or if it has been soiled with oils. These fatty substances can cause the parchment paper to heat up quicker and it becomes more susceptible to catching fire.
• Keep parchment paper away from heating element in the microwave. Even though it is highly heat resistant, it can catch fire if placed next to a fire or directly on the heating element itself.

FAQs for Can You Microwave Parchment Paper?

Here are some quick answers to some further questions you may have about microwaving parchment paper!

Does Parchment Paper Melt in the Microwave?

It is highly unlikely that parchment paper will melt in the microwave. Parchment paper, even though coated with silicone, is made to withstand high temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Microwaves will only reach a maximum temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of water.

When using parchment paper in the microwave, it’s also important to heat in shorter intervals, no more than 5 minutes at a time. This way you can check the temperature of the food.

Can You Reheat Food in Parchment Paper?

Yes, you can absolutely reheat food using parchment paper in the microwave!

• First, find a microwave safe-dish, such as Pyrex.
• Lay a piece of parchment paper in the dish. Place the food on top of the parchment paper and use any excess to cover the food completely.
• Microwave in 2-minute intervals, depending on quantity of food.
• For best results, poke a few holes at the top for air to circulate.

Clean up is easy when reheating food in parchment paper. Simply take the parchment paper out of the microwave-safe dish and place on a plate. Throw the paper away or compost it, and wipe the dish out.

Is Reynolds Parchment Paper Microwave-safe?

Reynolds offer 4 different kinds of parchment paper to choose from and they are all microwave safe!

Final Thoughts

Parchment paper can not only be microwaved, it makes an excellent alternative to aluminum foil or wax paper. It is heat resistant and makes for easy clean up.

Parchment paper is quickly becoming the main staple in modern day kitchens around the world.

Why not grab some today and start using it in the microwave to reheat some food?