Toaster ovens do not always require preheating like regular ovens do. Unlike traditional ovens, toaster ovens are designed to heat up quickly and efficiently due to their smaller size and different heating elements.
Many toaster ovens are equipped with quartz or infrared heating elements that heat up rapidly, allowing you to use them almost immediately after turning them on. This makes toaster ovens more energy-efficient and convenient for quick cooking tasks.
However, some recipes or cooking instructions may still recommend preheating the toaster oven to ensure precise cooking times and even results, especially for baking tasks. If you're following a recipe that specifies preheating, it's a good idea to do so to achieve the best outcome.
In general, if a recipe doesn't mention preheating the toaster oven, you can often skip the preheating step and start using it right away. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on whether the toaster oven was preheated or not.
Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and any specific guidelines provided in recipes for the best results when using your toaster oven.