In the microwave, frozen food can be defrosted quickly and gently.

 

As a general rule, defrost at a low setting to preserve the nutrients in the food. Some microwave ovens have a special defrosting stage with automatic defrosting, which automatically calculates the defrosting time for the food in question. For appliances without an automatic defrosting function, here are a few tips on defrosting time.

If you want to defrost and cook the meal at the same time, you can set the microwave to the maximum setting.

When freezing, it is already worth thinking about defrosting by freezing the food in portions. It is also best to freeze food directly in microwaveable containers. The size of the container should correspond to the portion.
Flat packets of about 250g thaw the easiest.

If possible, only remove as much frozen food from the freezer as is likely to be eaten.

It is easier to remove frozen food from the package if it is defrosted for 30 to 60 seconds at maximum setting. Metal clips must be removed beforehand. Heat microwaveable freezer containers without lids.

Distribute all the food as evenly as possible in the microwave. Place thicker parts on the outside.

Liquid is produced during defrosting. To prevent the food from drowning in liquid, you can place it on an inverted saucer or defrosting rack.

Small quantities thaw faster than larger ones. Compact, thick food pieces may need to be turned several times. It is best to cut up larger pieces halfway through the defrosting time. Stir soups and other liquids once in between.

After the defrosting time, the food is left to defrost for a few minutes, i.e. it is not defrosted to the core. Usually the defrosting time is about 10 minutes. This prevents the outer parts of the pieces from becoming too hot and losing too many nutrients.

Average defrosting time in the microwave oven

The defrosting time depends on the appliance and the quantity of frozen food. The following defrosting times plus a defrosting time of 10 minutes apply as a basic rule:

Meat and sausages between 250g and 1000g on low for 5 to 25 minutes.
Poultry between 500g and 1500g on low for 12 to 30 minutes.
Fish between 250g and 500g on low for 4 to 10 minutes.
Fruit between 250g and 500g on low for 4 to 12 minutes.
Bread and baked goods between 500g and 1000g 5 to 15 minutes.

4 Buns need about one minute on low heat, cake pieces 30 to 60 seconds.
Dairy products from 250g on low for 4 to 8 minutes.