Dry cooking methods include sauteing, roasting, baking and grilling. In all these methods, heat is transferred through air, or sometimes through fat, as in sauteing. Temperatures for sauteing typically range between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Roasting, baking and grilling rely on much higher temperatures -- between 300 and 400 F. These methods develop a golden crust on most foods.

One of the main advantages of using a method, such as sauteing or grilling, is how quickly food cooks. Small, individual portions of meat, for example, can be cooked in 10 to 15 minutes. Another advantage of dry cooking is the flavor it imparts. When vegetables and meat are roasted or grilled, they develop a delicious caramelized crust, while the inside remains tender and juicy. Muffins, breads, cookies and cakes become light, fluffy and easily digestible through baking, and often develop a golden crust. When grilling or roasting, the fat often drains away from meats, creating a leaner product.

The main disadvantage to dry cooking methods is that because food cooks quickly, it's also quick to burn or dry out. Unlike a method like braising, where you can walk away from the kitchen and leave the food simmering for hours, you must keep a watchful eye on foods when using a dry cooking method. And these methods may partially destroy heat-sensitive nutrients in the food. Another potential problem, particularly in grilling and roasting, is the development of acrylamide, a compound that can cause cancer. This compound is found in the blackened crusts of grilled or roasted meat. Remove or scrape the blackened areas off the meat before you eat it.

When grilling, roasting or sauteing meats, pat the meats dry with a paper towel before you cook them. When meat is moist, it tends to steam instead of sear, so it's harder to get that coveted golden brown crust. Spritz vegetables lightly with vegetable oil before you roast them to keep them moist and line the pan with parchment paper. Use very high heat -- 450 to 475 F when roasting vegetables. When baking breads, cakes and cookies, set the timer for a few minutes before the recipe suggests. If the baked good isn't done, reset the timer for an additional five minutes. By starting early, you'll prevent overbrowning or dryness in baked goods.