What is the term for the cooking method that uses convection heat in an oven?

The cooking method that utilizes convection heat in an oven is known as baking. Baking involves surrounding food with hot air, which cooks it evenly and thoroughly. This method relies on the circulation of air within the oven, helping to maintain a consistent temperature and promote uniform cooking.

In contrast, roasting typically refers to cooking larger cuts of meat or vegetables, usually at a higher oven temperature, but it also can involve convection heat. Broiling, on the other hand, uses direct heat from above the food rather than surrounding it, which requires a different cooking dynamic. Steaming involves cooking food with steam from boiling water, which does not utilize the convection heat of an oven at all. Thus, baking is distinctly characterized by the use of convection heat in an oven setting.