What is considered a dry cooking method?

Baking is considered a dry cooking method because it uses dry heat to cook food. In this process, food is placed in an oven where hot air circulates around it, cooking it evenly without relying on moisture. This method is ideal for achieving a crispy, browned exterior, as seen in baked goods like bread and pastries.

In contrast, the other methods listed involve moisture: steaming uses water vapor, boiling involves cooking food in water, and poaching requires submerging food in a simmering liquid. These methods are classified as moist cooking techniques because they rely on the presence of liquid to transfer heat to the food, impacting the texture and flavor differently than dry cooking methods do.