If you want to spend time in the kitchen with your toddler, you need to view this time like a craft activity - do not be in a hurry and do not expect that you will want to eat anything you cook! Spending time with your toddler preparing food requires time and patience, but it is worth investing both to have a lovely learning and sharing experience together that will build confidence in the kitchen.
At this age, your child will enjoy watching, so make sure he is in a position that is safe and comfortable and that he is not too far away from the action. He or she can help with small tasks such as measuring ingredients into a bowl, stirring batter, greasing pans, mixing salad dressing and handing over utensils.
Together you can enjoy making simple recipes such as fruit salad, pizza and cupcakes. Do not be surprised to see that at this age, it is all about instant gratification. Therefore, do not choose to make a recipe that requires hours of marinating/baking/cooling/setting before you can eat it!
Most tasks will be too difficult for your toddler to accomplish properly, so focus on the time you spend together rather than the total output. Be generous with your praise and encourage him to ‘help’ you tidy up after your cooking time together.