Air-Fryer Crispy Shallots: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Crispy shallots are a versatile topping that can be added to a variety of dishes, such as salads, curries, and flatbreads, or even enjoyed as a crunchy snack on their own. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried shallots and can be easily made in an air fryer with just a few simple ingredients.

Choosing the right shallots

When selecting shallots, it is important to consider the dish you are preparing and your desired level of sweetness and pungency. Shallots generally have a sweet and savory flavor profile, with a hint of garlic. Their delicate texture and ability to caramelize make them ideal for frying.

If you are slicing the shallots by hand, aim for a thickness of about 2 mm or 1/16 inch. However, if you want to ensure uniform slices, a mandoline slicer is recommended. Uniform slices will help the shallots cook evenly and prevent burning.

Before frying, properly prepare the shallots by peeling the outer skin and removing any roots or green shoots. You can then slice the shallots into rounds, half-moons, or fine slivers, depending on your desired texture and recipe.

Preparing the shallots

Firstly, select fresh shallots that are firm to the touch and free from any blemishes or spots. This ensures that your shallots are of good quality and will yield the best results.

Next, peel the outer papery skin of the shallots. You can cut off the ends of the shallots first to make the peeling process easier. After peeling, rinse the shallots in water and then pat them dry using a paper towel. This step ensures that any dirt or residue is removed from the shallots before slicing.

Now, it's time to slice the shallots. Using a mandolin slicer is highly recommended, as it will help you achieve thin, uniform slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8th of an inch or 1/16th of an inch. Uniform slices will ensure that the shallots cook evenly in the air fryer. If you don't have a mandolin, you can carefully use a sharp kitchen knife to slice the shallots as thinly and evenly as possible.

Once sliced, separate the shallot slices into individual rings, discarding the small circular centres. This step is important as it helps the shallots cook evenly and ensures that you get those crispy, golden rings.

After slicing, it's time to toss the shallots with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any cooking oil of your choice. Lightly drizzle or spray the oil over the shallot rings, and then use your hands to mix and coat the shallots evenly. You only need a very light coating of oil, so be careful not to use too much, as it can make the shallots greasy and soggy.

Finally, arrange the oiled shallot rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can impede airflow and affect the cooking process. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shallots in batches.

Now your shallots are prepared and ready for the air fryer! Follow the remaining steps in the recipe to cook and season your crispy shallots.

Oil type and quantity

When it comes to the oil type and quantity, the general consensus is that less is more. Using too much oil can result in greasy and soggy shallots. The type of oil is less important, with sources suggesting avocado oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, and even cooking oil spray.

One source recommends brushing the basket of the air fryer with oil and tossing the shallots with a drizzle of oil. Another source recommends a very light spray of oil, suggesting that you spray the bowl of the slices and then mix them by hand.

If you are tossing the shallots with oil, it is important to use just enough to coat the shallots. One source suggests using about 1/4 teaspoon of oil per shallot, while another recommends coating the shallots with a thin, scraggly layer of flour after tossing with oil.

If you are brushing the air fryer basket with oil, one source recommends using batches to lay the shallots in a single layer as evenly as possible.

Air fryer temperature

Most recipes recommend setting the air fryer temperature to 250°F (121°C). This relatively low temperature allows the shallots to dehydrate and crisp up without burning. At this temperature, the shallots will take around 20-30 minutes to cook, depending on the desired level of crispness. It is important to shake or stir the shallots every 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

However, one recipe suggests a two-step process for making crispy shallots in the air fryer. The first step involves frying the shallots at 350°F (180°C) for 5-minute increments until they are golden brown. The second step is to finish them off at a lower temperature of 60°C for 60-90 minutes to dehydrate them and make them crispy.

It is worth noting that air fryer temperatures can vary slightly between models, so adjustments may be necessary. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the shallots during cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

Storing the crispy shallots

Storing crispy shallots is simple and will ensure they last for future use.

Firstly, it's important to let the shallots cool down after cooking. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. You can store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, and they should remain fresh for up to a few months.

If you notice any purple colour remaining on the shallots, it's best to eat these on the same day as this indicates they didn't crisp up fully, and there is still fluid left in them which could cause them to spoil.

If your crispy shallots have lost their crunch, you can revive them by microwaving them for a few minutes.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the shallots for up to 12 months. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Frequently asked questions