Air-Fried Shallots: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Fried shallots are a popular condiment in Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, where they are known as bawang goreng. They are used as toppings for noodles, curry, rice, and salads. They are also used in stir-fries and stews. You can make fried shallots in an air fryer by slicing the shallots thinly, tossing them in oil, and cooking them at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-minute intervals until they are golden brown. This should take around 30 minutes. You can also add flour to the shallots before cooking to make them crispier.

Slicing the shallots

Firstly, select the right type of shallots. For air-frying, it is recommended to use banana shallots, which are long and thin, resulting in onion rings that are the perfect size for garnishing. If you can't find banana shallots, you can use baby onions or halved white onions as alternatives.

Now, let's get into the slicing technique. The key is to achieve uniform slices with a consistent thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning. You can use a mandolin slicer or a sharp kitchen knife. If using a mandolin, adjust the settings to slice the shallots to a thickness of about 1/16 inch (approximately 1.5 mm). If using a knife, aim for slices of similar thickness by cutting them carefully and uniformly.

Here's a tip: slice the shallots in half first before peeling. This makes the peeling process much easier. After slicing, separate the shallot slices into individual rings, discarding the small circular centres.

Once you have your evenly sliced shallots, it's time to toss them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any vegetable oil of your choice. Just a light drizzle or spray is enough to coat the shallots. Make sure to mix them well by hand to ensure each slice is coated.

By slicing the shallots correctly and evenly coating them with oil, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy fried shallots in your air fryer!

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil you use is important. You want to use just enough to coat the shallots, but not so much that they become greasy and soggy. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. Spray oils are good, but if you don't have one, you can drizzle or brush the oil onto the shallots and toss to coat.

When it comes to seasoning, salt is the most common choice. You can sprinkle the shallots with a pinch of salt after they've finished cooking and have cooled down. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the shallots. You can also experiment with other seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika to add extra flavour to your fried shallots.

Air fryer settings

The optimal temperature to air fry shallots is between 120°C and 250°F (121.1°C). Frying at a higher temperature will burn the shallots, resulting in a dark brown colour and chewy texture.

Air fry the shallots for 10 minutes at a time, checking and stirring them after each interval. Repeat this process until the shallots are golden brown and crispy. This should take around 30 minutes, but the exact time will depend on your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature as necessary.

If your air fryer has a top tray, use this, as it will help to ensure even cooking.

Cooking time

The cooking time for fried shallots in an air fryer varies depending on the quantity of shallots, the thickness of the slices, and the desired level of crispiness. On average, the cooking time ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, but it can be adjusted based on the specific air fryer model and personal preferences.

When using an air fryer, it is essential to cut the shallots into thin, uniform slices. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning. The recommended thickness ranges from 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) to 1/8 inch. After slicing, the shallots should be tossed with a small amount of oil, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. This step adds flavour and helps to achieve the desired crispiness.

Once the shallots are prepared, preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest a temperature between 120°C and 250°F (approximately 120°C). The shallots are then placed in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Overfilling the basket can impede airflow and affect the cooking process.

The cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of crispness. It is generally recommended to start with a cooking time of 10 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. After the initial 10 minutes, the shallots can be cooked in additional 5-minute increments until they reach the desired level of doneness. It is important to keep an eye on the shallots during this process, as they can go from golden brown to burnt quite quickly.

Once the shallots are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. The fried shallots can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the recipe. When stored properly, they can last from one week to several weeks.

Storing

To keep them crispy, roll them in paper towels and store them in an airtight container. If you want to use them as seasoning, you can store them in lard, which keeps well and is a staple for Taiwanese cooking. They can also be frozen to extend their shelf life.

If you want to keep them for a long time, store them in the fridge to prevent the oil from going rancid. They will keep for months, but this is unlikely as they tend to be eaten quickly!

Frequently asked questions