Microwaves are usually associated with reheated leftovers, often canceling out any crisp textures you may have had in the original dish.
YouTube
Your Microwave Could Be the Easiest Frying Tool You Own
Get the crispiest restaurant-quality garnishes right in your kitchen.
By Published Jan. 18, 2023
But the microwave doesn’t have to be the bane of texture’s existence. In fact, it’s the perfect tool to create some crunch. How? By frying things in it.
Sign up for the Notes from the Test Kitchen newsletter
Our favorite tips and recipes, enjoyed by 2 million+ subscribers!
America's Test Kitchen will not sell, rent, or disclose your email address to third parties unless otherwise notified. Your email address is required to identify you for free access to content on the site. You will also receive free newsletters and notification of America's Test Kitchen specials.
In the newest episode of our YouTube series Today’s Special, Ashley Moore shows you how to turn your microwave into a convenient fryer to make those crunchy toppings you love, right at home.
The best part? There are no fancy tools required.
YouTube
Today's Special with Ashley Moore
In this delightful YouTube series, Ashley shares her favorite easy, fun, and family-friendly recipes and shortcuts.Watch on YouTube
Ashley takes two of our favorite toppings—sweet, mild shallots and rich, earthy olives—to showcase that your microwave has uses beyond reheating leftovers.
- Fried shallots. Perfect to top salads and burgers. For this method, a glass or microwave-safe bowl acts as a mini deep-fryer. Simply add the oil and the shallots to a bowl and keep an eye on them while they fry.
- Crispy olives. For a crunchy finish to pasta or even as a satisfying snack. A plate with paper towels is all you need if your olives are oil-cured (which we recommend).
Watch Ashley cook up the perfect toppings in no time at all, right here.