Crispy Fried Garlic

Name: Crispy Fried Garlic (Microwave Method)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 cloves garlic; 1/4 cup neutral oil; salt, to taste; sugar, to taste

Crispy fried garlic made in the microwave yields golden, crunchy garlic bits and aromatic infused oil in minutes. This simple technique adds restaurant-quality flavor to rice, noodles, and savory dishes.

🌍Asian 🏷️Fried garlic 🏷️Crispy garlic 🏷️Garlic 🏷️Garlic oil Condiment

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🏷️Topping

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TikTok

Total

10 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$11–$18

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

12 cloves garlic
1/4 cup neutral oil
salt, to taste
sugar, to taste

4 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Mince the garlic cloves.
2
Place the minced garlic into a microwave-safe bowl and pour in enough neutral oil to cover it completely.
3
Microwave on high for 1 minute.
4
Carefully remove the bowl, stir, and continue to microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the garlic begins to brown.
5
Once the garlic starts browning, reduce the time to 15-second increments, stirring in between, until it reaches a deep golden color.
6
Strain the garlic through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving the infused garlic oil in a separate bowl.
7
Transfer the fried garlic to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8
Immediately season the hot garlic with salt and sugar to taste.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Slice garlic evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain soft.
Watch the garlic closely during the final 1–2 minutes of microwaving; it can brown quickly once it starts crisping.
Let the cooked garlic cool on a paper towel before storing to allow residual moisture to evaporate and texture to set.
Season with salt and a pinch of sugar while the garlic is still warm so flavoring adheres to the oil and chips.

Substitutions

Garlic cloves → shallot slices (results in sweeter, milder crispy bits)
Neutral oil → sesame oil (adds nutty aroma; use less as it's more pungent)
Salt and sugar → soy sauce or fish sauce (adds umami; adjust quantity to avoid over-salting)

Storage & make-ahead

Store crispy garlic chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks; keep infused oil refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 3 weeks.

Equipment

microwave · microwave-safe bowl or glass container

Common Questions

Can I make crispy fried garlic in the oven instead of a microwave?

Yes. Slice garlic thinly, toss with oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 300°F for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crispy.

How do I know when the garlic is crispy enough?

The garlic should be golden brown and feel dry to the touch. It will continue to crisp as it cools, so remove it slightly before it looks fully done to avoid burning.

What oil works best for fried garlic?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or light olive oil work well. Avoid strong-flavored oils or low-smoke-point oils that may burn.

Can I store crispy fried garlic and garlic oil?

Store cooled garlic chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep garlic oil refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 3 weeks.