Blue Crab Beignets

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 small shallot, finely chopped
• 6 fresh blue or other lump crabmeat, picked over
• 1/3 mascarpone
• 1 finely chopped fresh chives
• Kosher salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying; about 4 cups)
• 1 all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cornstarch
• 1 baking powder
• 1/2 kosher salt plus more
• 1 amber lager
• A deep-fry thermometer