Air Fryer Magic: Stuffed Mushrooms Done Right

Air fryer stuffed mushrooms are a quick, easy, and tasty treat that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. They can be made with a variety of fillings, including cheese, veggies, herbs, and meat. The mushrooms are first cleaned and stuffed with the filling, and then placed in the air fryer for a quick cook – usually around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the mushrooms and the power of the air fryer. With minimal preparation and cooking time, air fryer stuffed mushrooms are a convenient and delicious option for any occasion.

How to prepare stuffed mushrooms for air frying

Air fryer stuffed mushrooms are easy to make and cook in under 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the recipe. They make a perfect game-day snack or a fancy party appetiser. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare stuffed mushrooms for air frying:

Ingredients

You will need mushrooms, vegetables, herbs, cheese, salt, pepper, oil, and vinegar. You can also add meat, such as cooked ground sausage, to your stuffed mushrooms.

Preparing the Mushrooms

Start by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp cloth or gently wiping them with a damp kitchen towel. Remove and discard the stems. If you want to widen the cavity for more stuffing, gently push in the cap walls of the mushrooms. If the mushroom walls crack, you can patch them back together, and the stuffing will hold them together.

Making the Stuffing

For a simple veggie stuffing, chop or blend your choice of vegetables and herbs. You can use bell peppers, onions, and jalapenos for a crunchy and colourful mix. Deseed the jalapenos for a milder flavour. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to seal in the flavours. You can also experiment with spices like coriander powder and paprika for an earthy taste. For a tangier flavour, add a teaspoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to your mushroom caps.

If you prefer a meatier option, cook the ground sausage in advance and mix it with the veggies and herbs. You can also blend the mushroom stems with the other ingredients in a food processor for a consistent stuffing mixture.

Stuffing the Mushrooms

Don't be afraid to over-stuff the mushrooms. The filling will reduce as the veggies cook and the cheese melts. Use the back of a spoon to pack the filling tightly into each mushroom cap. If you have any leftover filling, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container and use it later.

Cooking the Stuffed Mushrooms

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F to 390°F for about 2 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket or foil with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the mushrooms from drying out. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of your mushrooms and the heating tendency of your air fryer. Check on them after 5 minutes to ensure they are cooking properly. Your stuffed mushrooms are ready when they turn golden brown.

Let the mushrooms rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them as a delicious snack or appetiser!

Air fryer temperature and timing

If you are using an air fryer basket, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 2 minutes and cook for 9-12 minutes. If your mushrooms are small, they will likely be ready in 9 minutes; if they are regular-sized, they will probably need the full 12 minutes. Check that the cheese is slightly golden brown before removing from the fryer.

If you are using an air fryer lid, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C) and cook for 12 minutes. Again, check that the cheese is golden brown before removing the mushrooms.

If you are using an air fryer with racks, preheat to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 5-8 minutes. If your mushrooms are not golden brown after this time, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

If you are using a Ninja Foodi, preheat to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 8 minutes. Check the mushrooms after 5 minutes to ensure they are cooking properly.

It is important to note that air fryer cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on your mushrooms to avoid overcooking or burning.

Filling options and alternatives

There are several options for fillings when making stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer. A popular choice is to fill the mushrooms with vegetables, herbs, and cheese. This can include a variety of ingredients such as chopped peppers, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, mozzarella, parmesan, and other shredded cheeses. You can also add spices and seasonings like salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavour.

Another option is to create a sausage-based filling by blending cooked ground sausage, cream cheese, parsley, garlic cloves, and cheese in a food processor until finely chopped. You can also add some of the mushroom stems to the filling to utilize them and create a consistent texture.

If you're not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with other types of cheese like cottage cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, or neufchatel. Goat cheese is another alternative to cream cheese that some people prefer. Additionally, you can sauté the filling before stuffing the mushrooms and add a little extra cheese on top after stuffing.

For a vegetarian option, you can stuff the mushrooms with a mixture of vegetables, herbs, and cheese only, without the sausage. This makes for a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack that is also gluten-free and keto-friendly.

You can also get creative and experiment with other ingredients you like. For example, you can try using different types of cheeses, adding spices and herbs of your choice, or including other vegetables like spinach or tomatoes.

How to store leftovers

Yes, you can cook stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer! They are easy to make and cook in under 10 minutes.

Leftover stuffed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They should not be left at room temperature as this will cause them to spoil quickly. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them.

To freeze leftover stuffed mushrooms, place them in a single layer in a freezer bag. Put a piece of parchment paper on top of the first layer of mushrooms, then add a second layer of mushrooms. Remove as much air from the bag as possible, seal, and label the bag. Frozen stuffed mushrooms will keep for up to three months.

To cook frozen stuffed mushrooms, place them in a preheated oven at 325°F for 20-35 minutes, or until the filling is crusty and browned. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven. To reheat in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, place in an oven-safe dish with a small amount of water and heat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Air fryer vs. oven

Yes, you can cook stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to make stuffed mushrooms, and they turn out crispy and flavourful.

Cooking stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer is a convenient option, as it is faster than using an oven. The cooking time in an air fryer is around 9-12 minutes, while in an oven, it can take up to 18 minutes. Air fryers also eliminate the need to preheat, which further reduces the overall cooking time.

Additionally, air fryers are more energy-efficient than ovens. They use convection heat, which cooks food faster and more evenly than the radiant heat of a traditional oven. This means that you can cook smaller batches of stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer without feeling like you're wasting energy.

However, one potential drawback of using an air fryer is its capacity. If you're cooking for a large group, you might need to work in batches or use multiple air fryers. Ovens, on the other hand, can accommodate multiple trays of stuffed mushrooms at once.

In terms of taste, both methods will give you delicious results. Air fryers tend to produce a crispier texture, especially for the mushroom caps. However, some people prefer the slightly softer and juicier mushrooms that come from oven-baking.

Ultimately, the decision between using an air fryer or an oven comes down to personal preference and the specific circumstances. If you're short on time or want to save energy, the air fryer is a great choice. But if you're cooking for a large group or prefer the traditional oven-baked texture, then sticking with the oven is a perfectly valid option too.

Frequently asked questions