Air Fryer Mushroom Magic: Can You Fry Them?

Air fryers are a great way to cook mushrooms. They come out juicy, tender, and full of flavour. The best mushrooms to use are white button mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms, cremini (also called baby bella), or portobello mushrooms. You can cut them into halves or quarters, or leave them whole. If you cut them, make sure the pieces are evenly sized so they cook evenly. You can season them with oil, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Then, cook them in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time for mushrooms

Yes, you can put mushrooms in an air fryer! Here are some tips on air fryer temperature and cooking time for mushrooms:

Air Frying Temperature for Mushrooms:

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer temperature between 350-400°F (177-204°C). The exact temperature may depend on your air fryer model and the desired crispness of your mushrooms.

Cooking Time for Mushrooms in an Air Fryer:

The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of mushrooms you are using, as well as the specific air fryer model. On average, cooking mushrooms in an air fryer takes around 10-15 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on them and shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Cut the mushrooms into even slices or halves to ensure uniform cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Toss the mushrooms with oil, butter, or seasonings of your choice before placing them in the air fryer.
• Depending on your desired level of doneness, you may need to cook the mushrooms in intervals, shaking or stirring between each interval.
• Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer, while others suggest placing the mushrooms directly into the air fryer without preheating.
• Fresh mushrooms are best for air frying, and it is important to clean them before cooking. Avoid soaking them, as they can become soggy. Instead, use a mushroom brush or a paper towel to remove any dirt.

How to prepare mushrooms for the air fryer

Air-fried mushrooms are a tasty and healthy side dish that can be prepared in a few simple steps. Here is a guide to help you get the best results:

Ingredients

You will need the following:

• Mushrooms (white button, chestnut, cremini, baby bella, portobello, or mini bella)
• Oil (vegetable, canola/rapeseed, olive, or avocado)
• Soy sauce (low-sodium, reduced-sodium, or regular)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder or granules, onion powder, fresh thyme, rosemary)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Wash and Dry Mushrooms

Start by gently washing the mushrooms to remove any dirt. It is important to dry them thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible.

Step 2: Cut Mushrooms into Even Sizes

Cut each mushroom into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Aim for evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Whole mushrooms can also be used, but they may not cook as evenly.

Step 3: Combine Mushrooms with Other Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the mushrooms with the oil, soy sauce, and your choice of seasonings. Toss or stir the mixture until all the mushrooms are well coated.

Cooking

Step 4: Place Mushrooms in the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Cook the Mushrooms

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C). Cook the mushrooms for 10-15 minutes, shaking and stirring them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.

Serving

Air-fried mushrooms can be served as a side dish with steak, pasta, or grilled meats. They can also be added to salads, tacos, sandwiches, or used as a topping for burgers. Enjoy!

Best mushrooms to cook in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook mushrooms in an air fryer! It's a great way to cook them, in fact, as they emerge juicy with crispy edges.

There are several types of mushrooms that are suitable for air frying. Here's a list of the best mushrooms to cook in an air fryer:

• White button mushrooms
• Chestnut mushrooms
• Cremini mushrooms
• Baby bella mushrooms
• Mini bella mushrooms
• Small brown mushrooms
• Portabella mushrooms
• Portobello mushrooms
• Oyster mushrooms
• Lion Mane mushrooms

When preparing mushrooms for the air fryer, it's important to ensure they are all cut to a similar size so that they cook evenly. You can halve or quarter them, depending on their size.

In terms of seasoning, there are lots of options. You can toss the mushrooms in olive oil, garlic powder onion powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

The cooking time will depend on the type and size of mushrooms you are using, as well as the size of your air fryer. As a general rule, cook the mushrooms at around 350-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as air-fried mushrooms are best served juicy and slightly crispy.

Oil and seasoning for air fryer mushrooms

Air fryer mushrooms are a tasty, quick, and easy side dish to make. They are juicy with crispy edges and are ready in 10 to 15 minutes.

Oil

You can use a variety of oils for air fryer mushrooms, including:

• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Vegetable oil (canola/rapeseed oil)
• Any neutral cooking oil

The amount of oil used can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the air fryer. Some recipes call for 1 tablespoon of oil, while others use up to 3 tablespoons.

If you want to use less oil, you can use an oil mister or cooking spray to coat the mushrooms. However, it is recommended to avoid using cooking spray directly into the air fryer basket as it can make non-stick surfaces sticky over time.

Seasoning

There are several seasoning options to choose from when making air fryer mushrooms. Here are some popular choices:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder/granules
• Onion powder
• Soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary

You can also get creative and experiment with additional seasonings like paprika, red chilli flakes, or Italian seasoning.

How to Prepare the Mushrooms

When preparing the mushrooms, it is recommended to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. You can cut them in halves or quarters, depending on their size.

After cutting, place the mushrooms in a bowl and toss them with the oil and seasonings until they are well coated. Then, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F to 400°F. The cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer model and the amount of mushrooms being cooked. On average, cook the mushrooms for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

For larger batches, you may need to cook the mushrooms in multiple batches or stir them a few times during cooking for even results.

Once the mushrooms are crispy and browned on the edges, they are ready to be served. You can garnish them with fresh herbs or squeeze some lemon juice on top for added flavour.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover air fryer mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 360°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.

Air fryer basket tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the basket is overcrowded, the mushrooms will steam instead of roast.
• Cut the mushrooms into even-sized slices to ensure they cook evenly.
• Dry the mushrooms thoroughly after washing to remove as much moisture as possible.
• Use an oil sprayer to add oil to the mushrooms, as this will help to ensure an even coating.
• Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the mushrooms cook evenly.
• Keep a close eye on the mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning them.
• Air fryer mushrooms are best served fresh and are unlikely to leave any leftovers!

Frequently asked questions