Air-Fryer Mushrooms: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a valuable appliance that has earned its place on the kitchen countertop. They can be used to make a super quick, easy, and healthy side dish of mushrooms that are absolutely irresistible. Juicy garlic mushrooms are air-fried to perfection, then mixed with lemon, oil, and finely grated parmesan cheese for a flavor explosion!

You can use any type of mushroom you want. As long as you opt for fresh mushrooms, you'll enjoy a delicious meal. Fresh mushrooms maintain their texture without becoming slimy.

Here's how to make air fryer mushrooms:

- Clean the mushrooms by washing them in cold water or wiping them with a damp paper towel.

- Cut the mushrooms into thick slices. Try to make the size of the slices even so that everything cooks evenly.

- In a bowl, toss the mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper so that everything is well coated.

- Place the mushrooms directly into the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F/180°C for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

- Open the air fryer basket and check on the mushrooms every 5 minutes, shaking the basket and deciding how much longer you would like to cook them.

- Serve with some extra sea salt flakes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and red chili flakes if desired.

How to prepare mushrooms for the air fryer

Air-frying is one of the easiest ways to cook mushrooms. They make a great, healthy, and versatile side dish, snack, or ingredient for a wide variety of recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare mushrooms for the air fryer.

Step 1: Choosing Your Mushrooms

You can use any type of mushroom you want, but some popular options include white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms are best as they will maintain their texture and not become slimy.

Step 2: Cleaning the Mushrooms

Before cooking, it is important to clean your mushrooms. Avoid soaking them in water as they are absorbent and will become soggy. Instead, use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to gently wipe away any dirt. You can also rinse them quickly and then dry them with a paper towel.

Step 3: Slicing the Mushrooms

For even cooking, it is important to cut your mushrooms into even slices or wedges. You can cut them into halves or quarters, or smaller pieces if the mushrooms are large. Try to make the pieces a similar size so they cook at the same rate.

Step 4: Seasoning the Mushrooms

Place the sliced mushrooms in a bowl and add your desired seasonings and oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, or any other oil with a high smoke point. For seasoning, salt and pepper are a must, and you can also add garlic (fresh or powder), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Toss the mushrooms until they are well coated.

Step 5: Cooking the Mushrooms in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (180°C). Place the seasoned mushrooms into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the basket is not overcrowded as this will affect the cooking. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. The mushrooms are done when they are tender and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serving the Mushrooms

Air-fried mushrooms make a great side dish to steak, chicken, or tofu. They can also be served on toast, in a Buddha bowl, on a salad, or as a taco or sandwich filling. For extra flavor, sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese, chili flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips:

• If you want to add garlic, put it in the air fryer for the last 5 minutes of cooking so it doesn't burn.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper roasting and even cooking.
• Cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer and the amount of mushrooms, so keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Best types of mushrooms for air frying

Yes, you can put mushrooms in an air fryer! Here are some tips on choosing the best types of mushrooms for air frying.

When it comes to selecting mushrooms for air frying, the most important factor is freshness. Fresh mushrooms will maintain their texture and won't become slimy during the cooking process. Look for mushrooms that are firm, with no signs of spoilage or discolouration.

While you can air fry any type of mushroom, certain varieties are particularly well-suited to this cooking method. Here are some of the best options:

• Shiitake mushrooms: These have a deep, savoury flavour and hold their texture well during air frying.
• Portabella mushrooms: Also known as portobello mushrooms, these are meaty and flavourful. Younger portabella mushrooms tend to have a deeper flavour.
• White button mushrooms: A versatile option that works well in many dishes.
• Cremini mushrooms: Also called baby bella mushrooms, these have a slightly more earthy flavour than white button mushrooms.
• Oyster mushrooms: These have a delicate texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavour.
• Baby bella mushrooms: These are simply a smaller version of portabella mushrooms and are great for air frying.
• Chestnut mushrooms: These have a nutty flavour and a firm texture, making them a tasty option for air frying.
• White mushrooms: Also called button mushrooms, these are mild in flavour and work well in various dishes.

When preparing mushrooms for air frying, it's important to clean them thoroughly but gently. Avoid soaking them in water, as they are absorbent and can become soggy. Instead, use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to gently wipe away any dirt or residue. Cut the mushrooms into even slices or wedges to ensure uniform cooking.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking mushrooms in an air fryer will depend on the type of mushrooms you are using, as well as your desired level of crispiness.

As a general rule, air fryers should be preheated to around 350°F–400°F (180°C–200°C). Cooking times vary between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the mushrooms and the desired texture.

For example, halved or quartered cremini mushrooms should be cooked at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Whereas, halved or quartered white button mushrooms can be cooked at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown.

It is important to note that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking temperature and time, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning them.

Additionally, it is recommended to cut the mushrooms into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Overcrowding the air fryer basket should also be avoided as this can lead to uneven cooking.

How to store and reheat air-fried mushrooms

Air-fried mushrooms are a tasty, quick, and easy side dish. But what do you do with leftovers? Here is a guide to storing and reheating your air-fried mushrooms to keep them tasting great.

Storing Air-Fried Mushrooms

Once cooked, let your air-fried mushrooms cool down to room temperature. This step will prevent them from getting soggy. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should keep for 2-3 days.

Reheating Air-Fried Mushrooms in an Air Fryer

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover mushrooms, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 1-2 minutes. You can line the basket of the air fryer with baking paper to prevent a mess and make cleaning easier, but this is not necessary.

Place the mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as this can prevent even heating. Reheat for 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the quantity, checking them periodically to prevent overcooking. You can flip them halfway through to ensure they crisp up on all sides. When they are golden brown and have regained their crispiness, they are ready to enjoy.

Other Reheating Methods

You can also reheat air-fried mushrooms in the oven or on the stovetop. The oven method is similar to using an air fryer: preheat the oven to 350°F, place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. On the stovetop, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and fry for 20-30 seconds on medium to high heat, moving them around to ensure even heating. Then, place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

You can also reheat mushrooms in the microwave, but this is not recommended as it can make them soggy. If you choose this method, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-45 seconds, checking if they have heated through. If not, reheat in additional 20-30 second intervals.

Recipe ideas with air-fried mushrooms

Air-fried mushrooms make a great side dish or snack, and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some recipe ideas with detailed instructions on how to make the most of your air-fried mushrooms:

Simple Air-Fried Mushrooms

This recipe is perfect if you're looking for something quick, easy, and tasty. It requires minimal preparation and basic ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Mushrooms (white button, chestnut, or cremini)
• Vegetable oil (canola/rapeseed oil)
• Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: rosemary, garlic, sea salt flakes, lemon juice, red chilli flakes

Instructions:

• Cut the mushrooms into thick slices, aiming for even sizes to ensure uniform cooking.
• In a bowl, toss the mushrooms with the rest of the ingredients until they are well coated.
• Place the mushrooms directly into the air fryer basket. There is no need to preheat the air fryer.
• Cook at 350°F/180°C for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Open the basket and check every 5 minutes, shaking it to ensure even cooking.
• Serve with optional sea salt flakes, a squeeze of lemon juice, and red chilli flakes if desired.

Crispy Air-Fried Mushrooms

For those who want a crispy texture to their mushrooms, this recipe adds a crumb coating that leaves the inside juicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
• 1 pound small cremini mushrooms
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C.
• Beat the eggs in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, plain bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and seafood seasoning.
• Dip the mushrooms in the beaten eggs, then coat them with the seasoned crumb mixture. Repeat this process for a thicker coating.
• Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Spray the mushrooms with non-stick cooking spray.
• Cook in the preheated air fryer for 6 minutes.
• Shake the basket and spray any uncoated spots. Cook for another 6 minutes.
• Repeat the process if you have more mushrooms.

Air-Fried Mushrooms with Lemon and Parmesan

This recipe adds a flavourful twist to your air-fried mushrooms, mixing them with lemon, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

• Mushrooms (white button, cremini, or oyster)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
• Lemon
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix the mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F/180°C for about 10 minutes, or until tender.
• Shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Mix the cooked mushrooms with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.
• Serve immediately.

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