Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Mushrooms: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Air fryer frozen breaded mushrooms are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried mushrooms. They are super easy to make and can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side dish. You can use any brand of frozen breaded mushrooms and cook them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes at 390°F. The result is a crispy, tender, and juicy treat that pairs well with your favourite dipping sauce.

Air fryer frozen breaded mushrooms cooking time and temperature

Air-fried breaded mushrooms are a tasty treat, perfect as a snack or an appetizer. They are also a great side dish to steak or burgers. The best part is that they are easy to make and can be cooked straight from frozen.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen breaded mushrooms in an air fryer vary slightly depending on the source. Most sources recommend cooking at 390°F for 10 minutes. However, one source recommends cooking for 8 minutes in total, cooking for 5 minutes, flipping the mushrooms, and then cooking for a further 3 minutes.

Tips for cooking frozen breaded mushrooms in an air fryer

• It is important not to stack or crowd the mushrooms in the air fryer basket. They should be placed in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• To achieve the best crunch, do not remove the mushrooms from the air fryer basket before the cooking time is up.
• To prevent the air fryer from becoming clogged with excess crumbs, remove any loose crumbs from the mushrooms before placing them in the air fryer.
• For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
• For the best results, spray the mushrooms with olive oil cooking spray before cooking.
• If your air fryer has a lower maximum temperature, you can cook the mushrooms at 360°F for 5 minutes, and then increase the temperature to 400°F for the remaining 5 minutes.

How to clean mushrooms before air frying

When preparing frozen breaded mushrooms for the air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are cleaned properly beforehand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean mushrooms before air frying:

• Source your mushrooms: The cleaning process will differ depending on whether your mushrooms are cultivated or wild. Cultivated mushrooms, typically found in grocery stores, are grown in sterile environments and will have less dirt. Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, are foraged and may have more dirt, leaves, twigs, or bugs on them.
• Brush off loose dirt: Use a dry towel or a mushroom brush to gently brush off any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the mushrooms.
• Cut off any dirty parts: If the stems of the mushrooms are particularly tough and dirty, cut them off. You can also cut away any other sections of the mushroom that are holding onto dirt.
• Wash in cold water (optional): If your mushrooms still appear dirty, you can wash them in cold water. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a few mushrooms at a time. Swirl them around for a few seconds to loosen any remaining dirt, then immediately pat them dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Alternatively, you can use a colander to rinse them under running water.
• Dry the mushrooms: Whether you washed them or just brushed them, it's important to ensure that your mushrooms are dry before air frying. Lay them out on a towel, caps up, to air dry completely.
• Remove stubborn dirt: If you still spot some stubborn dirt bits, use a damp paper towel or a damp cloth to gently wipe the mushrooms clean.
• Time it right: Only clean your mushrooms right before you plan to cook them. Mushrooms are like sponges and can absorb moisture, leading to sogginess.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your mushrooms are clean and ready for air frying!

How to store and reheat leftover mushrooms

If you have leftover air-fried breaded mushrooms, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure the container is fully sealed to prevent freezer burn.

When it comes to reheating, you can pop them in the microwave for about three minutes on medium power, or in the oven at 350°F for about seven minutes. If you're reheating from frozen, place the mushrooms on a sheet pan and put them in the oven at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot.

It's worth noting that some sources advise against reheating mushrooms in the microwave, claiming that it can make you sick or cause an upset stomach. However, other sources refute this claim, stating that it is safe to reheat mushrooms in the microwave or by other means. The key factor is proper storage to prevent bacteria growth.

To ensure food safety, it's important to refrigerate cooked mushrooms within two hours and consume them within 24 hours of refrigeration. Additionally, always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating to eliminate any potential bacteria.

Air fryer frozen battered mushrooms

Ingredients and Preparation

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Frozen battered mushrooms (as many as you'd like to cook)
• Olive oil cooking spray (optional)
• Your choice of dipping sauce (e.g. ranch, buffalo sauce, garlic aioli)

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). It is important to ensure your air fryer is fully preheated to achieve the best results.

Cooking Instructions

Open your package of frozen battered mushrooms and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid stacking or crowding the mushrooms to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If desired, you can spray the mushrooms with a light coating of olive oil cooking spray to promote browning and crispness.

Place the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook at 390°F (200°C) for approximately 10 minutes. For the best crunch, allow the mushrooms to cook uninterrupted for the full duration.

Serving Suggestions

Once the mushrooms are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. These crispy treats go well with various dipping sauces such as ranch, buffalo sauce, or even a homemade garlic aioli. They are perfect as a quick appetizer for parties, a movie night snack, or a simple afternoon treat.

Tips and Variations

• If you prefer a more well-done texture, you can air fry the mushrooms for an additional minute or two, keeping a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• To clean mushrooms, it is best to brush off any visible dirt with a soft-bristled brush or a damp paper towel. If they are particularly dirty, a quick rinse under cold running water will suffice, but be sure to pat them dry gently afterward.
• When preparing a large batch, you may need to work in batches to ensure even cooking.
• For easy cleanup, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper before placing the mushrooms inside.

Air fryer frozen stuffed mushrooms

Yes, you can cook frozen stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer. This is a great way to get crispy stuffed mushrooms without the extra oil used in traditional frying methods.

How to cook frozen stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer

First, make sure your mushrooms are cleaned and prepared. You can clean mushrooms with a soft-bristled brush, a damp paper towel, or a cloth. If they are very dirty, rinse them quickly under cold running water, but be careful not to soak them as mushrooms are porous and will absorb water.

Once your mushrooms are cleaned, cut off any long stems with a sharp knife and cut the mushrooms into halves or quarters. Leave smaller mushrooms whole.

Next, create a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Dip each mushroom in the flour, then the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded mushrooms on a baking sheet.

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the breaded mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being sure not to stack or crowd them. Spray the mushrooms with olive oil cooking spray for best results.

Air fry the mushrooms for 5 minutes, then flip them and air fry for an additional 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Tips for cooking frozen stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer

• Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can also cook frozen stuffed mushrooms in the oven at 350°F for about 7 minutes, or from frozen at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
• You can keep the mushrooms warm in a heated oven, or place them back in the air fryer for a minute or two after cooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as onion powder, cayenne pepper, ranch seasoning, or taco seasoning.
• For a gluten-free version, use rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• For a low-carb or keto version, skip the flour and use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

Serving suggestions for air fryer frozen stuffed mushrooms

Frequently asked questions