Air Fryer Battered Mushrooms: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Battered mushrooms are a tasty treat, but frying them can be a messy and smelly affair. Luckily, air fryers offer a convenient, healthier way to cook battered mushrooms, with less grease and less mess. You can cook battered mushrooms in an air fryer, and they'll turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer and the brand of mushrooms, but generally, you'll want to cook them for around 8-11 minutes at 360-400°F (180-200°C).

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for battered mushrooms in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size of the mushrooms, the type of air fryer, and personal preference for the crispiness of the dish.

Firstly, it is important to ensure your mushrooms are all roughly the same size. This can be achieved by halving or quartering larger mushrooms, so they cook at the same rate as the smaller ones. Secondly, the type of air fryer you are using will impact the cooking time. Larger models will cook mushrooms faster, so it is important to keep a close eye on them.

When cooking battered mushrooms in an air fryer, the temperature should be set between 360°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness. For example, one source recommends cooking at 390°F for 5–7 minutes, while another suggests cooking at 360°F for 7 minutes. It is worth noting that the latter source also recommends cooking in batches and suggests that subsequent batches may take less time, as the air fryer will be hotter.

Most sources recommend shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure the mushrooms cook evenly. Additionally, it is important to space out the mushrooms in the basket to allow room for them to cook and crisp up.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the brand of mushrooms and the specific model of the air fryer being used. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on the mushrooms during the cooking process to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to prepare the mushrooms

Preparing mushrooms for air frying is a simple process. First, select your mushrooms. White button mushrooms or Crimini/baby bella mushrooms work well. If you want to serve bite-sized mushrooms, choose smaller mushrooms. For larger mushrooms, cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. It is important to ensure that all the mushrooms are roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate.

Next, clean the mushrooms. You can do this by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or giving them a gentle scrub with a vegetable scrubber. If you are not averse to washing mushrooms, you can also rinse them with water.

Once the mushrooms are clean, prepare your assembly line. You will need three shallow bowls or trays. In the first bowl, place some plain flour. In the second, lightly beat one or more eggs. In the third bowl, place your breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can season your breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or salt.

Now you are ready to bread the mushrooms. First, dredge the mushrooms in the flour, then dip them in the egg, and finally, coat them in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all the mushrooms. If you want an extra crispy crust, you can double-bread the mushrooms by dipping them back into the egg and breadcrumbs again.

The best type of mushrooms to use

Yes, you can cook battered mushrooms in an air fryer. The key to achieving that perfect crispiness is to ensure that the mushrooms are not overcrowded in the basket, allowing them to cook evenly.

When it comes to choosing the best mushrooms for air frying, there are several varieties that work well. Here are some recommendations to help you select the perfect mushrooms for your dish:

• White button mushrooms: These mushrooms are a versatile and easily accessible option. They have a mild flavour and a tender texture, making them a great choice for air frying. White button mushrooms are also known for their ability to absorb the flavours of other ingredients used in cooking, enhancing their taste.
• Crimini or baby bella mushrooms: Belonging to the same species as white button mushrooms, Crimini or baby bella mushrooms offer a slightly more earthy flavour and a richer, darker colour. They are a mature version of the white button variety and are slightly larger in size.
• Other varieties: Depending on your preference and availability, you can also experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms. Each variety will bring its unique flavour and texture to the dish, so feel free to explore and discover your favourites.

When selecting mushrooms, look for those that are firm, with intact caps and minimal bruising or discolouration. Fresh mushrooms should have a pleasant earthy aroma and be free of sliminess. You can also opt for frozen battered or breaded mushrooms, which are readily available in stores and can be cooked directly from their frozen state in your air fryer.

Dipping sauces

Battered mushrooms are a tasty treat, and even better when cooked in an air fryer! The hot air circulates around the mushrooms, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

The sauces you choose to dip your air-fried mushrooms in can elevate the flavour and make them even more delicious. Here are some sauce suggestions:

• Ranch is a popular choice, with its creamy texture and tangy flavour, it pairs well with the mushrooms.
• Ketchup is a classic, simple, and sweet option that adds a bit of tanginess to the crispy mushrooms.
• Caesar dressing is another creamy option that will complement the mushrooms nicely.
• Blue cheese dressing is a strong and tangy option that will add a unique flavour to the mushrooms.
• Marinara sauce is a warm and tasty option, especially if you like your mushrooms with a bit of a kick.
• Horseradish sour cream is a great choice if you're looking for something with a bit of a bite. The sour cream is cooling, while the horseradish adds a nice spiciness.
• Snap pea puree is a great option if you want to add some colour to your plate. It pairs well with mushrooms and adds a bit of freshness to your dish.

Reheating and storing

Battered mushrooms are best served hot and crispy, so it is not recommended to store them. However, if you have extra mushrooms, you can store them in a sealed container in the fridge, but be aware that the outer breading can get soggy if left too long. If you do have leftovers, they will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

To reheat, place the mushrooms back into the air fryer and cook in 1-minute increments until heated through. Reheating time will depend on the quantity of mushrooms and the power of your air fryer, but it should take around 6-8 minutes. You can also reheat the mushrooms in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and cover with a towel or aluminium foil and place in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions