Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Breaded Mushrooms, Cooked Perfectly

Cooking frozen breaded mushrooms in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack or side dish. The process is simple: preheat the air fryer, add the frozen mushrooms, and cook until crispy. This method is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil and produces less mess, while still achieving a crunchy texture and juicy flavour. The versatility of this recipe allows for customisation with different types of mushrooms, seasonings, and dipping sauces.

How to clean mushrooms before breading

Yes, you can cook frozen breaded mushrooms in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried mushrooms and are just as delicious and crunchy.

Cleaning mushrooms is an important step in preparing them for cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean mushrooms before breading:

• Inspect the mushrooms: Before you start cleaning, take a close look at the mushrooms and identify any areas with dirt or grime.
• Brush off visible dirt: Using a soft-bristled brush, a damp cloth, or a paper towel, gently wipe or brush away any visible dirt or debris from the surface of the mushrooms. You can also use a vegetable scrubber for this step.
• Rinse, if necessary: If the mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can quickly rinse them under cold running water. Avoid soaking the mushrooms as they are porous and can absorb water, which may affect their texture and taste.
• Dry the mushrooms: After rinsing, gently pat the mushrooms dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Avoid rubbing them too hard to preserve their delicate texture.
• Remove the stems: Twist or cut off the stems of the mushrooms. You can trim thin slices from the ends of the stems to ensure they are clean.
• Cut or slice the mushrooms: Depending on their size, cut the mushrooms into halves or quarters. This ensures that all the mushrooms are roughly the same size, which is important for even cooking.
• Optional: Remove the gills: If you are using portobello mushrooms and plan to stuff them, you may want to remove the gills. Use a spoon to gently scrape out the gills from the underside of the mushroom caps.
• Assembly line setup: Once the mushrooms are cleaned and prepared, set up an assembly line with shallow bowls or trays containing flour, lightly beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your mushrooms are clean and ready for breading. Remember to clean the mushrooms just before using them, as any moisture can create an opportunity for mold.

The best types of mushrooms to use

When it comes to choosing the best mushrooms for air frying, there are several varieties that stand out for their flavour and texture. Here are some of the best types of mushrooms to use:

Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are a great option for air frying. They have a meaty texture and a rich, savoury flavour that can complement various dishes. Portobellos hold their shape well during cooking, making them ideal for recipes that require whole mushrooms, such as stuffed mushrooms or mushroom burgers. They are also versatile and can be sliced or chopped to suit your recipe.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms offer a unique umami flavour and a chewy, meaty texture. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine and are known for their health benefits, including potential immune-boosting properties. Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your air fryer recipes.

Button Mushrooms

Button mushrooms, also known as white button mushrooms, are a classic choice for air frying. They have a mild flavour and a delicate texture, making them versatile for various dishes. Button mushrooms are widely available and can be used whole or sliced, depending on your recipe requirements. They are a good choice for breaded mushrooms, as they have a firm texture that holds up well during the breading and frying process.

Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms, sometimes called baby bella mushrooms, are essentially immature Portobello mushrooms. They have a slightly earthier flavour than button mushrooms and a firmer texture. Cremini mushrooms are an excellent choice for air frying, as they maintain their shape and texture well during cooking. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, from appetizers to main courses.

Other Varieties

While the above mushrooms are excellent choices, you can also experiment with other varieties such as oyster mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, or king oyster mushrooms. Each type of mushroom has its unique flavour and texture profile, so feel free to explore and discover your favourites. Remember to choose fresh mushrooms, as they will yield the best results in terms of taste and texture.

How to bread mushrooms

Yes, you can cook frozen breaded mushrooms in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried mushrooms, with the same great taste and texture.

Firstly, select your mushrooms. White button mushrooms or Crimini/baby bella mushrooms are recommended. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth or giving them a gentle scrub with a vegetable scrubber. If the mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can rinse them under cold running water, but be careful not to soak them as they are porous and will absorb water, affecting their taste and texture. Once cleaned, gently pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

Next, prepare your breading station. You will need three shallow bowls or trays: one with all-purpose flour, one with lightly beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. For extra flavour, you can season the breadcrumbs with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and sea salt. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra flavour boost.

Now you are ready to bread your mushrooms. First, dip the mushrooms in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them in the egg, ensuring they are fully coated. Finally, roll the mushrooms in the breadcrumbs until they are completely covered. Place the breaded mushrooms on a sheet pan and put them in the freezer for a few hours to freeze before piling them into a freezer bag. This will prevent them from sticking together.

Once you are ready to cook your mushrooms, preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen breaded mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded, or they will steam instead of crisp. Spray the mushrooms with cooking oil or olive oil spray for the best results.

Air fry the mushrooms for 5 minutes, then flip them over and air fry for an additional 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and timing

It is important to preheat your air fryer before you begin cooking. This ensures the best results for your breaded mushrooms. Preheat your air fryer to the hottest setting for a full 10 minutes. Smaller air fryers will not take as long, but 10 minutes will not damage your appliance. You can also preheat with the basket/tray in the appliance to heat the surface.

When you are ready to cook, set your air fryer to 360°F to 390°F and cook for 10 minutes. You can also cook at 325°F for 10 minutes, but this may result in some sogginess. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, increase the temperature by 25°F and see how they turn out. If you are using a larger air fryer, you may need to increase the temperature by 50°F to 75°F.

If you are cooking in batches, you can keep the mushrooms warm in a heated oven. Or, after air frying the last batch, place all the mushrooms back in the air fryer and warm them up for a minute or two.

If you are cooking from frozen, you are looking at about 6 to 10 minutes in the air fryer. You do not need to defrost the mushrooms before cooking.

How to reheat and store leftover mushrooms

If you're looking to reheat and store leftover breaded mushrooms, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that mushrooms are susceptible to bacterial growth if not handled properly, so it's crucial to follow food safety guidelines.

When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is a great option. Preheat your air fryer to 380-390˚F. Place the mushrooms in the basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Give them a light spray of cooking oil to help achieve that crispy texture. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, or up to 6-8 minutes if coming straight from the freezer. You can also reheat them in an oven to keep them warm, but this may affect their texture.

It's generally recommended to avoid reheating mushrooms in the microwave. While it won't make them toxic, as some believe, it can negatively impact their texture and make them soggy. Additionally, if mushrooms are not quickly refrigerated after cooking, their complex enzymes and proteins can break down, making them more susceptible to dangerous bacteria.

When storing leftover mushrooms, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked mushrooms for up to 3 months. However, it's important to note that freezing fresh mushrooms will cause them to turn mushy when thawed.

To ensure the best results when cooking or reheating, it's important to start with fresh, firm mushrooms. Brush off any visible dirt with a soft-bristled brush or damp cloth, and avoid rinsing them if possible, as they have a high water content.

Frequently asked questions