Air-Fryer Mushrooms: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking mushrooms in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a versatile side dish. The mushrooms can be seasoned with a variety of ingredients, such as olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and onion powder, and cooked in an air fryer for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the mushrooms and the air fryer model. The air fryer allows the mushrooms to develop crispy edges while remaining juicy, and they can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for steak, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, or pizza.

How to Cook Mushrooms in an Air Fryer

Preparation: cleaning, cutting, and seasoning

First, clean the mushrooms by washing them in cold water. Use a paper towel or a brush with gentle bristles to wipe off any dirt residue. You can also pat them dry with paper towels.

Next, cut the mushrooms into even slices. Try to make the size of the slices uniform so that they cook evenly. You can also remove the stems, especially if you plan to stuff the mushrooms. If you are using larger mushrooms, you may want to cut them into quarters.

After slicing, place the mushrooms in a medium bowl and add your choice of seasonings. You can try olive oil or melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper, or even soy sauce for a salty flavour or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Toss the mushrooms until they are well coated.

Finally, transfer the seasoned mushrooms to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer, ensuring you do not overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Air fryer settings

Firstly, it is important to note that different air fryer models may vary in terms of cooking temperature and time. Therefore, it is essential to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. As a general rule, it is recommended to cook mushrooms at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (180°C). The cooking time can range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your air fryer and the quantity of mushrooms you are cooking.

When arranging the mushrooms in the air fryer basket, ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This is to prevent the mushrooms from steaming instead of roasting. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches. Additionally, it is a good idea to shake or toss the mushrooms a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

While some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, others advise placing the mushrooms directly into the air fryer basket without preheating. This step may depend on the specific model of your air fryer, so refer to the user manual for clarification. However, it is generally recommended to cook the mushrooms for about 15 minutes, flipping or stirring them halfway through the cooking process.

To ensure even cooking and browning, open the air fryer basket and check on the mushrooms every 5 minutes. Shake the basket gently to move the mushrooms around, and decide if they need additional cooking time. Remember, the goal is to have cooked mushrooms that are not dried out or burnt, so avoid overcooking them.

Lastly, the cooking time may vary depending on the type of mushrooms you are using. Smaller mushrooms will cook faster, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Larger mushrooms may take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cooking time and process

The cooking time for mushrooms in an air fryer depends on the size of the mushrooms and the air fryer. As a general rule, the mushrooms should be cooked for 10–15 minutes, but this can vary depending on the air fryer model. For example, larger models may cook the mushrooms faster, so it is important to check on them frequently. Similarly, different air fryers may cook at different temperatures, so adjustments may be necessary.

Before cooking, the mushrooms should be cleaned with cold water and dried with a paper towel or mushroom brush. It is important not to soak the mushrooms, as they can become soggy. The mushrooms should then be cut into even slices, with larger mushrooms cut into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.

Once the mushrooms are prepared, they should be seasoned. Common seasoning options include olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast. The mushrooms should be tossed or stirred until they are well coated in the seasoning.

Next, the seasoned mushrooms should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. The air fryer should be set to a temperature of around 400°F (200°C) and the mushrooms should be cooked for 10–15 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.

During the cooking process, it is important to shake and stir the mushrooms occasionally to ensure even cooking. The mushrooms are typically cooked until they are golden and beginning to crisp up, with juicy textures and crispy edges. After cooking, the mushrooms are best served fresh and can be used as a side dish or topping for various meals.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

As a Side Dish

Air fryer mushrooms make a delicious and easy side dish. They can be served alongside a variety of main courses, such as roasted cauliflower, asparagus, or baked potatoes. Their juicy texture and crispy edges pair well with a range of flavours. You can also serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes and red chilli flakes.

With Meat

Mushrooms cooked in an air fryer can be served with meat, such as a juicy ribeye steak. They can also be stuffed with meat and cheese. To do this, remove the stems from the mushrooms and mix them with browned ground beef and cream cheese. You can then gently remove the gills of the mushrooms and stuff them with this mixture. Sprinkle with herbs, spices, or crushed pork rinds for added flavour and texture.

In a Sandwich or Burger

Air fryer mushrooms can add extra moisture and flavour to your favourite sandwich or burger. Their juicy texture can enhance the overall taste experience.

With Pasta

You can toss air fryer mushrooms with a pasta dish. They pair well with creamy sauces, such as fettuccini alfredo or beef stroganoff. The mushrooms add a hearty and filling touch to your pasta meal.

In a Salad

Air fryer mushrooms can be a tasty addition to a salad. Just be sure to let them cool down before adding them to the salad greens. Their juicy texture and flavour can enhance the overall freshness of the salad.

On Toast

For a simple yet tasty snack, you can serve air fryer mushrooms on toast. To prepare this, rub a piece of toast with a garlic clove for extra flavour, drizzle with oil, and then spoon the mushrooms on top. You can also scatter some parsley on top for added freshness.

In an Omelette

Air fryer mushrooms can be mixed into an omelette for a perfect breakfast option. Their flavour and texture can enhance the overall taste of the omelette, making it a hearty and satisfying morning meal.

As a Pizza Topping

Air fryer mushrooms can also be used as a pizza topping. Their juicy texture and umami flavour can complement the cheese and other toppings, taking your pizza to the next level.

These are just a few serving suggestions for air fryer mushrooms. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite ways to enjoy them!

Storage and reheating

When storing cooked mushrooms, it is important to note that they should be placed in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking, according to the European Food Information Council (EUFIC). The EUFIC also recommends that cooked mushrooms be reheated to a temperature of 158°F (70°C). Mushrooms should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can cause bacteria to grow, leading to foodborne illness.

Cooked mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, freezing mushrooms may affect their texture, making them softer upon thawing due to their high water content. To avoid this, you can sauté or cook the mushrooms before freezing.

When reheating mushrooms, you can use a microwave, oven, stovetop, or air fryer. If using a microwave, place the mushrooms in a microwave-safe container and heat them in short intervals, stirring in between, until they are heated through. For an oven or stovetop, place the mushrooms in an oven-safe dish or pan and heat them at a low temperature, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through. If using an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the mushrooms in the basket. Reheat them for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until they are crispy and warmed through.

It is important to note that mushrooms should not be reheated more than once, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, always ensure that the mushrooms are heated thoroughly before consuming them.

Frequently asked questions