Air Fryer Mushrooms: How Long Until They're Done?

Air fryers are a valuable appliance that can cook mushrooms to perfection in just 10 to 15 minutes. Juicy and tender, with a crispy edge, air-fried mushrooms are a tasty and healthy side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. The cooking time will depend on the size of the air fryer and the number of mushrooms being cooked.

How to prepare mushrooms for the air fryer

Air-frying mushrooms is a quick and easy way to cook them, and they make a great side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare mushrooms for the air fryer.

Ingredients

You will need the following:

• Mushrooms (white button, chestnut, cremini/baby bella, portobello, oyster, or shiitake)
• Oil (vegetable, canola/rapeseed, avocado, olive, or extra virgin olive oil)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic granules, rosemary, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step 1: Clean the Mushrooms

Wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Do not rinse them with water, as they will become soggy. You can also cut off the ends of the stems if they look dry or dirty.

Step 2: Cut the Mushrooms

Cut the mushrooms into thick slices or halves. For larger mushrooms, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces. Try to make the pieces as evenly sized as possible so that they cook evenly. If you want to keep the mushrooms whole, that is fine too, but they may take a bit longer to cook.

Step 3: Season the Mushrooms

Place the mushrooms in a bowl and toss them with the oil and your desired seasonings. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at this stage for some extra flavour. Make sure that everything is well coated.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

Place the mushrooms directly into the air fryer basket. There is no need to preheat the air fryer first. Set the temperature to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (180-200 degrees Celsius) and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on the mushrooms to ensure they do not burn, and cook until they are golden and beginning to crisp up.

Step 5: Serve the Mushrooms

Once the mushrooms are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can sprinkle over some parmesan cheese and red chili flakes, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and time

The cooking time and temperature for mushrooms in an air fryer depend on the type of mushrooms you are using, how you have cut them, and the size of your air fryer.

Whole Mushrooms

Whole mushrooms should be cooked in the air fryer for around 10 minutes at 400°F/200°C. This will give you browned but still juicy mushrooms.

Chopped/Sliced Mushrooms

If you are chopping or slicing your mushrooms, you should cook them for 10-15 minutes at 350°F-375°F/180°C. Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Air Fryer Size

The size of your air fryer will also affect the cooking time. Smaller air fryers may require more batches and therefore more time to cook. If you are using a larger model, the mushrooms will cook faster, so check on them frequently.

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil you use depends on the type of mushroom you are cooking. For instance, larger mushrooms like portobello mushrooms may require more oil. As a general rule, the mushrooms should be well-coated in oil and seasoning. Two tablespoons of oil may seem like a lot, but mushrooms are absorbent and will soak it up. If you are using smaller mushrooms, you can use less oil by using an oil mister or cooking spray. However, it is important to note that cooking spray can make non-stick surfaces sticky over time, so it is best to use an oil mister or regular cooking oil if possible.

When it comes to seasoning, you can use a variety of options to add flavour to your mushrooms. Here are some suggestions:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder or granules
• Soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
• Worcestershire sauce (regular or vegetarian)
• Onion powder
• Fresh thyme
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Red chilli flakes
• Fresh rosemary

Simply toss the mushrooms in a bowl with the oil and your choice of seasonings until they are well coated. You can also add the mushrooms directly to the air fryer basket and toss them with the oil and seasonings, but some of the oil and seasonings may fall through the holes in the basket.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried mushrooms are a versatile side dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

On Toast

You can serve air-fried mushrooms on toast for a tasty brunch or lunch option. Start by toasting some sourdough bread. If you like, you can rub the toast with a garlic clove for extra flavour. Drizzle the toast with a little oil, then spoon the cooked mushrooms on top. You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley over the mushrooms for added freshness.

With Meat

Air-fried mushrooms go well with grilled meats such as pork, chicken, and steak. You can serve them as a side dish or mix them into your favourite meat dish. For example, you can add them to a tofu Buddha bowl or toss them with pasta and steak.

In Salads

Air-fried mushrooms can also be added to salads to give them a juicy and savoury boost. They would go particularly well with a roasted sweet potato and feta salad.

In Vegan Tacos

If you're looking for a vegan option, try adding air-fried mushrooms to tacos. They will give your tacos a juicy texture and a savoury flavour that will be irresistible.

With Pasta

Mushrooms and pasta are a classic combination. You can add air-fried mushrooms to your favourite pasta dish or try something new, such as a vegetable stir-fry with noodles.

As Nachos

For a fun and indulgent option, try making mushroom nachos. Add the mushrooms to a bed of cheesy vegetarian sweet potato nachos, and you'll have a delicious and addictive snack or meal.

In Sandwiches or Burgers

Air-fried mushrooms can also be added to sandwiches or burgers. Try them in a grilled chicken burger for a juicy and flavourful bite.

Reheating and storing

Allow the air-fried mushrooms to cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to reheat them, place them back in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Serve immediately and avoid reheating for a second time.

Tips for Reheating

• Keep an eye on the mushrooms as they are cooking and give the basket a good shake every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
• If you're using large portobello mushrooms, you may need to add a little more oil to the mixing bowl before reheating.
• If you only have regular olive oil, it's fine to use that instead of extra virgin olive oil.
• If you're serving the mushrooms as a side dish, they go well with grilled meats like pork, chicken, and steak, as well as salads and pasta.

Frequently asked questions