Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms: The Ultimate Time Guide

Frozen breaded mushrooms can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy snack or appetizer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried mushrooms, with all the crunch and flavour.

How to prepare the mushrooms

Preparing frozen breaded mushrooms in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook them:

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need frozen breaded mushrooms, which you can find in the freezer section of your local supermarket. Look for plain frozen mushrooms to avoid any unwanted added ingredients. You can use any brand, such as Iceland or Farm Rich.

For this cooking method, you won't need to defrost the mushrooms. Simply open the bag and place the desired amount into a mixing bowl or any large bowl. It is important to note that breaded mushrooms tend to have a lot of excess crumbs, so be sure to remove these as they can burn during cooking and clog up your air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking the mushrooms at temperatures between 360°F and 400°F.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Place the breaded mushrooms into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches.

Cooking times may vary, but on average, the mushrooms will take around 10 minutes to cook. For best results, shake the basket or toss the mushrooms halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Serve

Once the mushrooms are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish. You can serve them as a snack, appetiser, or side dish. They go well with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, ranch, or buffalo sauce.

How to cook the mushrooms

How to Cook Frozen Breaded Mushrooms in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen breaded mushrooms
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt or seasoning of choice
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Serving dish

Method

• Open the bag of frozen breaded mushrooms and pour them into a mixing bowl.
• Remove the mushrooms from the bowl one by one, shaking off any excess breadcrumbs, and place them into the air fryer.
• Get rid of any remaining excess crumbs—these can burn during cooking and clog up your air fryer.
• Set your air fryer to 180°C/360°F and cook the mushrooms for 10 minutes.
• Once they're done, remove the mushrooms from the air fryer and place them on a serving dish.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, if desired. We recommend a mixture of tomato ketchup and mayonnaise, or ranch or buffalo sauce.

How to serve the mushrooms

Now that you've cooked your frozen breaded mushrooms in the air fryer, it's time to serve them! Here are some ideas and suggestions for serving these delicious treats:

Dipping Sauces

A variety of dipping sauces can elevate your breaded mushrooms. Some popular options include ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, and warm marinara sauce. You can also get creative and make your own unique sauce to impress your guests.

Appetizers and Snacks

Breaded mushrooms make a great snack or appetizer for parties, movie nights, or casual get-togethers. They are perfect as finger food and can be served alongside other appetizers like potato skins, chicken wings, or crispy fried pickles.

Main Course Companions

Breaded mushrooms can also accompany a main course. They go well with burgers as a replacement for fries, or you can serve them with a ribeye steak for a gourmet touch. They can add a crunchy, juicy element to your meal.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover mushrooms, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for about two months. When reheating, you can use the air fryer, microwave, oven, or toaster oven to restore their crispy texture.

Customization

You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as baby portobello or cremini mushrooms. Additionally, feel free to add your own spices and seasonings to the breading for an extra kick of flavor.

With these serving suggestions, you're ready to enjoy your air-fried frozen breaded mushrooms to the fullest!

How to store leftover mushrooms

Storing leftover mushrooms is a tricky business, as they are delicate and perishable. Here is a detailed guide on how to store leftover mushrooms to keep them fresh for as long as possible:

Storing Mushrooms in the Refrigerator

The refrigerator is the best place to store leftover mushrooms and prolong their shelf life. Here are some methods to try:

• Brown Bag: Place whole, unwashed mushrooms in a brown paper bag and fold the top over to seal. The paper bag absorbs moisture, keeping the mushrooms dry and fresh.
• Paper Towels: If you don't have a brown paper bag, wrap the mushrooms in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator. The paper towel will absorb moisture, similar to the brown bag method.
• Avoid Plastic: If your mushrooms are in a sealed plastic container, take them out and store them using one of the above methods. Plastic containers can trap moisture and speed up spoilage.
• Storage Location: Keep mushrooms away from strong-smelling foods in the fridge, as they will absorb those odours.
• Sliced Mushrooms: If you have sliced mushrooms, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storing Mushrooms in the Freezer

If you want to keep your mushrooms for longer than a week, you can freeze them. However, fresher mushrooms tend to freeze better, so it is recommended to freeze them sooner rather than later. Here is how to do it:

• Briefly cook the mushrooms first, as this will help preserve their quality and flavour when frozen. You can lightly sauté them in butter or steam them whole or sliced.
• Once the mushrooms are cooked, let them cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Signs Mushrooms Have Gone Bad

Even when stored properly, mushrooms won't last forever. Discard them if they become slimy, wrinkled, soggy, spongy, or darker than their original colour. They will also develop a strong smell and mould when they have gone bad. However, if your mushrooms only have a few dark spots, they are still safe to eat – just use them soon.

How to reheat the mushrooms

There are a few ways to reheat your air-fried mushrooms. If you're short on time, you can pop them in the microwave for about 3 minutes on medium power. For a crispier texture, use your oven and reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7 minutes. If your mushrooms are frozen, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.

If you're reheating a larger batch, consider using the air fryer again. Simply place the mushrooms back into the air fryer and cook in 1-minute increments until heated through. From frozen, it will take about 6-8 minutes in the air fryer.

No matter which method you choose, always ensure your mushrooms are heated thoroughly before serving. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions