Air-Fryer Mushrooms: The Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Air fryers are a great way to cook mushrooms. They come out juicy, with crispy edges, and full of flavour. The best part? They're ready in 10-15 minutes! You can use any type of mushroom, but it's important to cut them into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly. You'll also want to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so that they roast instead of steam. If you're looking for a tasty and simple side dish, air fryer mushrooms are the way to go!

Air Fryer Mushrooms Characteristics and Values Table

How to prepare mushrooms for the air fryer

Preparing mushrooms for the air fryer is a simple process. First, select your mushrooms. You can use any variety, such as white button, cremini (also known as baby bella), chestnut, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms. Fresh mushrooms are best to maintain texture without becoming slimy.

Before placing them in the air fryer, it is important to clean the mushrooms. Avoid rinsing them with water, as this can make them soggy. Instead, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt.

Next, cut the mushrooms into even-sized pieces. You can halve or quarter them, or cut each mushroom into eighths to get crispy edges. Try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible to ensure even cooking.

After cutting, toss the mushrooms with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. For seasonings, you might try garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss the mushrooms until they are well coated.

Once the mushrooms are prepared, you can place them directly into the air fryer basket. There is no need to preheat the air fryer beforehand. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C) and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on the mushrooms to avoid overcooking, as they are best when juicy and tender with crispy edges.

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, the size of the mushrooms, and the size of the air fryer.

As a general rule, whole mushrooms take around 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F/200°C. If you are cooking sliced mushrooms, these will take a little longer, around 15 minutes at 350°F/180°C.

It is important to ensure that the mushrooms are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as this will cause them to "steam" rather than roast. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches.

When cooking mushrooms in an air fryer, it is also important to shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• For whole mushrooms, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C and cook for 10 minutes.
• For sliced mushrooms, cook at 350°F/180°C for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For chopped mushrooms, cook at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes.

Oil and seasoning

The type of oil and seasoning you use for your air-fried mushrooms can make a big difference in the taste and texture of the final dish. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you achieve the best results:

Oil

When it comes to choosing an oil for air-frying mushrooms, you have several options:

• Vegetable oil is a good choice, with canola and rapeseed oil being common varieties.
• Olive oil is another popular option, and it's worth noting that extra virgin olive oil is often used as a finishing oil, adding a final touch of flavour to the dish.
• Avocado oil is also suitable and can be used in place of olive oil.
• Grapeseed oil is another alternative with a high smoke point.

It's important to use enough oil to coat the mushrooms adequately. Two tablespoons of oil is usually sufficient, but you may need to adjust this amount depending on the quantity of mushrooms you are cooking. If you prefer to use less oil, you can use an oil mister or cooking spray. However, keep in mind that cooking spray can make non-stick surfaces sticky over time, so it's best to avoid spraying it directly into your air fryer.

Seasoning

Seasoning plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavour of your air-fried mushrooms. Here are some common and recommended seasonings:

• Salt and pepper are basic seasonings that can be adjusted to taste.
• Garlic is a popular choice and can be used in various forms, such as garlic powder, granules, or fresh cloves.
• Soy sauce adds a savoury flavour to the mushrooms. Reduced-sodium or low-sodium varieties are often preferred, and tamari sauce can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
• Worcestershire sauce can be used instead of, or in addition to, soy sauce. It adds a salty, savoury flavour to the dish.
• Onion powder can be used alongside garlic powder to create a savoury flavour profile.
• Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can add wonderful aromatics and depth of flavour to your mushrooms.
• Lemon juice can be added after cooking to brighten the flavours and add a tangy twist.
• Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled over the cooked mushrooms for an extra layer of savoury flavour.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile. You can also try adding a teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra savouriness, or tossing the mushrooms in melted butter for a richer flavour.

Serving suggestions

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

On Toast

Air-fried mushrooms make a great topping for toast, especially sourdough. For extra flavour, rub the toast with a garlic clove before drizzling with oil and spooning the mushrooms on top. You can also sprinkle on some chopped parsley.

With Meat

Air-fried mushrooms are the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats such as pork, chicken, and steak. They can also be served with tofu, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

In a Salad

Add some air-fried mushrooms to a salad for a tasty lunch or light dinner option. They would go particularly well with a roasted sweet potato and feta salad.

In a Buddha Bowl

Air-fried mushrooms are a delicious addition to a Buddha bowl, especially when served with avocado and/or tofu.

In a Sandwich or Burger

Try adding some air-fried mushrooms to your next sandwich or burger. They would go well with grilled chicken, or a vegetarian option.

With Pasta

Toss some air-fried mushrooms with your favourite pasta for a quick and easy dinner. They would also work well in a vegetable stir-fry with noodles.

As Nachos

For a vegetarian twist on nachos, add air-fried mushrooms to a bed of cheesy vegetarian sweet potato nachos.

As Tacos

Air-fried mushrooms are a great filling for vegan tacos.

As a Starter

Serve air-fried mushrooms as a starter or appetiser, either on their own or with a dip such as blue cheese or buttermilk ranch dressing.

Storing and reheating

Air-fried mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the mushrooms back into the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for about 5 minutes. This will help restore some crispiness to the mushrooms. It is best to avoid reheating them more than once.

• Let the mushrooms cool to room temperature before storing them. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy.
• If you want to reheat a large batch of mushrooms, you may need to do so in batches to ensure even heating.
• You can also reheat the mushrooms in a skillet or frying pan on the stovetop. Heat them on medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through.
• If you want to add some extra flavour when reheating, you can toss the mushrooms with a small amount of oil, butter, or your favourite seasonings before placing them in the air fryer or stovetop.
• For the best texture and taste, it is recommended to enjoy the mushrooms within 2-3 days of cooking them.

Frequently asked questions