Air Fryer Mushrooms: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a valuable appliance that can cook mushrooms to perfection in just 10-15 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. They are incredibly easy to make and only require basic ingredients.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried mushrooms depend on the type of mushrooms you are using, the size of the mushrooms, and the size of your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C).

Air fryer cooking time

The cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer, the amount of mushrooms you are cooking, and the size of the mushrooms. Cooking times range from 10 to 15 minutes.

For example, chopped mushrooms will take around 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C). Larger mushrooms may take a little longer, up to 15 minutes.

It is important to keep an eye on your mushrooms while they are cooking, as different air fryers may cook at different temperatures, and you don't want your mushrooms to burn. It is also a good idea to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare mushrooms for the air fryer

Preparing mushrooms for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose and Clean Your Mushrooms

The first step is to select the mushrooms you want to cook. You can use various types, such as white button mushrooms, cremini, chestnut, or baby bella mushrooms. It is important to clean the mushrooms before cooking. Avoid soaking them, as they can become soggy. Instead, use a mushroom brush with gentle bristles or a paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt or residue.

Step 2: Slice the Mushrooms

After cleaning, slice the mushrooms into even pieces. You can halve or quarter them, depending on their size, but try to ensure they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Remove the stems, and if using whole mushrooms, opt for smaller ones as they will cook faster.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoning

Place the sliced mushrooms in a medium-sized bowl. Add your choice of oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter. Then, add your preferred seasonings. You can use garlic (fresh, minced, or powder), onion powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss the mushrooms in the bowl until they are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Transfer the seasoned mushrooms to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches.

Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (depending on your recipe and air fryer model). Cook the mushrooms for around 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on the mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking or burning them.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the mushrooms are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can season them with additional salt, pepper, or red chili flakes, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy air-fried mushrooms to enjoy as a side dish or topping for your favorite meals.

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil you'll need for your air-fried mushrooms depends on the type of mushrooms you're using. Larger mushrooms, such as portobello mushrooms, will require more oil, while smaller mushrooms, such as white button mushrooms, will need less. As a rule of thumb, you'll want to use enough oil to ensure that all the mushrooms are well-coated. This will help them cook evenly and give them a nice crispy texture.

When it comes to the type of oil, you have a lot of flexibility. Most recipes call for vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. However, you can also use grapeseed oil, canola oil, or any other oil with a high smoke point. It's best to avoid non-stick sprays, as these can damage your air fryer over time.

If you're looking to reduce the amount of oil you're using, you can try using an oil mister or cooking spray. Just be aware that cooking spray can make the air fryer basket sticky over time.

Now, let's talk about seasoning. The great thing about air-fried mushrooms is that they go well with almost any seasoning. Here are some popular options:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder or granules
• Soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
• Worcestershire sauce (regular or vegetarian)
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Red chilli flakes
• Lemon juice

You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile.

When seasoning your mushrooms, it's best to combine them with the oil and seasonings in a bowl before transferring them to the air fryer basket. This ensures that everything is well-coated and helps to reduce the amount of oil and seasoning that falls through the holes in the basket.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a side, snack, or topping. They can be tossed with pasta, added to sandwiches or burgers, or mixed into sauces, mashed potatoes, soups, or omelettes.

For a simple side dish, air-fried mushrooms can be served with steak, chicken, or seafood. They also pair well with other vegetables, such as roasted cauliflower, asparagus, or baked potatoes.

If you're looking for something more substantial, air-fried mushrooms can be added to a Buddha bowl or served on toasted bread with avocado.

For a vegetarian option, air-fried mushrooms can be the star of a Buddha bowl or served with tofu or vegetable-based sides.

No matter how you serve them, air-fried mushrooms are a delicious and easy way to add flavour and texture to your meal.

Reheating and storing

Air-fried mushrooms are best reheated in the air fryer, as this helps them retain their crispy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Defrosting/Bringing to Room Temperature

First, take your fried mushrooms out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This is an important step as it ensures that your mushrooms don't become soggy when reheated.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This is a good temperature to ensure your mushrooms get crispy without burning.

Preparing the Air Fryer Basket

Line the basket of the air fryer with baking paper. This makes the cleaning process easier and prevents a mess.

Reheating the Mushrooms

Place the leftover fried mushrooms in the lined basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Overcrowding will cause the mushrooms to "'steam' instead of roast" and will affect their texture.

Close the air fryer and set the timer for 5 minutes. After this time, check on the mushrooms. They should be starting to crisp up. If they need more time, put them back in for another minute or two.

The total reheating time will depend on the number of mushrooms you are reheating and their size. It is a good idea to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving

Once the mushrooms are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Storing Mushrooms

When storing mushrooms, it is important to keep them dry to prevent them from releasing water and becoming soggy. Do not wash mushrooms before storing, as this will shorten their shelf life.

The best way to store fresh mushrooms is to place them in a brown paper bag and fold the top over to seal. The paper bag will absorb any moisture, keeping the mushrooms fresh. Alternatively, wrap them in a paper towel and place them in a bowl in the refrigerator.

If you have already sliced the mushrooms, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sliced mushrooms should be used within three days, while whole mushrooms should be used within a week.

Freezing Mushrooms

If you want to store your mushrooms for longer, you can freeze them. However, it is best to cook them first to preserve their quality and flavor. Lightly sauté them in butter or steam them, then let them cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen mushrooms will keep for up to 12 months.

Reheating Mushrooms from Frozen

To reheat frozen mushrooms in the air fryer, follow the same process as above, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When reheating mushrooms in an air fryer, make sure they are not overcrowded in the basket, as this will affect their texture. Also, be sure to check on them frequently to prevent burning.

Frequently asked questions