Air-Fryer Mushrooms: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

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 delicious and healthy side dish that can be served with steak, chicken, tofu, or simply enjoyed straight from the bowl.

Air fryer temperature for mushrooms

The ideal temperature for cooking mushrooms in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C).

Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) of mushrooms (white button, cremini, chestnut, or baby bella)
• 2 teaspoons of vegetable, avocado, or olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons of low-sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or tamari sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or granules
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs (e.g. parsley), lemon juice, or red chili flakes for serving

Instructions:

• Cut the mushrooms into halves or quarters, ensuring they are all similar in size.
• In a bowl, toss the mushrooms with the oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, and seasonings until well coated.
• Place the mushrooms directly into the air fryer basket. No need to preheat the air fryer.
• Cook at 350°F-380°F (180°C-190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking and stirring the basket halfway through.
• Check the mushrooms every 5 minutes and cook until tender, being careful not to overcook.
• Serve with optional fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or red chili flakes.

Tips for Cooking Mushrooms in the Air Fryer:

• Cook in a single layer to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Shake the basket halfway through to prevent sogginess and ensure even cooking.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so check the mushrooms frequently to avoid overcooking.

How to prepare mushrooms for the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook mushrooms, and it's super easy to prepare them. You can use any type of mushroom, but popular choices include white button mushrooms, cremini/baby bella mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms, and portobello mushrooms.

Cleaning and Cutting

First, you'll want to clean your mushrooms. Avoid rinsing them with water, as this can make them soggy. Instead, use a damp paper towel to wipe away any dirt. Then, cut the mushrooms into even-sized pieces. You can halve or quarter them, or cut each quarter into halves again for smaller pieces. Try to make the sizes as consistent as possible so they cook evenly.

Seasoning and Cooking

Next, toss the mushrooms with your desired seasonings and oil. You can use a bowl for this, or you can place them directly into the air fryer basket and toss them with the seasonings there. Popular seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder or granules, soy sauce, and rosemary. Make sure the mushrooms are in a single layer in the basket, or as close to a single layer as possible.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature can vary slightly depending on the type and size of mushroom and the model of your air fryer. Most recipes suggest cooking the mushrooms at either 350°F/180°C or 400°F/200°C for around 10-15 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on them and shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking. The mushrooms are done when they are golden and beginning to crisp up.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer mushrooms make a great side dish and can be served with steak, chicken, tofu, or pasta. You can also serve them on toast, in a salad, in vegan tacos, or in sandwiches or burgers. For an extra flavour boost, sprinkle on some parmesan cheese, squeeze on some lemon juice, or add some red chilli flakes.

How long to cook mushrooms in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook mushrooms, and it's super easy to do. You can use any type of mushroom, but some popular options include white button mushrooms, cremini/baby bella mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and portabella mushrooms.

The first step is to prepare the mushrooms. Give them a quick clean with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt, but avoid rinsing them with water as they can become soggy. You can then cut the mushrooms into your desired size. For even cooking, it's best to have them all roughly the same size. If you're making a side dish, you might want to slice them into thick pieces, keeping them around the same size so they cook evenly. If you're cooking the mushrooms whole, you can halve or quarter them, which will give you juicy mushrooms with crispy edges.

Next, you'll want to toss the mushrooms with your chosen ingredients. This could include oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some rosemary or thyme for extra flavour. Make sure everything is well coated before placing the mushrooms into the air fryer basket.

Now, it's time to cook! The cooking time will depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of mushrooms you're cooking. As a guide, chopped mushrooms will take around 10 minutes to cook at 180°C/350°F. Whole mushrooms may take a little longer, around 10 minutes at 200°C/375°F. Be sure to keep an eye on them and give the basket a shake every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Once they're nicely browned and tender, they're ready to serve! You can sprinkle over some sea salt flakes, red chilli flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra flavour.

And that's it! You now have delicious, juicy air-fried mushrooms that make the perfect side dish or addition to any meal.

How to serve mushrooms as a main dish

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for serving mushrooms as a main dish:

Mushroom Stew

A hearty and aromatic mushroom stew is a perfect main dish for a cold day. This dish combines mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomato paste, white wine, and vegetable broth, thickened with a cornstarch slurry or heavy cream. It is best served over polenta or mashed potatoes.

Grilled Mushroom Kabobs

Grilled mushroom kabobs are a great way to showcase the earthy flavor of mushrooms. Thread large mushroom pieces onto skewers and grill them to perfection. A balsamic vinegar glaze adds a tangy touch to this savory dish.

Portobello Mushroom Tacos

Portobello mushrooms are a great vegetarian option for tacos. Season and grill the mushrooms, then serve them in warmed tortillas with your favorite toppings and cheese.

Mushroom Pasta

Mushrooms pair well with pasta, especially in a creamy sauce. Try making a mushroom carbonara or a one-pot white wine pasta with mushrooms and leeks. For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth in the sauce.

Mushroom Quiche

Mushrooms add heartiness to a quiche. Try making a mushroom and asparagus quiche with an easy crescent roll crust for a quick and tasty main dish.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms can be a satisfying main dish. Try making Moroccan-stuffed mushrooms with couscous, coriander, and cumin, or spinach and artichoke-stuffed mushrooms for a tasty and elegant option.

Mushroom Risotto

Risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that pairs well with mushrooms. Try making a roasted mushroom and vermouth risotto or a dried porcini mushroom risotto with goat cheese for an indulgent main course.

Mushroom Pizzas

Mushrooms are a classic pizza topping, but you can also use them as a base. Try making a Portobello mushroom and red pepper pizza or get creative with your own favorite toppings.

Wild Rice with Mushrooms

Wild rice and mushrooms is a flavorful and earthy dish that can be served as a main course. Add cranberries and chestnuts for a touch of sweetness and texture.

Mushroom Burgers

Mushrooms add depth of flavor to burgers. Try making mushroom Swiss burgers with heaping amounts of mushrooms and Swiss cheese, or Portobello mushroom burgers for a vegetarian option.

Mushroom Dumplings

Mushrooms make a rich and satisfying filling for dumplings. Try making mushroom dumplings in a toasted ginger and garlic broth for a comforting main dish.

Roasted Mushrooms

Roasting mushrooms intensifies their flavor. Try making roasted king oyster mushrooms or roasted mixed wild mushrooms and serving them with your favorite sides.

Mushroom Shepherd's Pie

For a vegetarian twist on a classic, try making a wild mushroom shepherd's pie with a potato-chestnut topping. This dish is sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

How to store and reheat air-fried mushrooms

Air-fried mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can reheat them without losing their crispiness. Here's a guide on how to store and reheat your air-fried mushrooms:

Storing Air-Fried Mushrooms:

Before storing your cooked mushrooms, let them cool down to room temperature. You can store cooked mushrooms in the refrigerator in their original packaging or a porous paper bag, like a brown paper bag, for up to a week. Avoid using plastic containers as they can hasten spoilage.

Reheating Air-Fried Mushrooms in an Air Fryer:

If you're looking to reheat your air-fried mushrooms, the air fryer is an excellent option to restore their crispiness. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by bringing your fried mushrooms to room temperature if they have been refrigerated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 1-2 minutes.
• Line the basket of the air fryer with baking paper to prevent mess and make cleaning easier.
• Place the mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Reheat the mushrooms at the maximum setting for 5-7 minutes, depending on the quantity.
• For even crisping, consider flipping the mushrooms halfway through the reheating process.
• Check periodically to prevent overcooking, and remove them from the air fryer when they're golden brown and crispy.

Additional Tips for Reheating:

• If your mushrooms have lost some coating, give them a light dusting of seasoned flour before reheating to enhance their crispy layer.
• Spraying the mushrooms with a light mist of cooking oil can also help crisp them up during reheating.
• For crispy results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can hinder even heating.
• Flip the mushrooms over halfway through the reheating process to ensure even crisping on all sides.
• Fried mushrooms are best served immediately after reheating, as delaying consumption may lead to a loss of crispiness.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your air-fried mushrooms as if they were freshly cooked!

Frequently asked questions