Air-Fryer Roasted Mushrooms: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Air fryers are a great way to cook mushrooms, and it only takes a few minutes! Depending on the size of your mushrooms, you'll want to roast them for 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F (180-200°C). You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as white button, cremini, baby bella, or chestnut mushrooms. Before cooking, be sure to clean and dry your mushrooms, then cut them into even slices or halves so they cook evenly. You can also season them with ingredients like oil, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and soy sauce to enhance their flavour.

How to prepare mushrooms for air frying

Preparing mushrooms for air frying is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Clean the Mushrooms

Start by gently washing the mushrooms in cold water. Use a paper towel or a mushroom brush to wipe off any dirt or residue. It is important not to soak the mushrooms as they can become soggy. Make sure to dry them thoroughly, removing as much moisture as possible.

Step 2: Cut the Mushrooms

Cut each mushroom into halves or quarters, depending on their size. The goal is to have evenly sized pieces so that they cook uniformly. If you are using whole mushrooms, opt for smaller ones as larger ones can take longer to cook.

Step 3: Season the Mushrooms

Place the cut mushrooms into a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil or melted butter, along with garlic (fresh or powder), onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the mushrooms until they are well coated with the seasonings. You can also add other ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or nutritional yeast to enhance the flavour.

Step 4: Arrange the Mushrooms in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned mushrooms into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can lead to uneven cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Mushrooms

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F (180°C). Cook the mushrooms for about 10 to 15 minutes, shaking and stirring them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on the mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. The mushrooms are done when they are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Once done, you can add additional seasonings, herbs, or cheese to taste. Serve the air-fried mushrooms as a side dish, topping, or enjoy them as a snack!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for roasting mushrooms in an air fryer depend on the type of mushrooms you are using and the level of crispiness you desire.

Temperature

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to around 350°F–400°F (180°C–200°C). However, some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 375°F (190°C).

Timing

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your mushrooms and your desired level of crispiness. As a general rule, whole mushrooms will take longer to cook than sliced mushrooms. Larger mushrooms should be halved or quartered to ensure even cooking.

For whole mushrooms, cook at the recommended temperature for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you prefer your mushrooms with a crispier texture, you can cook them for an additional 5 minutes.

For sliced mushrooms, 5–7 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient. Again, you can add a minute or two if you want them crispier.

It is important to note that air fryer models vary, so it is crucial to keep an eye on your mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning them.

Oil and seasoning options

When it comes to seasoning your mushrooms, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetable oil: Canola or rapeseed oil are great choices, but you can use any kind of vegetable oil you have on hand.
• Soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, choose tamari sauce. Alternatively, you can use Worcestershire sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To enhance the flavour and add a bit of spice.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, crushed or minced, can be added to the basket a few minutes before the end of cooking. You can also use garlic powder or garlic granules for a similar flavour.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary sprigs add a wonderful aroma and flavour to the mushrooms.
• Spices: Red chilli flakes can be added for an extra kick.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavour of the mushrooms.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 g) of mushrooms (white button, chestnut, or cremini)
• 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons of low-sodium soy sauce or tamari sauce
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of pepper

Instructions:

• Cut the mushrooms into thick slices or halves, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
• In a bowl, toss the mushrooms with the oil, soy sauce, rosemary, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.
• Place the mushrooms directly into the air fryer basket. There is no need to preheat the air fryer beforehand.
• Cook at 350°F/180°C for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Open the basket and check the mushrooms every 5 minutes, shaking the basket to ensure even cooking.
• The mushrooms are done when they are cooked through but still juicy. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out or burn.
• Serve with optional extras like sea salt flakes, red chilli flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Feel free to experiment with different oils, seasonings, and spices to find your favourite flavour combinations!

How to serve air-fried mushrooms

Air-fried mushrooms are a great side dish to serve with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Side Dish

You can serve air-fried mushrooms as a tasty side dish to complement your main course. They go well with steak, pasta, or a burger. The mushrooms are juicy with crispy edges, making them a delicious addition to your meal.

In a Buddha Bowl

If you're looking for a plant-based option, air-fried mushrooms are a great addition to a Buddha bowl. You can serve them with toasted bread, avocado, and other roasted vegetables.

With Toast or Avocado

Air-fried mushrooms pair well with toast. You can top a slice of toasted bread with avocado and some rosemary and soy mushrooms for a delicious breakfast or snack.

In a Salad

Air-fried mushrooms also work well in salads. Just be sure to let the mushrooms cool down before adding them to any cold dishes. You can also add them to a pasta salad for a heartier option.

As a Pizza Topping

If you're a pizza lover, consider using air-fried mushrooms as a topping. Their juicy texture and flavour will complement the cheese and dough perfectly.

In a Stir Fry

You can also add air-fried mushrooms to a stir fry. They will soak up the flavours of the other ingredients and add a nice texture to the dish.

With Eggs

Mushrooms are a great breakfast food, and air-fried mushrooms are no exception. Try adding them to an omelette or serving them on the side with some scrambled or fried eggs.

How to store and reheat leftover mushrooms

Roasting mushrooms in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. You can have delicious, juicy mushrooms with crispy edges in just 10 to 15 minutes. But what happens if you have leftovers? How do you store and reheat them safely?

Storing Cooked Mushrooms:

It's important to store cooked mushrooms properly to prevent bacteria growth. Here are the steps to follow:

• Let the mushrooms cool down: Don't leave cooked mushrooms at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Refrigerate: Place the mushrooms in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. They can be kept safely for up to 24 hours.
• Freeze: If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze sautéed mushrooms. Make sure to freeze them immediately after cooking and use them within a few months.

Reheating Cooked Mushrooms:

When it comes to reheating cooked mushrooms, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid microwaving: While it's safe to reheat mushrooms in a microwave, it's not the best method. Microwaving mushrooms can affect their texture and make them rubbery.
• Recommended method: The recommended way to reheat mushrooms is in an air fryer or on a stovetop. Heat them to a temperature of 158 °Fahrenheit or 70 °Celsius.
• Time frame: Ensure that you reheat the mushrooms within 24 hours of refrigeration.

By following these simple guidelines, you can safely store and reheat leftover mushrooms without compromising taste or food safety.

Frequently asked questions