Air-Fryer Mushrooms: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to stir-fries and omelettes. Cooking mushrooms in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them, resulting in juicy mushrooms with crispy edges in just 10-15 minutes. The air fryer method is perfect for cooking whole mushrooms, which stay juicy in the middle while caramelising on the outside, although sliced mushrooms can also be used. The key to successful air-fried mushrooms is ensuring they are all a similar size to cook evenly, and not overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent steaming.

How to cut mushrooms for the air fryer

To prepare your mushrooms for air frying, start by cleaning them with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush to remove any dirt. You can also wipe them with a damp paper towel, but avoid rinsing them directly under water as this can make them soggy.

Once they're clean, cut the mushrooms into thick slices, halving them or cutting them into quarters for larger mushrooms. Try to make the slices an even size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. If you're using whole mushrooms, opt for smaller ones as they will cook faster.

After cutting, place the mushrooms in a bowl and toss them with your chosen seasonings and oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter, along with seasonings like garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the mushrooms are well coated.

Now your mushrooms are ready to be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked according to your recipe instructions!

How to season mushrooms for the air fryer

To season mushrooms for the air fryer, you can use a variety of ingredients to enhance their flavour. Firstly, it is important to clean the mushrooms before seasoning and air frying them. Use a mushroom brush with gentle bristles or a damp paper towel to wipe away any dirt. Avoid soaking the mushrooms as this can make them soggy.

Once cleaned, cut the mushrooms into thick slices, ideally in halves, but you can cut them into smaller pieces if they are large. Try to ensure that the slices are of even size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. Place the sliced mushrooms in a bowl and add your choice of seasoning. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter, along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add soy sauce for a salty flavour or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Toss the mushrooms in the bowl until they are well coated with the seasonings.

For garlic mushrooms, add a clove of crushed or minced garlic to the air fryer basket about 5 minutes before the cooking ends. Alternatively, you can add the garlic to the bowl and toss it with the mushrooms before air frying.

Air fryer temperature and time for cooking mushrooms

The ideal temperature and time for cooking mushrooms in an air fryer depend on the size of the mushrooms and the desired texture. It is recommended to cook whole mushrooms for a juicier texture, while sliced or quartered mushrooms will have crispy edges.

For whole mushrooms, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Then, place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. This will result in golden brown, softened, and juicy mushrooms. If you prefer your mushrooms with a crispy texture, you can cook them for an additional 5 minutes.

If you are using sliced or quartered mushrooms, it is recommended to cook them at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. This will give them a slightly crispy texture. To ensure even cooking, it is important to cut the mushrooms into similar sizes.

It is worth noting that different air fryers may cook at varying temperatures, so it is important to keep an eye on the mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning them. Additionally, if you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

How to serve air-fried mushrooms

Air-fried mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or used as a topping or mix-in. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer.

As a Side Dish

Air-fried mushrooms can be served as a delicious and easy side dish to accompany a variety of meals. They pair particularly well with steak, adding a juicy and flavourful element to the dish. They can also be served alongside roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or baked potatoes, or simply enjoyed on their own.

As a Topping

Air-fried mushrooms make a great topping for a variety of dishes. Try adding them to your favourite burger or sandwich for extra moisture and flavour. They can also be tossed with pasta, such as fettuccini alfredo or beef stroganoff, to make the meal more hearty and filling. For a lighter option, cool the mushrooms and use them as a salad topping.

Mix-Ins

Air-fried mushrooms can be mixed into a variety of dishes to add flavour and texture. Try stirring them into stir-fry vegetables, omelettes, or gravy. They can also be sliced and mixed into sauces, mashed potatoes, or soups. For a more indulgent option, mix them with melted butter or cheese.

Seasonings and Flavourings

When serving air-fried mushrooms, consider enhancing their flavour with various seasonings and flavourings. Common options include garlic (freshly minced or in powder form), soy sauce, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper. For a cheesy flavour, nutritional yeast can be added, while parsley can be used as a garnish.

Reheating and storing air-fried mushrooms

Air-fried mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, straight out of the fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat them to restore their crispiness and flavour.

Firstly, it is important to note that mushrooms have a high water content, so it is best not to rinse them with water. Instead, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel before cooking.

When reheating fried mushrooms, it is recommended to use an air fryer or an oven. This will help to achieve that desirable crispiness. If you notice that the coating has come off the mushrooms, give them a light dusting of seasoned flour before reheating to restore the crispy layer. You can also spritz them with a light mist of cooking oil. Additionally, flipping the mushrooms over halfway through the reheating process will ensure even crispness.

It is best to consume the mushrooms immediately after reheating, as delaying consumption may result in a loss of crispiness. While it is safe to reheat mushrooms in a microwave, it may not produce the desired crispy texture.

When storing mushrooms, keep them in their original packaging or a porous paper bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you have cooked mushrooms, you can freeze them for up to a month, but avoid freezing fresh mushrooms as they will become mushy when thawed.

Frequently asked questions