Air Fryer Mushrooms: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer mushrooms are a quick and easy dish to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients. They can be cooked in under 20 minutes and make a great side dish or snack. You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as white button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms, and season them with olive oil, garlic, and soy sauce to taste. The air fryer ensures the mushrooms are juicy with a crispy texture, without the hassle of frying on a stovetop.

Choosing the right mushrooms

Variety

Portobello, shiitake, button, cremini, and oyster mushrooms are all excellent choices for air frying. These varieties tend to hold their shape and texture well when exposed to high temperatures. They also have a pleasant flavour and can be easily sourced from most grocery stores.

Freshness

When choosing mushrooms, always opt for fresh ones. Look for firm, unblemished mushrooms with a smooth, dry surface. Avoid any that appear slimy, shrivelled, or discoloured, as these may affect the taste and texture of your dish.

Size

It is important to ensure that the mushrooms are all roughly the same size. This will help them cook evenly in the air fryer, preventing some from being overcooked or undercooked. If you are using larger mushrooms, cut them into halves or quarters to ensure uniform size.

Preparation

Before cooking, clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water, as they tend to absorb moisture and become soggy. Ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly dried before adding any oil or seasoning.

Oil and Seasoning

Mushrooms pair well with various oils and seasonings. Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter are all excellent choices for coating the mushrooms before air frying. For seasoning, you can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or soy sauce to enhance the flavour of the mushrooms.

Remember to toss the mushrooms with the oil and seasoning of your choice until they are evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite of your air fryer mushrooms is packed with flavour.

By following these simple guidelines when choosing and preparing your mushrooms, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and successful air fryer mushroom dish.

Preparing the mushrooms

Next, cut the mushrooms into even slices. If you are using larger mushrooms, you can cut them into halves or quarters. The goal is to have all the mushrooms roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. Place the sliced mushrooms into a medium-sized bowl.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. You can use olive oil or melted butter, along with garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the mushrooms in the bowl until they are well coated with the seasonings. You can also add other seasonings like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or nutritional yeast to enhance the flavor.

Once the mushrooms are seasoned to your liking, it's time to cook them. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches. Set the air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 400°F, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket at least once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on the mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning them.

Once they are golden brown and slightly crispy, they are ready to be served! You can add some extra seasonings to taste, or top them with Parmesan cheese, onion powder, or fresh herbs. These air fryer mushrooms make a delicious and easy side dish or snack.

Seasoning the mushrooms

Once the mushrooms are prepared, it's time to add the seasonings. For a basic recipe, you can use olive oil or avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the mushrooms in the oil and seasonings until they are well coated. You can also add ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or soy sauce to enhance the flavour. If you want a more complex flavour profile, you can try adding Worcestershire sauce, vegetarian or regular, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.

For an extra crispy texture, you can dip the seasoned mushrooms in beaten eggs and then coat them with a mixture of flour, bread crumbs, and additional seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. This will give the mushrooms a crispy crumb coating when cooked in the air fryer.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of mushrooms and seasonings to find your favourite combinations. Some popular mushroom varieties for air frying include white button, cremini, baby bella, and Portobello mushrooms. You can also try adding fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary, or spices like red chilli flakes, to give your mushrooms an extra flavour boost.

Cooking the mushrooms

The first step to cooking mushrooms in an air fryer is to clean them. Wipe them with a damp paper towel or gently brush off any dirt with a mushroom brush or paper towel. Avoid soaking them or washing them too much as mushrooms are porous and will soak up water.

Next, cut the mushrooms into halves or quarters, depending on their size. It is important that the pieces are all roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. Place the cut mushrooms into a bowl and toss them with your chosen seasonings and oil until they are well coated. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or soy sauce.

Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches. Set the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket at least once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking.

The mushrooms are done when they are golden brown and slightly crispy. You can add additional seasonings to taste after they are done cooking. You can also top them with parmesan cheese, onion powder, or other fresh herbs or seasonings. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Serving the mushrooms

Air fryer mushrooms can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish

Air fryer mushrooms make a delicious and easy side dish that goes well with almost any meal. They can be served alongside a juicy steak, burger, or sandwich to add extra moisture and flavour. You can also toss them with a pasta dish, such as fettuccine alfredo or beef stroganoff, or mix them into stir-fry vegetables or omelettes.

As a Topping

Air fryer mushrooms are versatile and can be used as a topping for various dishes. Try them on your favourite steak, burger, or sandwich, or use them to top a pizza or salad. They can also be added to sauces, mashed potatoes, soups, or pasta.

As a Snack

These mushrooms also make a great snack on their own or dipped into homemade ranch dressing.

With Other Flavour Enhancers

When serving air fryer mushrooms, you can enhance their flavour by adding some extra sea salt flakes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, red chilli flakes, or fresh herbs like parsley. If you want a garlic kick, add a clove of crushed or minced garlic to the basket about 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions