Air-Fryer Battered Mushrooms: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Battered mushrooms are a great snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. To make battered mushrooms in an air fryer, you will need mushrooms (button, cremini or baby portobello), eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. You can also add olive oil to the egg mixture to help the breadcrumbs stick better. The process involves dipping the mushrooms in the egg mixture, coating them with the breadcrumbs and spices, and then air frying them for about 10 minutes until they are golden brown. You can serve them with dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, or Caesar dressing.

Choosing the right mushrooms

Variety

When it comes to variety, button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and baby portobello mushrooms are excellent choices for air frying. White button mushrooms are a popular option, as they are tender and work well as bite-sized appetizers. Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, offer a similar flavour and texture to white button mushrooms. If you prefer a slightly larger option, baby portobello mushrooms, sometimes labelled as portabellini mushrooms, are a good choice. They have a more robust flavour and a meatier texture.

Freshness and Quality

Always select fresh, firm mushrooms with intact caps and gills. Avoid mushrooms that appear slimy, shrivelled, or dried out. Look for mushrooms with a bright, smooth appearance and a slight sheen. Check the stems to ensure they are not dry or brittle, as this can indicate that the mushrooms are past their prime.

Size and Uniformity

For air frying, it is important to choose mushrooms that are relatively uniform in size. This ensures even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from overcooking or larger pieces from remaining undercooked. Look for mushrooms that are similar in size or, if necessary, cut larger mushrooms into halves or quarters to create evenly sized pieces. Aim for bite-sized pieces, as this makes them easier to cook and enjoy as an appetizer.

Quantity

When planning your recipe, consider the quantity of mushrooms you will need. As a guide, a typical serving size for battered mushrooms is around 4 to 6 mushrooms per person. Adjust the recipe accordingly to ensure you have enough for your desired number of servings.

Preparation and Storage

Before using your chosen mushrooms, clean them gently with a damp cloth or a soft vegetable brush to remove any dirt. It is generally not recommended to wash mushrooms as they absorb water easily, which can affect their texture and flavour. If the mushrooms are pre-packaged, follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Fresh mushrooms are best stored in a paper bag or a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

By following these guidelines, you can select the right mushrooms and ensure your air-fried battered mushrooms turn out delicious!

Preparing the mushrooms

Firstly, select the right type of mushrooms. Button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and baby portobello mushrooms are all excellent choices. You can also use white button mushrooms or Crimini/baby bella mushrooms if you prefer. The mushrooms should be bite-sized or cut into halves or quarters if they are larger. This ensures that they cook evenly.

Before coating the mushrooms, it is important to clean and dry them thoroughly. Use a damp cloth or a vegetable scrubber to gently remove any dirt. You can also trim the stems to make coating them easier. Once cleaned, place the mushrooms on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Now, it's time to set up your breading station. You will need three shallow bowls or trays: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and another for breadcrumbs. For the flour, you can use all-purpose flour or experiment with gluten-free alternatives like Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour. In a separate bowl, beat one or two eggs, depending on the quantity of mushrooms you are preparing. Finally, prepare the breadcrumbs by mixing plain or panko breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add some spice with cayenne or chipotle powder. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations.

With your breading station ready, it's time to start coating the mushrooms. First, dredge each mushroom in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring the mushroom is fully coated. Finally, roll the mushroom in the seasoned breadcrumbs until completely covered. Place each breaded mushroom on a plate or cooling rack while you prepare the rest.

Once all the mushrooms are coated, it's a good idea to preheat your air fryer to around 380°F to 400°F. Preheating ensures that the breading starts to cook immediately, preventing the mushrooms from releasing too much moisture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Making the batter

Preparing the Mushrooms:

Start by cleaning your mushrooms. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe them and remove any dirt. You can also give them a gentle scrub with a vegetable brush if needed. If you're using larger mushrooms, cut them into halves or quarters to make them bite-sized. The goal is to have mushrooms that are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Dry Coating:

Prepare three shallow bowls or trays for the dry coating process. Fill one with all-purpose flour, the second with lightly beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. You can use plain or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. If you want a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free flour blend designed for a 1:1 ratio with all-purpose flour.

Seasoning:

This is where you can get creative and add some extra flavour to your mushrooms. In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just sea salt and pepper, or add some extra spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or cayenne pepper for a kick.

Battering the Mushrooms:

Now, you're ready to start battering the mushrooms. Set up an assembly line with your prepared bowls. First, dredge the mushroom pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, making sure they are well coated. Finally, toss them in the seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring they are thoroughly covered.

Place each breaded mushroom on a plate or cooling rack while you prepare the rest. If your mushrooms are piled on top of each other, they may not get as crispy, so it's important to give them a little space. You might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

While you're battering the mushrooms, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400°F (180-200°C). Preheating is essential to ensure the mushrooms cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Final Steps:

Once your air fryer is hot and your mushrooms are battered, it's time to cook them. Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Give the mushrooms a light spritz with a cooking spray or a neutral-flavoured oil like avocado oil. This step is optional but helps ensure an even crispiness.

Now, you're ready to air fry your mushrooms! Cook them for 6-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to rotate the mushrooms. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your mushrooms, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

When they're done, remove the mushrooms from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These crispy treats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and dips to find your favourite combinations!

Cooking the mushrooms

Now that you have your ingredients and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your mushrooms!

Firstly, you'll want to dip your mushrooms in the egg mixture. Ensure that they are well-coated before moving them to the flour and breadcrumb mixture. You can do this by dipping them back into the egg mixture and then into the flour and breadcrumb mixture again. This double-coating will ensure a crispy exterior. Place the coated mushrooms on a plate while you prepare the rest.

When your air fryer is preheated, place your mushrooms inside, ensuring that they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Spray them with non-stick cooking spray.

Cook the mushrooms for around 6 minutes, then shake the basket and spray any chalky spots with more non-stick cooking spray. Cook for another 6 minutes.

If you are cooking in batches, repeat the process with the remaining mushrooms.

Your mushrooms are now ready to serve! Enjoy them as a snack or a side dish with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips and Tricks

• For super crispy mushrooms, ensure they are in a single layer and not touching during cooking.
• Different-sized mushrooms will have different cooking times. Keep an eye on smaller mushrooms and take them out when they are done.
• If you are cooking in batches, coat the next batch of mushrooms while the first batch is cooking.
• If you want to reheat any leftover mushrooms, briefly put them back in the air fryer to regain that crispy texture. Alternatively, you can heat them in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Battered mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried mushrooms:

Dipping Sauces

Create a sauce trio for your battered mushrooms by serving them with ramekins of ranch, Caesar, or blue cheese dressing on the side. For a spicy kick, sriracha mayo is a great option. If you're serving these as a side, a simple dip of ketchup or marinara sauce will do the trick!

Appetizers and Snacks

These crispy mushrooms are perfect for game day or as a party appetizer. Serve them alongside soft pretzels, quesadillas, stuffed mini peppers, or quick-pickled vegetables. For a heartier snack, pair them with halloumi fries or crispy air fryer gnocchi.

Mains

Battered mushrooms make a tasty side for pizza night. They also go well with sandwiches or wraps. If you're serving them with a salad, try a crispy option like air fryer curly zucchini fries or air fryer okra.

Storage and Reheating

These mushrooms are best served fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer to regain that glorious crunch. Alternatively, heat them on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes.

Customization

Experiment with different types of mushrooms like cremini, baby portobello, or white button mushrooms. For an extra crispy coating, use plain breadcrumbs instead of panko. You can also customize the spices in the breading—try garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, or cayenne for a kick.

Frequently asked questions