Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a fantastic way to make a whole range of dishes with minimal mess and grease. One such dish is breaded mushrooms, which are a perfect snack or side and can be made in just 20 minutes. The mushrooms are dipped in a wet batter and then coated in a dry mixture of breadcrumbs and spices before being air-fried to create a crispy texture. This recipe is a healthier alternative to deep-fried mushrooms, and the mushrooms can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, marinara or blue cheese.

Choosing the right mushrooms

When selecting mushrooms, it is important to look for ones that are firm, with intact caps and minimal bruising or discoloration. Avoid mushrooms that appear slimy or have visible signs of mould. Fresh mushrooms should be dry and clean, with no dirt or debris clinging to them. If necessary, gently wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt.

The size of the mushrooms is also an important consideration. Aim for mushrooms that are relatively uniform in size, as this will ensure even cooking. If using larger varieties such as portobello mushrooms, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook through evenly.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the recipe's cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on the size and type of mushroom chosen. Smaller mushrooms may require a shorter cooking time, while larger mushrooms might need a few extra minutes.

By choosing the right type, ensuring freshness and uniformity in size, and making any necessary adjustments to the cooking process, you can create delicious and crispy air-fried breaded mushrooms with your air fryer.

Preparing the coating

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. The specific ingredients may vary slightly depending on your preferred recipe, but the basic components include mushrooms, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. It is also recommended to have two mixing bowls ready for the coating process.

Before you begin, it is important to clean and prepare your mushrooms. Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. You can also trim or remove the stems, as this can make the coating process easier. If you are using larger mushrooms, cut them into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.

Now, you can start creating the coating. In one of your mixing bowls, combine the flour and lightly beat the eggs. You can also add a small amount of water to create a thinner consistency if needed. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings. Common seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavour.

Once your mixtures are ready, it's time to coat the mushrooms. Start by dipping each mushroom into the flour and egg mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow any excess mixture to drip off before moving on to the next step. Then, toss the mushrooms in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until they are completely coated. Repeat this process until all your mushrooms are coated.

After coating, arrange the mushrooms on a plate or flat surface. Spray them lightly with a small amount of oil. This step helps ensure a crispy texture. It is recommended to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as extra light olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using non-stick spray or spraying directly into the air fryer basket.

Finally, place the coated mushrooms in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to let the coating set. This step helps the coating adhere to the mushrooms and results in a crispier texture.

Once the mushrooms have rested, they are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Cooking the mushrooms

Before you cook the mushrooms, it's important to ensure they are dry. You can do this by wiping them with a damp cloth or gently scrubbing them. You can also trim the stems, as this makes coating them easier. If you are using larger mushrooms, such as portobellos, cut them into halves or quarters so that they are roughly the same size as smaller mushrooms. This will ensure they cook at the same rate.

Once your mushrooms are prepared, you can begin the cooking process. Start by preheating your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F. You should preheat your air fryer for around 10 minutes, ensuring the basket or tray is inside so that it heats up too.

Next, set out three or four shallow bowls or trays. In the first bowl, place some flour. In the second, beat one or two eggs. You can add a small amount of water to the eggs if making a wet batter. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and your chosen spices. For a plainer breaded mushroom, you can stick to just salt and pepper. For something with more kick, try garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or cayenne.

Now you are ready to coat the mushrooms. Take each mushroom and dredge it in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Pop each breaded mushroom into the air fryer basket. Repeat until the basket is full, ensuring there is a little space between each mushroom. You may need to cook the mushrooms in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Once the basket is full and your mushrooms are coated, spritz them with a cooking spray or a neutral-flavoured oil such as avocado oil. Avoid olive oil, as this can impart a flavour. Now your mushrooms are ready to cook! Place them in the air fryer and cook for around 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through. When they are golden brown, they are ready to eat!

If you are cooking more mushrooms, repeat the process until they are all cooked. Serve the mushrooms hot with your chosen dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Storing and reheating

Breaded mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day or two. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, spread the cooked mushrooms on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Then, transfer the mushrooms to a freezer bag and freeze for up to six months.

When you're ready to enjoy your breaded mushrooms again, simply reheat them in the air fryer for that glorious crunch. You can also reheat them in the oven. Here's how:

• Reheating from the fridge: Preheat your air fryer and cook the mushrooms in one-minute increments until they're heated through. Alternatively, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes.
• Reheating from frozen: Reheat frozen mushrooms in the air fryer for about 6-8 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Dipping Sauces

You can serve your mushrooms with a variety of dipping sauces. Some suggestions include marinara, ranch, Caesar dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a southern comeback sauce. You could also make a simple dip by squeezing some lemon juice over the mushrooms.

Appetizers

If you're serving your mushrooms as an appetizer, you could pair them with soft pretzels, quesadillas, stuffed mini peppers, or quick pickled vegetables.

Mains

Breaded mushrooms can be a great side to a sandwich or wrap, or even a pizza night.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover mushrooms, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer or oven to get that crispy texture back.

Variations

You can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake mushrooms. You can also add fresh herbs and parsley to your breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. Additionally, you can try using different oils, such as avocado or grapeseed oil, when cooking your mushrooms.

Frequently asked questions