Air-Fryer Crispy Mushrooms: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy mushrooms. They are easy to make, healthy, and delicious. You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as white button, cremini, baby bella, or portobello mushrooms. The key to getting them crispy is to ensure they are dry before cooking and to shake the basket during the cooking process. You can also bread the mushrooms for an extra crispy texture. They make a great side dish or snack and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces.

How to Make Crispy Mushrooms in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right mushrooms

First, look for mushrooms that are fresh and firm. Avoid any that appear wilted, slimy, or dried out. Fresh mushrooms will have a higher moisture content, which is necessary to achieve that juicy texture and crispy edges in the air fryer.

Next, consider the variety of mushrooms you want to use. White button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms are excellent choices as they are readily available and work well in the air fryer. You can also use baby bella, portobello, or oyster mushrooms, depending on your preference and availability. If you're using baby bella or portobello mushrooms, look for smaller ones so they cook evenly in the air fryer. For larger varieties like portobellos, cut them into uniform sizes before cooking.

When selecting mushrooms, also pay attention to their size. Choose mushrooms that are all around the same size, or cut them to be uniform in size. This ensures even cooking, so you don't end up with some overcooked and others undercooked. Aim for a size that's between 1-2 inches wide, so they're easy to cook and eat as a bite-sized snack or side dish.

Lastly, consider the flavour you want to achieve. Different mushrooms have distinct flavours, so choose accordingly. For instance, cremini mushrooms have a more robust flavour than white mushrooms, so they can add extra depth to your dish. If you're using smaller mushrooms, you may want to opt for varieties with a more concentrated flavour, like shiitake or cremini, to ensure your dish is packed with flavour.

Remember to clean your mushrooms before cooking by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel or quickly rinsing them in a colander and patting them dry. Avoid soaking mushrooms as they tend to absorb water, which can affect their texture and taste.

Preparing the mushrooms

Firstly, you should clean your mushrooms. Avoid rinsing them with water as they will absorb the liquid and this can alter their taste. Instead, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt. Alternatively, give them a quick rinse in a colander and then pat them dry.

Next, trim the stems of the mushrooms. While the stems of some mushrooms are edible, the ends can be dry and woody, so it's best to slice these off.

After that, cut your mushrooms into uniform sizes. Halve or quarter any that are larger than 2 inches wide. This step is important as it ensures that the mushrooms cook evenly.

Once your mushrooms are prepared, it's time to season them. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and soy sauce. Toss the mushrooms with the seasonings, making sure they are evenly coated.

If you want a crispy breaded texture, you can dip the seasoned mushrooms into an egg/milk wash and then dredge them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices. Repeat this process to ensure a thick coating.

Now your mushrooms are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Adding seasoning

Some recipes suggest coating the mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil and soy sauce, which adds both salt and colour. You can also add black pepper to taste.

Other recipes suggest using melted butter, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Toss the mushrooms in this mixture to coat them evenly. You can also add fresh parsley to this mixture if you wish.

If you want to add a bit more flavour, you can use a mixture of Italian seasoned bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, egg, milk, granulated garlic, and salt. Dip the mushrooms in an egg/milk wash, and then dredge them in the bread crumb mixture. Repeat until all the mushrooms are coated.

You can also add onion powder, garlic powder, and vegetarian or regular Worcestershire sauce to your mushrooms for extra flavour.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature for crispy mushrooms in an air fryer is generally agreed upon to be around 400°F. However, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 390°F or 375°F.

Cooking times vary depending on the recipe and the size of the air fryer. Most recipes suggest cooking the mushrooms for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, and then cooking for up to another 5 minutes, until browned on all sides. Some recipes suggest cooking the mushrooms for 6 minutes, shaking the basket, and then cooking for another 6 minutes. Other recipes suggest cooking for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket every couple of minutes, or even just 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket after 4 minutes.

It's important to note that every air fryer cooks differently, so it's crucial to keep an eye on the mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning them.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried mushrooms. They can be enjoyed as a side dish, or even as a snack dipped into homemade ranch dressing. They also work well as a topping for grilled steak or on burgers. For a more substantial meal, toss them with cooked pasta, stir them into a soup, or add them to a personal pizza.

If you're looking for a dip to serve with your air-fried mushrooms, garlic aioli, horseradish sauce, and easy pizza sauce are all great options.

• Toss the mushrooms with cooked pasta.
• Stir them into a soup.
• Add them to a personal pizza.
• Serve them as a side dish with steak.
• Dip them into homemade ranch dressing.
• Top grilled steak or burgers with the mushrooms.

Frequently asked questions