Air-Fryer Crumbed Mushrooms: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook food, and they can be used to make delicious crumbed mushrooms. This cooking method produces juicy mushrooms with a crispy coating in just a few minutes. The key to getting the perfect result is to ensure the mushrooms are well-coated and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate and create an even crispness. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own unique flavour combinations.

Choosing the right mushrooms

The type of mushrooms you choose for your crumbed mushroom recipe can greatly impact its overall flavour and texture. Here are some tips to help you select the best mushrooms for your air fryer creation:

Variety

When it comes to crumbed mushrooms, cremini (also known as baby bella or chestnut mushrooms) are a popular choice due to their rich flavour and firmer texture. These characteristics make them ideal for holding up to the breading and cooking process, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. White button mushrooms are also a suitable option, especially if you prefer a milder flavour. They are widely available and can be a versatile choice for this dish.

Size

For crumbed mushrooms, it is recommended to choose smaller mushrooms that can be eaten in one or two bites. This makes them perfect as bite-sized appetizers or finger foods. Look for "button mushrooms," which are miniature white mushrooms. If you opt for cremini mushrooms, choose smaller ones or cut them into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.

Freshness and Cleaning

Always select fresh, firm mushrooms with a good shape and colour. Avoid those that are slimy, wrinkled, or have discoloured spots. To clean the mushrooms, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt or debris from their surface. Avoid rinsing them in water, as they tend to absorb moisture, which can alter their taste and texture.

Consistency

For even cooking, choose mushrooms of a similar size. This ensures that all the mushrooms cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture and doneness. This is especially important when cooking in an air fryer, as the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the mushrooms.

Quantity

When preparing crumbed mushrooms, consider the quantity you will need per person. As a bite-sized appetizer, you may want to allow for 10-20 mushrooms per person, depending on their size. If serving them as a side dish, 5-10 mushrooms per person should be sufficient.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the perfect mushrooms for your crumbed mushroom recipe, ensuring a delicious and successful air fryer experience.

Preparing the mushrooms

Once you've chosen your mushrooms, it's important to clean them thoroughly. Use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to gently wipe away any dirt or debris. Avoid rinsing them in water, as mushrooms are porous and will absorb the liquid, which can alter their taste and texture.

After cleaning, you can choose to slice or quarter the mushrooms, especially if they are on the larger side. This will help ensure even cooking and create more crispy edges. If you plan to coat the mushrooms in breadcrumbs, leave them whole, as the coating will stick better.

Now, you have two options for cooking preparation. You can either toss the mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder (if desired), salt, and pepper, ensuring they are well coated. Alternatively, you can dip the mushrooms in an egg wash (egg and milk) and then dredge them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This second option will give you a crispier texture.

With your mushrooms prepared, you are now ready to cook them in the air fryer!

Making the coating

Next, prepare your wet mixture, which will help the dry breading stick to the mushrooms. For this, you can use a combination of egg and milk, or just egg. Whisk the wet mixture until it is well combined.

Now that you have your breading and wet mixtures, it's time to start coating the mushrooms. First, dip each mushroom into the wet mixture, making sure it is well coated. Then, dredge the mushroom in the breading mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Repeat this process for each mushroom until they are all coated.

Once all your mushrooms are coated, it's important to let them sit for a few minutes so that the breading can set. This will help ensure that the breading doesn't fall off when you put them in the air fryer. Now, you are ready to preheat your air fryer and cook your delicious crumbed mushrooms!

Cooking the mushrooms

To cook the crumbed mushrooms in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to a temperature between 380°F and 400°F.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the mushrooms. Combine the mushrooms with the oil, soy sauce, garlic granules, salt, and pepper in a bowl and toss to coat.

Next, dip the mushrooms into the egg/milk wash and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure that the breadcrumbs are fine and plain, rather than panko breadcrumbs, as these will not stick to the mushrooms as well. Repeat this process, dipping the mushrooms back into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumbs again.

Once the mushrooms are coated, place them into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the mushrooms with a non-stick cooking spray.

Cook the mushrooms in the air fryer for 6 minutes. Then, shake the basket and spray any chalky spots with the non-stick cooking spray. Cook for another 6 minutes.

Your crumbed mushrooms are now ready to be served!

Serving suggestions

Crumbed mushrooms from the air fryer can be served as a snack, side dish, or meal topping. They can be paired with a variety of sauces for dipping, such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, horseradish sauce, or pizza sauce. You can also sprinkle parmesan cheese and parsley on top and serve them hot.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, these mushrooms can be added to a variety of dishes. They can be tossed with pasta, such as fettuccine alfredo or beef stroganoff, or mixed into a stir-fry. They also make a great pizza or salad topping, though they should be cooled before being added to a salad. For a heartier meal, add them to mashed potatoes or gravy, or serve them alongside a juicy steak. You can even add them to a sandwich or burger for extra flavour and moisture.

Leftover crumbed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. To reheat, simply return them to the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions