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

Air fryer stuffed mushrooms are a quick and easy snack, appetiser, or side dish. They are perfect for a dinner party, holiday gathering, or game-day snack. They are also keto-friendly and gluten-free, making them a great option for a large crowd. With very little prep time, these mushrooms can be cooked in under 15 minutes. The classic cream cheese filling, with breadcrumbs for texture, and lots of parmesan cheese, can be customised with different cheeses, bacon, spinach, or seasonings.

Choosing the right mushrooms

First, look for mushrooms that are fresh and firm. Avoid any that appear bruised, soft, or slimy, as these may not hold their shape well during the cooking process. Aim for mushrooms with a nice, plump shape and a smooth, even colour.

When it comes to variety, both baby bella and button mushrooms work well. Baby bella mushrooms tend to look nicer, with a more appealing shape and colour. However, button mushrooms are also a great choice and are widely available. If you opt for button mushrooms, go for the larger ones, as they provide more space for the filling.

Size is an important consideration. You want to choose mushrooms that are big enough so that when you remove the stems, there is ample space for the creamy, cheesy filling. Aim for a bite-sized variety, as these are perfect as appetisers or snacks. If you opt for larger mushrooms, they can still be delicious, but they are better suited as a side dish rather than a poppable appetiser.

When selecting your mushrooms, always check that they are free from dirt or debris. Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel, gently wiping away any loose dirt. Avoid soaking the mushrooms, as they are porous and can become soggy.

Finally, for even cooking, try to choose mushrooms that are of similar size. This ensures that they cook at the same rate in the air fryer. If you do end up with a mix of sizes, simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding an extra minute or two for the larger mushrooms.

Preparing the mushrooms

Firstly, select the right type of mushrooms. Button mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms, and Portobello mushrooms are all great options. Choose mushrooms that are firm and fresh, avoiding any that are bruised, soft, or slimy. The mushrooms should be bite-sized, with enough space for the filling once the stems are removed.

Before cleaning the mushrooms, it's important to note that mushrooms are very porous. Instead of running them under water, use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently wipe them clean and remove any loose dirt. You can also use a brush to gently remove any dirt. Make sure not to soak the mushrooms, as they can become soggy.

Once the mushrooms are clean, remove the stems by gently twisting and pulling them away from the caps. Set the caps aside, as they will be used for stuffing. If you want to save the stems, you can chop and sauté them to use as a topping for another dish.

After cleaning and removing the stems, it's time to start stuffing the mushrooms. Prepare your chosen filling (a common option is a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and seasonings) and spoon it into the cavity of each mushroom cap. Be sure to fill them generously, pressing the filling gently into the cavities to ensure they are well-stuffed.

Once all the mushrooms are stuffed, they are almost ready for the air fryer. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil. This will help prevent the mushrooms from sticking and ensure they cook evenly.

Place the stuffed mushrooms into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches.

Now your mushrooms are prepared and ready for air frying! Simply follow the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, and enjoy your delicious, crispy, and flavourful air fryer stuffed mushrooms.

Making the filling

To make the filling for Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms, you'll need a variety of ingredients, including mushrooms, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Here's a detailed guide on making the filling:

Preparing the Mushrooms:

Start by gently cleaning the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel. Remove any loose dirt or wipe them clean, ensuring you don't use excess water as mushrooms are very porous. Then, remove the stems from the mushrooms and set the caps aside. You want to ensure there's enough space in the mushroom cavity for the filling.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. You can season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and creamy. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as cooked bacon or sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or different types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.

Stuffing the Mushrooms:

Once your filling is ready, use a spoon to scoop the mixture into the mushroom caps. Gently press the filling into each mushroom cavity, ensuring they are evenly filled. If desired, you can coat the filled mushrooms with grated parmesan cheese to give them a crunchy topping.

Now that you have prepared the filling and stuffed your mushrooms, you are almost ready to air fry them! Remember to spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before placing the stuffed mushrooms inside in a single layer, without overcrowding. Then, follow the air frying instructions to cook your delicious appetizer or side dish.

Filling the mushrooms

Once you have your filling ready, it's time to stuff the mushrooms. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and set the caps aside. You can chop the stems finely and add them to your filling mixture if you like, to avoid waste. Use a spoon to scoop the filling into the mushroom cavities, pressing gently to fill each cap.

If you're using parmesan, you can coat the filled mushrooms in grated parmesan before placing them in the air fryer. This adds a crunchy texture and even more flavour.

When filling the mushrooms, be sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your mushrooms, you may need to adjust the amount of filling you use. It's important to leave enough space between the filling and the top of the mushroom to prevent overflow during cooking.

Air-frying the mushrooms

In a medium-sized bowl, mix your chosen filling. This could be a combination of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, spinach, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, or parmesan cheese. Stir the ingredients together until you have a well-combined, creamy mixture.

Use a spoon to fill the mushroom caps with the mixture, gently pressing it into each cavity. Be careful not to overcrowd the mushrooms, as you want to ensure even cooking. Once all the mushrooms are filled, lightly spray or brush your air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.

Place the stuffed mushrooms into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked or overlapping. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the filling is lightly browned and the mushrooms are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Once cooked, remove the mushrooms from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish them with shredded parmesan cheese, chopped onions, or parsley flakes for an extra touch of flavour.

Frequently asked questions