Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe
If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy, quick, and addictive veggie side, let me introduce you to the magic of Air Fryer Mushrooms. These savory little bites boast a golden exterior, tender insides, and loads of garlicky, herby flavor in every mouthful. Air frying mushrooms unlocks that irresistible umami richness while keeping prep and cleanup blissfully minimal. Whether you’re making a casual weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a weekend meal, this recipe guarantees everyone comes back for seconds—with zero fuss. Trust me, the humble mushroom truly shines in the air fryer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, relying on a short list of pantry staples to let the mushrooms’ earthy goodness shine. Each ingredient brings something special, from flavor and texture to an optional finishing touch of green or a savory sprinkle of cheese.
- Whole mushrooms (16 oz, button or cremini): Their mild flavor and hearty texture hold up perfectly in the air fryer and soak up all the savory seasonings.
- Olive oil (1 1/2 tbsp): Tosses with the mushrooms to ensure an even, golden coating and keeps them juicy inside.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Brings instant savory depth and classic garlic warmth to every bite.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Adds an extra layer of sweet-salty flavor you’ll taste in every mushroom.
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): A touch of herbiness is all you need for that classic, aromatic note—Italian seasoning is equally delicious.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances and brings out the full flavor of the mushrooms and seasonings.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Freshly cracked is best for a gentle heat and lovely aroma.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tbsp, optional): Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and a hint of flavor at the end.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1 tbsp, optional): Sprinkling on Parm makes these extra savory—totally optional but always welcome!
How to Make Air Fryer Mushrooms
Step 1: Prep Your Mushrooms
Begin by gently cleaning your mushrooms with a damp paper towel. This helps wipe away any dirt without making your mushrooms soggy. If the stems are long or tough, trim them up a bit. For larger mushrooms, halve or quarter them for even cooking—you want every piece to soak up all that air fryer flavor in the same amount of time.
Step 2: Season and Toss
In a large bowl, throw in your clean mushrooms. Drizzle them all over with olive oil, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, your choice of dried thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything really well—think of it as a pre-party for your mushrooms, getting them coated in those gorgeous flavors before their quick trip through the air fryer.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 2–3 minutes. Preheating is the secret to extra-sizzling mushrooms that get nicely golden and slightly crisp around the edges right from the start.
Step 4: Cook in Batches (if Needed)
Arrange your seasoned mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, don’t crowd them! Cook in two batches rather than piling them up, as this is key for even cooking and those delicious caramelized edges that make these Air Fryer Mushrooms so irresistible.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden
Cook the mushrooms for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to make sure they brown on all sides. They’re done when they’re golden, tender, and smell absolutely heavenly. If your mushrooms are on the chunkier side, add an extra minute or two for perfect results.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the air fryer, sprinkle your mushrooms with fresh parsley for a burst of green and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese if you love that nutty, melty finish. Dive in while they’re warm—once you try one, you won’t want to stop!
How to Serve Air Fryer Mushrooms
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, toss Air Fryer Mushrooms with chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a dusting of Parmesan cheese. The parsley adds color and a hint of brightness, while lemon can elevate their flavor with a zingy twist. Don’t be shy with the Parmesan if you’re a cheese lover—it melds right into the juicy mushrooms for a luscious bite every time.
Side Dishes
These mushrooms are the definition of versatility. Serve them alongside grilled steak, roast chicken, or seafood for a hearty main. They’re dreamy piled onto buttered rice, garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa, or your favorite grain bowls. And honestly, they’re a knockout as a simple side for pasta with olive oil or tossed into salads for a warm, savory upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, thread Air Fryer Mushrooms onto skewers for party-perfect appetizer bites or serve them atop toasted crostini with a little goat cheese spread. They also make an amazing addition to DIY taco bars, veggie wraps, or as a hearty filling for savory breakfast omelets. Truly, these mushrooms are only limited by your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
It’s easy to save any extra Air Fryer Mushrooms for another meal. Let them cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, staying juicy and flavorful. Reheating only takes a moment, making them handy for quick lunches or easy dinner upgrades.
Freezing
While freezing cooked mushrooms is possible, it does change their texture a little, making them a bit softer once thawed. For best results, arrange cooled mushrooms on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. This method reduces clumping. Try to use them within a month for optimal flavor in casseroles or stir-fries.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place your stored mushrooms back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to restore a bit of their original texture. You can also use a quick skillet sauté or even pop them in the microwave in a pinch, but air frying keeps them the most vibrant and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms with this recipe?
Absolutely! Button and cremini are classic, but try baby bellas, portobello chunks, or a specialty mix for even deeper flavor. Just make sure to keep sizes similar so they cook evenly.
Should I wash or peel mushrooms before cooking?
Skip washing mushrooms under running water as they soak up moisture quickly. Instead, wipe them clean with a slightly damp paper towel. Peeling isn’t needed—those skins are packed with umami!
Do I need to use oil in the air fryer?
A little oil is key for crisp, golden mushrooms and helps the seasonings adhere. If you want to lighten things up, you can use less oil or try a quick spritz of cooking spray instead.
What if my mushrooms come out soggy?
Sogginess usually means the basket was too crowded or the mushrooms weren’t cooked quite long enough. For best results, spread them out in a single layer and give them a gentle shake halfway through air frying.
Can I make Air Fryer Mushrooms ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! They’re fantastic made up to 3 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and quickly reheat in the air fryer or a skillet for a nearly-instant side or topping whenever you need one.
Final Thoughts
Simple, savory, and endlessly versatile, Air Fryer Mushrooms are about to become your new side dish obsession. I hope you give these a try and fall for their irresistible flavor as much as I have—let your creativity shine, and don’t forget to share your own twists and serving ideas!
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Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Air Fryer Mushrooms are a simple and flavorful side dish that cooks up in no time. With a perfect balance of seasonings and a crispy exterior, these mushrooms are a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 16 oz whole mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Clean the mushrooms: Use a damp paper towel to clean the mushrooms and trim the stems if needed. Cut large mushrooms into halves or quarters for even cooking.
- Season the mushrooms: In a large bowl, toss mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Cook the mushrooms: Place mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and tender.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking and slight crispiness.
- Great as a side dish or topping for various dishes like steak, pasta, or grain bowls.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 batch
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
