These easy air fryer mushrooms are just what you need for a party or with that mezze platter. Six ingredients and less than 20 minutes are what separates you from these vegan air-fried mushrooms. No fancy ingredients unless you count soy as fancy.
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What is your favorite mushroom? Ever since I have moved to Singapore, I have learned so much about mushrooms. I never knew that there were so many varieties. My favorite is the button mushroom.
While it is nothing exotic, it is a variety that is easily available in most places and it has got a fantastic umami like every mushroom worth its salt should.
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Ingredients
Like I said, this recipe calls for just six ingredients. This is a zero-oil recipe. While most of these is available in most pantries, having a list of substitutes won’t hurt, either.
Mushrooms
I have used white button mushrooms in this recipe. You can also use swiss brown mushrooms. These are sometimes referred to as cremini mushrooms too.
Seasonings
For these air fried mushrooms, I just used ground white pepper and Cajun spice. You can also use regular paprika, smoked paprika, curry powder or even garam masala. Adjust the seasonings as per your palate.
Soy sauce
This is that one ingredient that makes this dish top-notch. I strongly believe that in any recipe, there will be that one ingredient that makes or breaks it. In this recipe, it is the soy sauce. I used a light soy sauce.
If you are looking for a gluten-free air fryer mushroom recipe, then please use Tamari or coconut aminos.
Garlic powder
My latest discovery is garlic powder. Yeah. I m kind of old school that way. But ever since I discovered it, I go through at least 2 bottles a month. Yep. It is that good. I add them to everything that calls for garlic because it simply minimizes the effort of mincing the garlic every single time.
In case you do not have garlic powder, add 1 tablespoon grated garlic instead.
Lemon juice
Garlic, lemons and pepper never go wrong. What is a mushroom recipe without some lemons eh? Until very recently, I was of the impression that soy and lemon doesn’t mix. Well, I have been proven wrong. This recipe and our air fryer shishito peppers are proof.
Variations
Just by changing an ingredient or two, we can bring out so many variations to this easy appetizer.
- You can add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil to the mushrooms. The olive oil gives a wonderful flavor.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, sweet basil or parsley are great in this recipe too. You will need about 1.25 tablespoon finely chopped herbs for every 10 oz of mushrooms here.
- Use Italian seasoning or taco seasoning or just regular curry powder instead of the Cajun spice for a different flavor.
Air fry mushrooms like a pro
Mushrooms are 90% water, folks. Did you all know this? I was amazed when I came across this. Just a random ‘shroom fact for you all. Making amazing mushrooms is not rocket science. These are some of the things I learned while testing this recipe. Here you go.
- Do not crowd the air fryer basket. This applies for anything you air-fry. Crowding makes the mushrooms steam instead of roast. So air fry in batches if your basket is too small.
- Squeeze the lemon juice just before serving.
- Pop them into the basket and begin air frying as soon as you have tossed them in the seasonings. Salt makes the mushrooms release water. So, we need to work very quickly while air frying them.
- If you are making multiple batches, toss the mushrooms with the seasonings and other ingredients in batches too. This is again because salt makes mushrooms release water if you let them sit too long.
- Make sure that the mushrooms are completely dry. I avoid washing them in water. Instead, I wipe them clean with a paper towel. This is a great way to involve the kids too.
- Air-frying time depends on the size of your air fryer. I have a Cosori 5 qt air fryer. And it took me 12 minutes for every batch. If your basket is smaller, then you may have to do this in batches. I was able to air fry 10 oz of mushrooms in a single batch in my air fryer.
- Always shake your basket mid way through air frying. By doing this, you can not only flip the mushrooms but also prevent over cooking or burning.
How to cut the mushrooms?
Slice the mushrooms evenly into thick slices. Uneven slicing means uneven cooking. I observed that when the slices are too thin, they tend to burn or become too dry. Cut the mushrooms into just two thick slices. If they are bigger, you can quarter them. But do not cut them thinner than that.
No preheating
I did not preheat the air fryer for this recipe. This is because we need the heat to go from low to high while the mushrooms cook. When I preheated the air fryer, I found that the mushrooms over cooked and dried out instead of being soft but with a crisp outer layer.
Serving suggestions
- These easy mushrooms are great appetizers. Serve them with any dip of your choice or just with some Sriracha sauce.
- Make them as a part of a mezze platter. They are great with cheese and other dips too.
- Include them in your Thanksgiving menu or Christmas eve dinner. You can even make them right after your guests arrive. Just wipe the mushrooms clean, slice them and keep them ready beforehand. Similarly, combine the seasonings in a large mixing bowl. You can toss the mushrooms in the seasoning mixture once your guests arrive and begin air frying right away.
Method
Prep the mushrooms
Wipe the mushrooms clean with a paper towel. Slice them into two halves. If you find any moisture in them, allow the sliced mushrooms to air dry for 20 minutes.
Toss them with seasonings
In a mixing bowl, place the sliced mushrooms, ground pepper, soy sauce, red paprika and salt. Toss everything well using a silicone spatula or with your fingers.
Air fry them
Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. There should not be any overlaps. Air fry them at 390 F for 12 minutes. At the 6th minute mark, stop and shake the basket well. The last picture in the collage above shows the mushrooms at half way mark.
Continue to air fry for the remaining 6 minutes. Once done, transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze the lemon juice and add a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
You can also garnish with fresh herbs. I garnished these mushrooms with roughly chopped sweet basil. Serve immediately.
Recipe card
📖 Recipe
Air fryer mushrooms
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 10 oz white button mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Please read blog post for more details
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ¾ teaspoon red paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
For garnish
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil Please refer blog post for more details.
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes Optional
Instructions
Prep the mushrooms
- Wipe the mushrooms clean with a paper towel.
- Slice them into two halves.
- If you find any moisture in them, allow the sliced mushrooms to air dry for 20 minutes.
- Toss them with seasonings
- In a mixing bowl, place the sliced mushrooms, ground pepper, soy sauce, red paprika and salt.
- Toss everything well using a silicone spatula or with your fingers.
Air fry them
- Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry them at 390 F for 12 minutes.
- At the 6th minute mark, stop and shake the basket well.
- Continue to air fry for the remaining 6 minutes.
- Once done, transfer to a serving platter.
- Squeeze the lemon juice and add a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs of choice.
- Serve immediately
Notes
- Do not crowd the air fryer basket.
- Squeeze the lemon juice just before serving.
- Pop them into the basket and begin air frying as soon as you have tossed them in the seasonings.
- If you are making multiple batches, toss the mushrooms with the seasonings and other ingredients in batches too.
- Make sure that the mushrooms are completely dry.
- Air-frying time depends on the size of your air fryer.
- Always shake your basket mid way through air frying. By doing this, you can not only flip the mushrooms but also prevent over cooking or burning.
- Nutritional values mentioned here are given as a rough guide. Please consult a qualified and certified nutrition expert if you have any concerns or would like more details.
- Air frying timings and temperature settings may tend to vary based on the brand and size of the airfryer.
For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes
Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.
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