Why you should cook air fryer mushrooms
Cooking mushrooms uses less oil than traditional frying methods but still gives great results. The hot air circulates around the mushrooms to cook them evenly and quickly. It is a very convenient way to make a healthy vegetable dish without much effort. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your own personal taste.
Step by step: air fryer mushrooms
Prepare the mushrooms: Start by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Cut the larger ones in half or quarters so they are all roughly the same size. Keeping them uniform ensures they cook at the same rate. Place the prepared mushrooms into a large mixing bowl.
Add the seasoning: Drizzle the olive oil over the mushrooms in the bowl. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt and black pepper. Toss everything together well until every piece is evenly coated in the oil and spices. This step is important for getting the best flavour from your mushrooms.
Air fry: Preheat your to 200 degrees Celsius if required by your model. Place the seasoned mushrooms into the basket in a single layer for the best results. Cook them for 10 minutes and shake the basket halfway through the time. Shaking helps the mushrooms brown evenly on all sides.
Serve: Check that the mushrooms are tender and have reached a deep brown colour. If you prefer them crispier, you can cook them for a further 2 minutes. Remove them from the basket and serve them immediately while they are hot. They are perfect as a side for steak or mixed into a salad.
Tips and tricks for air fryer mushrooms
Do not overcrowd the basket when making mushrooms. If you have a lot of mushrooms, it is better to cook them in two batches to ensure the air can circulate properly. Using a damp cloth to clean them instead of washing them under a tap prevents them from becoming soggy. You can experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavour profile. Chestnuts or button mushrooms both work well for this recipe. If your mushrooms look a bit dry, you can add an extra teaspoon of oil next time. Always serve them straight away to enjoy the best texture.
Checking the mushrooms a few minutes before the end of the cooking time helps prevent them from shrinking too much or becoming too dark.
If you are looking for more simple ideas, you may also like
air fryer chicken nuggets,
air fryer danish creamed kale or
air fryer cocktail sausages.
