John Miller
Air frying is a quick and easy way to cook lion's mane mushrooms, which are a good source of antioxidants and polysaccharides and have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-microbial properties. The fluffy, thick texture of lion's mane mushrooms is enhanced by air frying, which makes them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Air-fried lion's mane mushrooms can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or added to soups, salads, sandwiches, tacos, pasta, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F |
| Time | 7 minutes |
| Pre-cooking | Slice the mushroom into nugget-sized bites |
| Whisk eggs in a small bowl | |
| In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper | |
| Cooking | Dip each lion's mane nugget into the egg mixture and then into the bread crumb mixture |
| Make sure to coat all sides of the lion's mane | |
| Line the air fryer with non-stick aluminum foil | |
| Post-cooking | Serve with Italian aioli, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparation
To clean lion's mane mushrooms, use a kitchen towel or paper towel to wipe them down. If they are particularly dirty, use a pastry brush to get into any nooks and crannies. You can also use a small paring knife to gently scrape off any stubborn dirt. Try to avoid rinsing the mushrooms under water, as they tend to absorb water and this can affect their texture and flavour.
Once cleaned, you can start preparing the mushrooms for cooking. First, remove the stems by gently twisting them off. You can also slice or chop the mushrooms into your desired size. If you plan on air frying, bear in mind that the mushrooms will shrink during cooking, so you don't need to cut them too small.
If you want to get creative, you can try different preparation methods. For example, you can shred the mushrooms to make "chicken" nuggets. Simply slice the mushroom into nugget-sized pieces, dip them into whisked egg, and then into a breadcrumb mixture. Make sure all sides of the mushroom are coated.
Another option is to slice the mushrooms thickly and cook them in butter or ghee in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on both sides. You can also add other ingredients like tamari or coconut aminos, and minced garlic to enhance the flavour.
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Cooking time and temperature
Air-frying is a quick and easy way to cook lion's mane mushrooms, which are a good source of antioxidants and polysaccharides. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-microbial properties.
To air fry lion's mane mushrooms, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C). If you don't have a temperature setting, heat it for around 5 minutes before putting the mushrooms in. Clean the mushrooms with a kitchen towel or paper towel. If they are particularly dirty, use a pastry brush to clean them. Cut the mushrooms into nugget-sized pieces. You can also shred the mushrooms, but they will not shred into long strips and will simply crumble. Drizzle olive oil or vegetable oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet and air fry for 7 minutes at 350°F (176°C). If you are using a 400°F (204°C) air fryer, cook the mushrooms for 5 minutes, shake the basket or move them around on the baking sheet, and then cook for another 5 minutes.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the mushroom pieces. If you are using a larger model, the mushrooms will cook faster, so check on them frequently. You can also adjust the heat during the cooking process. For example, you can crank up the heat a bit for the last few minutes to get a better crisp on the mushrooms.
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Seasoning and flavouring
Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavour of lion's mane mushrooms. It is essential to use a high-quality salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, which has a cleaner flavour than regular table salt. Freshly ground black pepper adds a depth of flavour and a subtle spiciness that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Garlic is another key ingredient that can be used in various forms to flavour lion's mane mushrooms. Freshly minced garlic adds a strong, pungent flavour, while garlic powder or granules provide a more subtle, savoury note. If you're looking for a more intense garlic flavour, you can roast or sauté whole garlic cloves in butter or oil before adding the mushrooms.
Soy sauce is a versatile seasoning that adds a savoury, umami flavour to the mushrooms. It is important to choose a high-quality soy sauce, preferably one that is naturally brewed and organic, as it will have a cleaner, more complex flavour. If gluten sensitivity is not a concern, regular soy sauce can be used. Alternatively, tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce, can be used, which has a richer, smoother flavour.
Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices that can add a Mediterranean flair to your lion's mane mushrooms. It typically includes basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, among other herbs, and can be used either during the cooking process or as a finishing touch.
Additionally, you can experiment with other seasonings and flavourings to create unique and personalised dishes. Some options include using butter or ghee instead of oil for a richer flavour, adding Parmesan cheese for a savoury, nutty note, or incorporating fresh herbs like basil for a bright, aromatic touch.
Remember, the key to successful seasoning and flavouring is to taste and adjust as you go. Start with smaller amounts of seasoning and gradually increase to your preference. Enjoy experimenting and creating delicious lion's mane mushroom dishes!
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Dipping sauces
One popular option is a homemade Italian aioli. This creamy, garlicky sauce complements the mushrooms' crab-like texture and slightly sweet flavour. To make the aioli, you can mix mayonnaise with lemon juice, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil or your preferred herb.
If you're looking for a simpler option, ketchup is always a classic choice for dipping fried foods and can add a touch of sweetness to your dish.
For those who enjoy spicy flavours, a creamy, spicy tomato-based sauce can be a perfect pairing with the lion's mane mushrooms. This sauce, paired with short, thick noodles like farfalle or penne, creates a vegetarian pasta dish reminiscent of Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Additionally, a broth and cream sauce can be a wonderful option when serving the lion's mane mushrooms as "steaks." The creamy sauce enhances the mushrooms' richness, and the broth adds a savoury note to the dish.
Lastly, a balsamic pan sauce is an excellent choice for a vegetarian "steakhouse" dinner. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, sweet, and acidic note to the dish, balancing the buttery flavour from cooking the mushrooms.
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Storage and reheating
Storing lion's mane mushrooms correctly is essential to preserving their earthy flavour, culinary versatility, and health-boosting potential.
Fresh lion's mane mushrooms can be stored in a paper bag or a ventilated bag, if bought from a farm, in the refrigerator for up to five days. The bag should not be filled more than halfway, and the mushrooms should be kept away from direct airflow. They should also be kept away from water and only washed right before cooking.
For longer storage, lion's mane mushrooms can be frozen or dried.
Once cooked, lion's mane mushrooms should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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Frequently asked questions
Air fry the lion's mane mushrooms at 350F for 7 minutes.
To make lion's mane mushroom nuggets, you will need lion's mane mushrooms, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, mayo, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
Clean the mushrooms with a kitchen towel or paper towel. If they are dirtier than usual, use a pastry brush to clean them. Then, slice or shred the mushrooms into pieces.
Air-fried lion's mane mushrooms go well with Italian aioli, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Air-fried lion's mane mushrooms will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
