Emily Johnson
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook mushrooms and onions, offering a hands-off approach with minimal prep time. The result is a tasty side dish or topping for burgers and sandwiches, with a slight crisp and a buttery flavour. The cooking time is short, and the ingredients are basic and versatile, allowing for a wide range of dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, onions, oil, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, Worcestershire sauce |
| Preparation | Clean and slice mushrooms and onions, toss with oil and seasonings, place in air fryer basket |
| Cooking | Air fry at 375-400°F for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through |
| Serving | Serve as a side dish or topping for steak, burgers, or sandwiches |
| Variations | Use different types of mushrooms and onions, add meat and cheese, or breading for a crunchy texture |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation: cleaning, slicing and seasoning
Firstly, you will need to clean your mushrooms. There are two ways to do this: gently rub the dirt off each mushroom with a paper towel, or rinse the mushrooms in a colander and pat them dry with a paper towel. It is recommended to use the former method, as rinsing the mushrooms may cause them to absorb water, which could affect how well they cook in the air fryer.
Once cleaned, slice your mushrooms. You can cut them in half, or quarter them if they are large. If you are cooking onions alongside your mushrooms, slice these into 1/4-inch slices lengthwise. It is recommended that you cut your mushrooms and onions into similar sizes so that they cook evenly.
Next, add your mushrooms and onions to a large bowl and toss them with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or butter to coat your vegetables. For seasonings, salt and black pepper are the most basic options, but you can also add dried herbs like thyme or oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce. If you are serving your mushrooms and onions as a pizza topping, add a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Finally, place your seasoned mushrooms and onions in the air fryer basket. They can overlap slightly if needed.
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Air fryer settings: temperature and duration
Air frying is a quick and easy way to cook mushrooms and onions, and it results in a tasty, slightly firmer texture. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures even cooking, but it's important not to overcrowd the basket to allow for this.
When air frying mushrooms, the temperature and duration depend on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the mushrooms. For crispier mushrooms, air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, stirring or shaking them occasionally to prevent burning. If you prefer your mushrooms less crispy, 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes is also an option. For smaller mushrooms, 5-7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit may be sufficient. It's important to keep an eye on the mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning and ensure the desired texture.
When air frying onions, the temperature and duration depend on the type of onion and the desired level of caramelization. Yellow onions, with their strong flavour, are a popular choice, but white or sweet onions can be used for a milder taste. Onions typically take longer to cook than mushrooms and will not soften as much. For caramelized onions, air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 11-13 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer your onions softer, you can air fry for a few additional minutes.
It's worth noting that different air fryers may vary in terms of cooking temperature and time, so adjustments may be necessary. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of mushrooms and onions, you may need to work in batches or increase the cooking time.
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Cooking: stirring and checking for doneness
Cooking mushrooms and onions in an air fryer is a straightforward process. However, it requires occasional attention to ensure the vegetables are cooked evenly and don't burn.
First, it's important to ensure the mushrooms and onions are cut into similar sizes. This will help them cook at the same rate. For mushrooms, this could mean slicing or quartering them. For onions, cut them into 1/4-inch slices.
Next, place the mushrooms and onions in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.
Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes. Then, stir or shake the air fryer to ensure all sides of the vegetables cook evenly. Return the air fryer to cook for another 5 minutes or so.
Keep a close eye on the mushrooms and onions towards the end of the cooking time. Different air fryers cook at different rates, and you don't want the vegetables to burn. The mushrooms should be browned and tender, but not too soft, and the onions should be translucent and starting to caramelize around the edges. If you want them more caramelized, you can return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes.
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Serving: as a side or topping
Air-fried mushrooms and onions can be served as a side dish or topping in several ways. They can be served as a side dish with steak, pork, or chicken. They can also be used as toppings for burgers, sandwiches, or pizzas.
If you are using the mushrooms and onions for toppings, it is best to serve them immediately. However, if you are adding them to a cold dish or salad, let the mushrooms cool first.
You can also stuff the mushrooms with meat and cheese. Remove the stems and use them for another recipe or finely chop and add them to the meat mixture. Mix one cup of browned ground beef with 4 oz of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (you can use sharp cheddar). You can also add herbs and spices to the mixture or use cooked shredded chicken instead of meat.
You can also add a crunch to the stuffed mushrooms by sprinkling the tops with panko or crushed pork rinds.
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Storage: reheating and freezing
Storing air-fried mushrooms and onions is a great way to preserve their freshness and flavour. Here is a detailed guide on storage, reheating, and freezing:
Storage
After air-frying, allow the mushrooms and onions to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few hours if consumed on the same day. However, for longer storage, it is recommended to refrigerate them. Place them in a sealed container or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat air-fried mushrooms and onions and retain their crispiness, using an air fryer or oven is ideal. Here are the steps for reheating:
- Preheat your air fryer or oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Spread the mushrooms and onions in a single layer on an air fryer basket or a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Reheat for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the mushrooms and onions.
- Keep an eye on them and check periodically to prevent overcooking.
- Once they turn golden brown and regain their crispiness, they are ready to be served and enjoyed.
Freezing
Freezing is an effective way to extend the shelf life of air-fried mushrooms and onions. Here is a step-by-step guide to freezing them:
- Clean and slice the mushrooms and onions.
- Heat a skillet or pan on medium-high heat and add butter or olive oil.
- Add the mushrooms and onions to the skillet and cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes.
- After this initial cooking period, stir and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are lightly browned.
- Remove from heat and spread them on a paper towel-lined surface to cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer the mushrooms and onions to a zip-top freezer bag or a vacuum-sealed bag. Remove as much air as possible and flatten them into a single layer.
- Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 6 months.
- When ready to use, thaw slightly or cook directly in your desired dish.
By following these instructions, you can enjoy air-fried mushrooms and onions even after storing or freezing them, ensuring maximum flavour and texture retention.
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Frequently asked questions
Air fry mushrooms and onions for 11-13 minutes at 400°F. You can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if you prefer them more well done.
Clean the mushrooms and slice them in half. Cut the onions lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices. Place the mushrooms and onions in a bowl and toss with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cremini mushrooms (baby bellas) are a popular choice due to their firm texture and earthy flavor. You can also use white or button mushrooms. For onions, yellow onions are most common and great for caramelizing. White or sweet onions are milder options.
Air-fried mushrooms and onions make a delicious side dish for steak, pork, or chicken. They can also be used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or pizza.
