Sarah Brown
Oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Air frying oyster mushrooms is a quick and easy way to prepare them, resulting in a crunchy, crispy texture and a delicious savoury flavour. They can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces and served as a side dish or incorporated into other meals such as wraps, tacos, salads, and pasta. Air frying is also a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it uses less oil and creates less mess. In this guide, we will explore the different techniques and tips for air frying oyster mushrooms to perfection.
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare oyster mushrooms for air frying
Air-fried oyster mushrooms are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make snack. They can be made in a variety of ways, with different seasonings and coatings, and can be served as a side dish or incorporated into other meals. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare oyster mushrooms for air frying:
Cleaning and Preparation:
Firstly, it is important to clean the oyster mushrooms. Unlike most mushrooms, oyster mushrooms grow on trees, making them relatively cleaner. Use a damp paper towel to wipe off any dust or dirt. Do not rinse them under water, as they tend to soak up a lot of moisture. If your mushrooms are very dirty, you can quickly rinse them, pat them dry, and let them air-dry for an hour.
Once cleaned, use your hands to separate the mushrooms into smaller clusters or individual pieces, depending on their size. You can trim the bottom tip end if it appears dry or dirty.
Seasoning and Coating:
There are several ways to season and coat your mushrooms before air frying. Here are a few options:
- Soy Sauce and Oil: Brush the mushrooms with a mixture of low-sodium soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Starch and Seasonings: Dip the mushrooms in potato or corn starch, followed by buttermilk, and then coat them with rice flour or panko breadcrumbs. Season with oregano, white pepper, chili flakes, thyme, paprika, or your favorite combinations.
- Wet and Dry Batter: Create a wet batter by mixing flour, seasonings, and milk. Make a dry batter with flour and seasonings in a separate bowl. Dip each mushroom in the wet batter, then coat it in the dry batter, and place them in the air fryer basket.
Air Frying:
If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F to 400°F (193°C to 205°C). Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray or brush the mushrooms with oil, and air fry for 5 to 12 minutes, depending on the size and desired crispness.
Keep an eye on the mushrooms to ensure they don't get too brown or crispy. If they are cooking too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F to 350°F (163°C to 177°C) and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Serving:
Air-fried oyster mushrooms are best served crispy and hot. You can garnish them with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as vegan mayo, hot sauce, or ranch dressing. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or incorporated into meals like tacos, salads, or Buddha bowls.
With their crunchy texture and versatile flavor, air-fried oyster mushrooms are a tasty and healthy treat that can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit your preferences.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
Air fryer temperatures and timings vary depending on the recipe used and the type of oyster mushrooms being cooked. Some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) or 375 degrees Fahrenheit, while others suggest cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius) or 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking times also vary, with some recipes calling for 5-7 minutes, 10-12 minutes, or 10-13 minutes of cooking time.
It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the mushrooms. For example, thicker mushrooms may need closer to 7 minutes of air frying, while smaller mushrooms may get too crispy even after just 5 minutes. Therefore, it is recommended to keep an eye on the mushrooms while they are cooking and adjust the time and temperature as needed to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Some recipes also suggest brushing the mushrooms with oil or flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel or cloth before cooking, as washing them under water can cause them to soak up too much moisture.
Overall, air-frying oyster mushrooms is a quick and easy way to prepare this versatile ingredient, and with a variety of potential temperatures and timings, you can easily find a recipe that works best for your taste and preferences.
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How to season oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms can be seasoned in a variety of ways to enhance their delicate, fan-shaped flavour.
One option is to brush the mushrooms with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple combination adds a savoury note to the mushrooms without overpowering their natural flavour.
If you're looking for something with a bit more heat, you can add chilli oil, dried oregano, white pepper, chilli flakes, thyme, and smoked paprika to the mix. This seasoning blend will give your mushrooms a spicy kick. For an extra crispy texture, you can also coat the mushrooms in potato starch or corn starch before air frying.
Another option is to create a wet batter with flour, seasonings, and milk, and a dry batter with flour and seasonings. Coat each mushroom in the wet batter first, then the dry batter, and place them in the air fryer. This method will give your mushrooms a crispy, crunchy coating.
You can also sauté oyster mushrooms with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan, add the mushrooms, and let them sit undisturbed for five minutes. Then, toss in the fat, season with salt and pepper, and add garlic, thyme, sage, and bay leaves. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Additionally, oyster mushrooms can be seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper for a balanced, earthy, and slightly smoky taste. A pinch of chilli flakes can be added if you like it spicy.
Remember, when seasoning oyster mushrooms, it's important not to overwhelm their natural flavour. A light touch with seasonings and a simple combination of flavours can often be the most effective way to enhance their delicate taste.
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Dipping sauces
Air-fried oyster mushrooms are a delicious, healthy snack and a great alternative to chicken. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as:
Lemon Garlic Sauce
A popular choice, this sauce is made with lemon juice, garlic, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, chives, blue cheese, and salt. It is served chilled and is the perfect complement to the crunchy, fried oyster mushrooms.
Creamy BBQ Sauce
A combination of equal parts mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, and a dash of apple cider vinegar. This creamy, tangy sauce is a great option for those who like a bit of a kick with their fried mushrooms.
Alabama White Sauce
A unique, delectable sauce that pairs well with the oyster mushrooms, giving them a chicken sandwich feel.
Hot Sauce
A simple, spicy option, you can add hot sauce to your potato starch or corn starch for an extra kick, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Vegan Mayo
A vegan option, this garlicky mayo can be served with a twist of hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
Remoulade Sauce
A creamy, slightly spicy sauce with a hint of mustard, remoulade is a great choice for those who want a tangy, flavorful dip for their mushrooms.
Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favorite! These mushrooms are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
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Storing and reheating leftover air-fried oyster mushrooms
Storing leftover air-fried oyster mushrooms:
To store leftover air-fried oyster mushrooms, allow them to cool, and then place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Store the container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-4 days. If you don't plan on eating them within this time frame, you can freeze them. Frozen mushrooms will last for about a month.
When storing oyster mushrooms, it is important to avoid placing them near pungent foods such as onions, garlic, or durian, as mushrooms easily absorb the scents of surrounding foods. It is also best to avoid washing the mushrooms before storing them, as this can cause them to rot faster. Instead, gently wipe them clean with a damp paper towel or cloth.
Reheating leftover air-fried oyster mushrooms:
To reheat leftover air-fried oyster mushrooms, you can use an oven, air fryer, or broiler. Avoid using a microwave, as this can make the mushrooms soggy. Reheat them at 350 °F/175 °C until they are hot and crispy, which should take about 10-15 minutes in the oven and 4-7 minutes in the air fryer. If you are meal-prepping and want to reheat the mushrooms later in the week, undercook them by a few minutes initially so they don't dry out when reheated.
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Frequently asked questions
Air frying oyster mushrooms typically takes around 5 to 12 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness and the size of the mushrooms. Smaller mushrooms may get too crispy after 5 minutes, while thicker ones might need up to 7 minutes.
Set your air fryer to around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C). If you're using a preheating model, preheat it to 375°F.
Clean the oyster mushrooms with a damp paper towel or cloth. Avoid washing them under running water, as they tend to soak up a lot of moisture. If they are very dirty, briefly rinse them, then pat them dry and let them air dry for an hour. Separate large clusters into smaller pieces or individual mushrooms.
You can bread oyster mushrooms with a variety of ingredients. Common options include flour, starch (potato, corn, or rice flour), breadcrumbs (preferably panko), and milk or buttermilk. For seasoning, you can use salt, pepper, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, chili flakes, paprika, or any combination of your favorite herbs and spices.
Air-fried oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be served as a side dish or appetizer. They go well with various dipping sauces, such as vegan mayo, hot sauce, ranch dressing, or lemon wedges. You can also incorporate them into tacos, wraps, salads, or rice bowls. Some people compare the texture to chicken, so you may want to try them in place of meat in certain recipes.
