Emma Wilson
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook mushrooms, which are described as meaty due to their naturally occurring glutamate, an amino acid associated with savouriness. The cooking time and temperature depend on the type of air fryer and the size of the mushrooms, but generally, mushrooms are cooked in an air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F. Before cooking, the mushrooms are usually seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and sometimes soy sauce, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce. They can be served as a side dish or added to pasta, salads, or toast.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right mushrooms
Variety: Different varieties of mushrooms will have distinct flavours and textures, which can enhance your dish. Common varieties used for air frying include cremini (also known as baby bella), shiitake, and white button mushrooms. Cremini mushrooms are a popular choice for their hearty flavour and firm texture. If you're looking for a shorter cooking time, shiitake mushroom caps may be a good option, requiring only about 10 minutes of air frying.
Size and Shape: The size and shape of the mushrooms can impact cooking time and evenness. For even cooking, it is recommended to cut the mushrooms into similar sizes. Large mushrooms can be halved or quartered, while smaller ones can be left whole. Whole mushrooms tend to retain more moisture and juiciness, browning on the outside while staying juicy in the middle. Cutting the mushrooms into halves or quarters provides more surface area for caramelization, resulting in those delicious crispy edges.
Freshness: Fresh mushrooms are always preferable, as they will have the best flavour and texture. Avoid mushrooms that look shrivelled or slimy, as these are signs of deterioration. Look for firm, plump mushrooms with intact caps and gills.
Amount: Depending on the capacity of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the amount of mushrooms you use. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and loss of crispiness. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the mushrooms in batches.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, choosing the right mushroom also depends on your personal taste. Experiment with different varieties to find the ones you enjoy most. Some people prefer the earthy flavour of shiitake mushrooms, while others may favour the milder taste of white button mushrooms.
By considering these factors, you can select the best mushrooms for air frying and create delicious and successful dishes. Remember to refer to specific recipes for additional guidance on preparation, cooking times, and serving suggestions.
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Seasoning and coatings
When it comes to seasoning and coatings, there are a variety of options to choose from when air-frying mushrooms. A basic combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder is a popular choice. You can also experiment with different types of oil, such as avocado oil spray or cooking spray, to achieve even distribution of seasoning. Additionally, consider adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary, or balsamic vinegar for a unique flavour profile.
For a more savoury dish, season your mushrooms with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or onion powder. You can also enhance the savoury flavour by adding meat and cheese to the mushrooms. If you're looking for a crunchy texture, panko or crushed pork rinds are a great option. Fresh herbs like parsley or sesame oil can also be used to create Asian-inspired flavours.
If you're a fan of spicy food, season your mushrooms with red chilli flakes and black pepper. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavour. For a salt-free option, you can still achieve delicious results by combining black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
When preparing your mushrooms, it's important to ensure even cooking. Cut the mushrooms into similar sizes, either halves or quarters, to achieve those delicious crispy edges. Additionally, remember to shake the air fryer basket occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
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Air fryer temperature
The air fryer temperature and cooking time for mushrooms depend on the type of mushrooms being cooked, the size of the mushrooms, and the desired level of doneness. It is important to note that different air fryers may cook at varying temperatures, so adjustments may be necessary to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
For whole mushrooms, a common temperature recommendation is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, with a cooking time of 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the mushrooms should be shaken or stirred at least twice to ensure even cooking. After the initial cooking period, the mushrooms can be cooked for an additional 5 minutes or until they reach the desired level of doneness, such as browning or crisping on all sides.
When cooking sliced or halved mushrooms, a lower temperature of around 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit is typically recommended. The cooking time for sliced mushrooms is usually around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. It is important to flip the mushrooms halfway through the cooking process and check on them at regular intervals to prevent overcooking.
It is worth mentioning that some sources suggest cooking mushrooms at even lower temperatures, such as 360 degrees Fahrenheit, for a longer duration of about 15 minutes. This approach involves checking on the mushrooms every 5 minutes and shaking the basket to ensure even cooking.
Additionally, the size of the air fryer basket or cooking area can impact the cooking time and temperature. If using a smaller air fryer, it may be necessary to cook the mushrooms in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for air-fried mushrooms depends on the size of the air fryer, the quantity of mushrooms, and the desired texture. Mushrooms can be cooked whole or cut into halves or quarters. Smaller pieces will cook faster and result in crispier edges. It is recommended to cut the mushrooms into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
When using a basket-style air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness and even cooking. For smaller air fryers, it may be necessary to cook the mushrooms in batches.
The cooking temperature for air-fried mushrooms typically ranges from 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). At 400°F, mushrooms can be cooked for 10 minutes, shaken, and then cooked for another 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Alternatively, they can be cooked for 5 minutes, tossed, and then cooked for another 5 minutes.
At 350°F to 375°F (180°C to 190°C), the cooking time is around 15 minutes. It is recommended to flip the mushrooms halfway through and check on them every 5 minutes, shaking the basket to ensure even cooking.
For whole mushrooms, 10 minutes at 400°F is usually sufficient to achieve a golden brown exterior with a juicy interior.
It is important to note that air fryers vary, so it is advisable to keep an eye on the mushrooms and check them frequently to avoid overcooking or burning.
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side dish, or meal topping. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
As a Side Dish
Air-fried mushrooms can be served as a side dish to accompany a variety of meals. They pair well with steak, adding a tasty dimension to the dish. They can also be served as a side with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes and red chilli flakes. For a vegetarian option, try serving them with roasted cauliflower, asparagus, or baked potatoes.
In a Buddha Bowl
Air-fried mushrooms, especially when seasoned with rosemary and soy sauce, are a great addition to a Buddha bowl.
On Toast
Try spreading some avocado on toasted bread and topping it with air-fried mushrooms for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
In Salads and Cold Dishes
Air-fried mushrooms can be used as a topping or mix-in for salads and cold dishes. Just be sure to let the mushrooms cool down before adding them to your salad or cold dish.
With Meat and Cheese
For a heartier option, stuff your mushrooms with meat and cheese before air-frying. You can use ground beef, cream cheese, and shredded cheese, and add herbs and spices to taste.
In Pasta Dishes
Air-fried mushrooms can be tossed with pasta dishes like fettuccini alfredo or beef stroganoff, adding extra flavour and moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal temperature to air fry mushrooms is between 350°F/180°C and 400°F.
Air fry mushrooms for 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket and toss the mushrooms every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Cut the mushrooms into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking. You can also cook them whole, but they may not be as juicy. Toss the mushrooms with seasonings like olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
Air-fried mushrooms make a great side dish for steak or pasta. They can also be added to salads, avocado toast, or spaghetti marinara.
