Mushrooms in the Air Fryer
Mushrooms release a lot of water, so they stew in a crowded pan before they ever brown. Air fryer mushrooms cook in about 10 minutes at 380 °F with deep browning, a meaty bite and almost no oil. Use them as a steak topping, a side dish or an add-in for pasta and omelets.
- Temperature
- 380°F190 °C
- Total time
- 18min
- Prep time
- 8min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 55kcal
Why the air fryer works for mushrooms
Mushrooms are about 90 percent water, and the water is the main challenge. In a pan with too many mushrooms, the liquid collects and they simmer in it. In the air fryer, the liquid drips down and evaporates in the moving hot air, so the surface browns and the flavor concentrates. The Maillard reaction builds a savory, almost meaty taste.
That is why air fryer mushrooms taste more intense than sauteed ones made with a splash of oil. Whole mushrooms stay juicy inside, and sliced ones turn chewy and dark. Both work, so pick the shape that suits the dish you are making.
How to make mushrooms in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Clean Wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or a soft brush. Do not soak them, because they absorb water and will steam in the basket. Trim any dry stem ends.
- Cut and season Leave small mushrooms whole and cut large ones in half or quarters, so all the pieces are about 1 inch wide. Toss them in a bowl with the oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 380 °F for .
- Cook Add the mushrooms in a single layer and cook for , shaking the basket after . They will shrink by about a third and release liquid, which evaporates in the hot air.
- Check and serve The mushrooms are done when they are deep brown, slightly shriveled and juicy inside. Cook 2 more minutes for a drier, chewier result. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Times and temperatures
| Mushrooms | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole or halvedShake after 5 min | 380 °F (190 °C) | 10 min |
| Sliced, ¼ inch | 380 °F (190 °C) | 6–8 min |
| Portobello capsGill side up | 380 °F (190 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Stuffed (cheese filling)Not vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free | 370 °F (190 °C) | 8–10 min |
| BreadedNot vegan or gluten-free | 380 °F (190 °C) | 10–12 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Pick cremini. They have more flavor than white button mushrooms and keep their shape better. Both work in this recipe.
- Add garlic and soy late. Fresh garlic burns in the basket. If you want soy sauce, toss it with the hot mushrooms after cooking (not gluten-free).
- Do not pile them up. A 5-quart basket holds about 1 lb of whole mushrooms in a single layer. Cook more in batches.
What to serve with mushrooms
Mushrooms are a traditional topping for steak and hamburgers, and go well with chicken breast or pork chops. Stir them into pasta, scrambled eggs or an omelet, or serve them next to asparagus and baked potatoes for a steakhouse-style dinner.
Storing and reheating
Store cooled mushrooms in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 °F for 2–3 minutes, shaking once. Cooked mushrooms freeze well for 2 months and can go straight into soups, sauces and casseroles.
Variations
- Garlic butter: Toss the hot mushrooms with 1 tbsp melted butter and 1 minced garlic clove (not vegan or dairy-free).
- Balsamic: Toss with 1 tsp balsamic vinegar after cooking for a sweet, tangy finish.
- Worcestershire: Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce to the oil before tossing, for a steakhouse flavor (not vegan, because it contains anchovies).
- Mushrooms and onions: Add 1 sliced onion to the basket with the mushrooms and cook as above.
If it does not turn out right
- The mushrooms are rubbery or watery
- They were wet or the basket was overfilled. Wipe instead of rinsing, cook in a single layer and shake halfway. Do not salt them long before cooking.
- The mushrooms are dry and tough
- They cooked too long or were cut too thin. Sliced mushrooms need only 6–8 minutes. Whole ones stay juicier.
- The pieces cooked unevenly
- Mushrooms of mixed sizes finish at different times. Sort them by size, or cut large ones to match the small ones.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook mushrooms in the air fryer?
Whole button or cremini mushrooms take 10–12 minutes at 380 °F, shaking once. Sliced mushrooms take 6–8 minutes, and portobello caps 10–12 minutes.
Can you cook mushrooms in the air fryer without oil?
Yes. Mushrooms contain a lot of water and will cook without oil, but they brown less and have a chewier texture. A tablespoon of oil per pound gives the best color.
How do you cook stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer?
Remove the stems, fill the caps with a stuffing such as cream cheese, garlic and bread crumbs, and cook at 370 °F for 8–10 minutes until the filling is browned and the caps are tender.
Can you make crispy breaded mushrooms in the air fryer?
Yes. Coat whole button mushrooms in flour, beaten egg and seasoned panko, spray with oil and cook at 380 °F for 10–12 minutes, shaking once. Serve with ranch.
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