Crispy, juicy breaded mushrooms are always a crowd-pleasing appetizer! This easy air fryer recipe yields the perfect texture – a crispy, crunchy coating enveloping tender and savory mushroom caps.
With just a handful of ingredients that you likely have in your pantry already, these delicious ‘shrooms can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Baking them in the air fryer means you avoid the mess and unhealthiness of deep frying, for a quick and tasty snack or side to complement any meal. So, let’s get started!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious and Easy to Make: These breaded mushrooms in an air fryer are super simple to make and taste amazing! With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can have a delicious snack or appetizer ready in no time.
Crispy and Juicy Texture: The combination of breadcrumbs, egg, and spices give these mushrooms a crispy and crunchy outer layer, while the mushrooms themselves stay juicy and tender on the inside. This texture is sure to please everyone, even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Serving Options: These breaded mushrooms can be served in a variety of ways- as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, or serve them alongside your favorite main dish.
Perfect for Air Fryer Cooking: Cooking these breaded mushrooms in the air fryer is a healthier and more convenient option than deep frying. The air fryer helps the mushrooms crisp up perfectly, without adding any extra oil or grease.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make breaded mushrooms in an air fryer you will need these ingredients:
- 14oz (400g) Button Mushrooms
- 1/3 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg (large)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Paprika (I used smoked paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
👨🍳 How To Make
This air fried breaded mushrooms recipe is so simple! Follow these steps:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 390F (200C). Combine and whisk the egg and olive oil in one medium bowl. Add the mushrooms, mix and coat them.
Step 2
Take another medium bowl. Add the garlic powder, paprika, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well.
Step 3
Scoop half of the mushrooms into the breadcrumbs mixture. Coat them, and then add them to the air fryer basket (in one layer, so they crisp nicely).
Step 4
Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket after about 7 minutes.
Step 5
Repeat for the remaining half. Let the air fried breaded mushrooms cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy! This breaded mushrooms in air fryer recipe is super simple- but these mushrooms taste amazing!
💡Tips
1. Upgrade Your Breadcrumbs
Plain breadcrumbs work well, but you can add lots of flavor with some easy upgrades:
- Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs – add Italian herbs like basil, oregano, parsley.
- Parmesan Breadcrumbs – grated parmesan cheese adds nuttiness.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs.
2. Achieving Perfect Crispiness
Preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and crispiness. Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
This allows hot air to circulate evenly, leading to a uniformly crispy coating. It’s also beneficial to lightly spray the breaded mushrooms with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray before cooking.
This helps achieve a golden-brown color and enhances the crunch. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
3. Rest and Serve
Let the air-fried mushrooms rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the breading to set and prevents them from becoming greasy. The wait will be worth it for perfectly crispy, delectable mushrooms!
4. Elevate the Plating
These crispy, flavor-packed fried mushrooms deserve an elevated presentation. Serve them in a tower stacked high on a platter, or pile them in a mini fried mushroom mountain! Garnish with extras like:
- Fresh Parsley or Dill
- Lemon Wedges
- Shaved Parmesan
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing for Dipping
Variations
1. Panko and Herbs- Most people use plain breadcrumbs, but substituting panko breadcrumbs makes them extra crispy on the outside. Also add some dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for tons of herby flavor in every bite.
2. Goat Cheese Stuffed– Before breading, gently stuff each mushroom cap with a little chunk of soft goat cheese. The molten, tangy cheese oozes out when you bite into the crispy ‘shrooms.
3. BBQ Bacon Wrapped- Crisp up some bacon in the air fryer, then loosely wrap a slice around each mushroom before coating and frying. Finish with a brush of zesty BBQ sauce for a sweet, smoky treat. The bacon gives great texture too.
4. Italian Herbed- I mean, you can’t go wrong with Italian flavors! Use equal parts Italian breadcrumbs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and parsley. Fry up the herby mushrooms and serve over pasta with marinara sauce for a tasty bites.
Storage
These breaded mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation and fogginess.
You can also freeze the cooked breaded mushrooms for longer term storage. Let them cool completely, then place in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze until hard. Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible. They will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
When ready to eat, you can reheat the frozen breaded mushrooms in the air fryer or oven until hot and crispy again, about 5-7 minutes. They may not get as crispy as when freshly cooked.
Dipping Sauces
1. Ranch Dressing– A classic. Creamy, herby ranch sauce enhanced with garlic powder was simply made for dunking. The cool tanginess plays beautifully against the crispy-hot mushrooms, brightening all the rich umami flavors
. And the texture contrast delights the mouthfeel, taking this snack from great to greater heights. An all-American pairing that always satisfies.
2. Marinara Sauce– Let’s go Italian! Tomatoey marinara sauce makes a fresh, vibrant dip that benefits the ‘shrooms in every way. The acidity cuts through that fried coating to balance the flavors. The sweetness and herbaceousness add brightness and complexity.
And the warm red richness pairs divinely. It’s perfection with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
3. Greek Tzatziki Sauce– Now for a Mediterranean twist! Creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce cools the palate while complementing the mushrooms’ earthiness.
The garlic, dill and lemon zing play beautifully with paprika and onion powder already in our recipe. And the yogurt-based sauce adds delightful tang and texture contrast. It’s an unexpected combination that really works!
4. Spicy Mayo– Let’s kick things up a notch! Spicy sriracha mayo makes these crispy mushrooms really sing. The hot sauce’s vinegary heat cuts through that rich, crunchy coating like a knife. Cooling mayonnaise tames the fire just enough.
And a sprinkle of scallions on top adds freshness. It’s all the flavors you love about buffalo wings, now in a magical mushroom form.
Keto / Low Carb Version
To make a keto and low carb version of this air fried breaded mushrooms recipe, there are a few simple substitutions you can make:
Instead of regular breadcrumbs, use low carb almond flour, coconut flour or crushed pork rinds to coat the mushrooms. This eliminates the carbs found in breadcrumbs.
Double check the carb counts on any packaged ingredients like the almond flour or seasoning mixes. Some contain added sugars or starches which can add carbs.
Use salt and black pepper to keep the mushrooms nicely seasoned. Taste and adjust to your preferences.
Following these easy swaps results in crunchy, flavorful low carb mushrooms to enjoy on their own or dip in high fat condiments.
Gluten Free Version
To make a gluten free version of this air fried breaded mushrooms recipe, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten free breadcrumbs or panko crumbs. You can find gluten free breadcrumbs or panko crumbs at most major grocery stores now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
While button mushrooms are used in the recipe, you can also use cremini, portobello, or white mushrooms. The key is to make sure they are dry before breading.
2. Can I use Panko breadcrumbs instead?
Yes, you can substitute Panko or any other style breadcrumbs. Panko will provide an extra crispy texture.
3. Do I have to use egg for the breading to stick?
The egg helps the breading adhere, but in a pinch you can also use milk or buttermilk. It just may not stick quite as well without the egg.
4. What dipping sauces go well with the mushrooms?
These are amazing with ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping! Sour cream or aioli also taste delicious.
I hope you liked my breaded mushrooms air fryer recipe. I really like dish , and my family loves it too.
It’s so simple and easy to make, and it’s a great way to use up any leftover mushrooms.
If you have any questions about the air fryer or the recipe, feel free to leave me a comment below. Make sure to check out other great air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms
- 14 oz Button Mushrooms (400g)
- 1/3 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg (large)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Paprika (I used smoked paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 390F (200C). Combine and whisk the egg and olive oil in one medium bowl. Add the mushrooms, mix and coat them.
- Take another medium bowl. Add the garlic powder, paprika, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well.
- Scoop half of the mushrooms into the breadcrumbs mixture. Coat them, and then add them to the air fryer basket (in one layer).
- Air fry for about 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket after about 6 or 7 minutes.
- Repeat for the remaining half. Let the air fried breaded mushrooms cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.Enjoy!