Get ready to take your air fryer to new heights with these insanely delicious crab stuffed mushrooms! Sweet crab meat and creamy flavors get balanced out by fresh green onion, parsley and seasoning for an appetizer that will have everyone begging for more.
Crispy golden mushroom caps filled with briny seafood is a match made in food heaven. Follow the simple steps to whip up this impressive yet easy crab stuffed mushroom recipe in your air fryer. Once you try them you’ll want to make them again and again.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Amazingly Tasty- The combination of flavors is absolute perfection. The sweet crab meat pairs deliciously with the earthy mushrooms, creamy mayonnaise, nutty Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Each bite will have your tastebuds singing!
Easy to Customize– You can make them your own. Play around with different herb combinations or swap in breadcrumbs for the Parmesan. The basic recipe is versatile for customization.
Perfect for Any Occasion- They’re perfect party food. The stuffed mushrooms can be made in advance and popped in the air fryer right before guests arrive. Talk about an easy yet impressive appetizer!
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this crab stuffed mushrooms in air fryer recipe you will need:
- 8oz (225g) Mushrooms
- 8oz (225g) Crab Meat (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 1/2 Green Onions (chopped)
- 3/4 teaspoon Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy crab stuffed mushrooms air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 380F (190C), and cleaning the mushrooms. Snap off the stems and remove most of the inside gills.
Step 2
Add all the ingredients (except the mushrooms) to a large bowl. Mix well.
Step 3
Stuff the mushrooms with the stuffing mixture.
Step 4
Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket (in a single layer). Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 8-10 minutes – the stuffing should be browned. Serve and enjoy this amazing crab stuffed mushrooms air fryer recipe.
💡Tips
Here are 6 useful tips to help ensure your crab stuffed mushrooms turn out perfectly using the air fryer:
1. Make Sure Your Air Fryer is Preheated Properly
Allow your air fryer to fully preheat to 380°F before cooking the stuffed mushrooms. Preheating ensures the air circulates at the proper temperature right away to cook the stuffing mixture through. Be patient and allow the full preheat time.
2. Don’t Overfill the Mushroom Caps
Stuff the mushroom caps with a reasonable amount of stuffing rather than overfilling them. Overstuffed caps won’t cook properly in the middle. Leave a bit of room at the top for the filling to slightly rise up while cooking.
3. Cook in a Single Layer
Cooking the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer allows for the best air circulation. The hot air needs to reach all sides of the mushrooms simultaneously for even cooking. If needed, work in batches to cook one layer at a time.
4. Increase Cook Time for Larger Mushrooms
The cook time may need to be increased if using larger, jumbo mushroom caps. An extra 2-4 minutes may be needed. Check for doneness and cook longer if the stuffing is not fully browned and heated through.
5. Sprinkle Top with Breadcrumbs
For extra texture and crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan over the top of the stuffed mushrooms before air frying. The air fryer will make these golden brown and crisp.
6. Allow a Rest Before Serving
Once done air frying, let the crab stuffed mushrooms rest 5 minutes before removing from the basket. This helps set the filling so it doesn’t ooze out when you go to serve it. The resting time also prevents burns since the insides will be extremely hot.
Variations
1. Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Mushrooms- Why just stuff mushrooms when you can wrap them in bacon too? Take the original crab stuffed mushroom recipe and wrap each mushroom in a slice of bacon before air frying.
The sweet and salty bacon pairs perfectly with the briny crab and earthy mushrooms. Serve these bacon wrapped stuffed mushrooms as a party appetizer or game day snack.
2. Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Mushrooms- Transport your tastebuds to the Mediterranean coast with these shrimp scampi stuffed mushrooms. Saute shrimp in garlic, white wine, lemon and butter then mix with panko breadcrumbs.
Stuff into mushroom caps and sprinkle with parmesan before air frying until hot and crispy. Bellisimo!
3. Southwestern Stuffed Mushrooms- Spice up the original recipe with Southwestern flavors! Sauté ground beef with taco seasoning, black beans, corn and pickled jalapeños.
Stuff into mushrooms then top with melted pepperjack cheese before air frying. Serve these Tex-Mex stuffed mushrooms with guacamole, salsa and sour cream. Ole!
4. Classic Italian Stuffed Mushrooms- Take a tour of Italy with stuffed mushrooms filled with Italian sausage, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.
Toss the stuffing mixture with garlic butter then fill the mushroom caps. Air fry until the cheese melts for an explosion of classic Italian flavors in each bite! Mangia!
Types of Cheese
Here are 4 alternative cheeses that can be used in place of Parmesan in this crab stuffed mushroom recipe:
Pecorino Romano – Pecorino Romano is a hard Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a rich, nutty, salty flavor that is very similar to Parmesan. Pecorino Romano would be an excellent substitution in this recipe.
Grana Padano – Grana Padano is another hard Italian cheese that is very comparable to Parmesan in flavor and texture. It has a slightly milder flavor than Parmesan but can be used interchangeably in recipes.
Asiago – Asiago is an Italian cow’s milk cheese that comes in a variety of textures from soft to hard. Aged Asiago has a sharp, robust flavor that would pair nicely with the other ingredients in the crab stuffed mushrooms.
Manchego – Manchego is a sheep’s milk cheese from Spain. It has a creamy texture with nutty, salty flavors when aged. The distinctive Manchego flavor would complement the stuffing mixture well. Aged Manchego can be grated similarly to Parmesan too.
Dipping Sauces
Crab stuffed mushrooms are a delicious appetizer that pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are 5 suggested pairings that will enhance the flavors of the crab and mushrooms:
1. Lemon Aioli – The bright acidity of the lemon complements the rich and briny crab, while the aioli adds a cool, creamy contrast to the mushroom texture. Drizzled over the stuffed mushrooms, lemon aioli is a go-to classic pairing.
2. Old Bay Remoulade – With Old Bay’s distinctive blend of herbs and spices, this New Orleans-inspired remoulade adds a tangy kick to the sweet crab stuffing. The pungent mustard and spicy heat make a bold counterpoint.
3. Garlic Ranch – Cool and creamy ranch gets a flavor boost from fresh garlic. It cools the palate between bites of hot, savory stuffed mushroom. The dairy is a natural match for seafood, while garlic and herbs echo the seasonings in the crab.
4. Sweet Chili Sauce – For those who like some heat, sweet Thai chili sauce packs the perfect blend of spicy, sweet and tangy. It pairs beautifully with the briny sweetness of crab meat. The bright red sauce looks stunning spooned over the mushrooms.
5. Hollandaise – Classic French haute cuisine meets low country crab cakes when rich, eggy hollandaise meets stuffed mushroom caps. The velvety emulsion cuts the richness of the cheese and mayo-based stuffing.
Storage
These crab stuffed mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer term storage. To freeze, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven or air fryer until warmed through.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
If you liked my air fryer crab stuffed mushrooms recipe, make sure to check out these air fryer recipes too:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the stuffed mushrooms instead. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until the filling is hot and lightly browned.
2. Can I prepare and stuff the mushrooms in advance?
Yes! Prepare the stuffed mushroom caps up to a day ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. How can I change up the flavor of the stuffing?
A: Try adding lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce. Swap out the Parmesan for shredded mozzarella, Gruyère or cheddar.
4. What kind of crab meat should I use for the stuffing?
Any type of pre-cooked crab meat will work well, such as lump crab meat or claw crab meat. Just avoid using imitation crab meat, as it won’t give an authentic flavor. Chopped fresh crab would also be delicious.
5 Reasons Mushrooms Are Amazing When Air Fried
1. Air frying mushrooms creates a crispy, crunchy texture without the extra calories and mess of deep frying. The high heat of the air fryer quickly draws moisture out of the mushrooms, crisping up the outside.
2. It’s incredibly fast and easy – most air fryer mushroom recipes take less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for quick snacks and appetizers. No need to heat up the oven.
3. You can toss the mushrooms with a little oil and spices/herbs first to add lots of flavor as they cook. Air frying really locks in seasonings nicely.
4. The air fryer gives you portion and serving control. It’s easy to adjust amounts to cook based on how many you need, avoiding waste.
5. Nutrients are preserved since air frying doesn’t require as much oil or liquid as other cooking methods. Mushrooms retain more vitamins and minerals.
These crab stuffed mushrooms are the perfect easy yet elegant appetizer to make in your air fryer. Crispy mushroom caps filled with sweet crab, savory cheese, and fresh herbs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Air frying locks in moisture while giving a nice browned exterior crunch. Play around with different stuffing variations like bacon wrapped, shrimp scampi, Southwestern, or classic Italian flavors.
I hope you enjoy this quick and tasty crab stuffed mushrooms recipe. Be sure to check the website for even more air fryer appetizer ideas you can make in minutes. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about cooking stuffed mushrooms in your air fryer!
Air Fryer Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
- 8 oz Mushrooms (225g)
- 8 oz Crab Meat (chopped) (225g)
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 1/2 Green Onions (chopped)
- 3/4 teaspoon Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 380F (190C), and cleaning the mushrooms. Snap off the stems and remove most of the inside gills.
- Add all the ingredients (except the mushrooms) to a large bowl. Mix well.
- Stuff the mushrooms with the stuffing mixture.
- Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket (in a single layer). Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 8-10 minutes – the stuffing should be browned.
