If you love mushrooms but want a quick, flavorful way to prepare them, this Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s perfectly simple yet packed with bold, savory notes from garlic, thyme, and a touch of pepper that make these mushrooms irresistibly tasty. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that lovely golden-brown crisp without any fuss or mess. Whether as a side or a snack, these mushrooms come out tender on the inside and satisfyingly crispy on the outside every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each plays a vital role in delivering vibrant flavors and a perfect texture to your mushrooms. The combination of spices and olive oil ensures the mushrooms roast beautifully in the air fryer, while fresh parsley adds a refreshing finish.
- 16 oz whole cremini or white mushrooms, cleaned and halved: Choose firm mushrooms to get the best texture and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices stick while promoting crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a warm, savory depth without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the mushroom flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a mild earthiness that complements mushrooms beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors and draws out moisture for better roasting.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a gentle kick to keep things interesting.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbal contrast to the richness of the mushrooms.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F. Preparing the basket ahead of time ensures your mushrooms cook evenly and develop a perfect golden-brown exterior.
Step 2: Toss the Mushrooms
In a large bowl, combine your halved mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the mushrooms are fully coated in this aromatic mixture. This step is key to infusing those wonderful flavors into each bite.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer within the air fryer basket—crowding will steam them rather than crisp. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so the mushrooms cook and brown evenly on all sides. Keep an eye out for that tender inside and delicately crisp outside.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the mushrooms to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a splash of color and brightness. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a lovely, classic garnish that adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of green. For an extra flavor boost, a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can elevate the dish to something truly special.
Side Dishes
These mushrooms are perfect alongside grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even tossed into salads and grain bowls. They also pair wonderfully with crusty bread or roasted potatoes for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy something different? Try serving these mushrooms on top of toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer, or mix them into creamy risotto for an earthy twist. You can even add them to a warming soup just before serving for extra texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and are great for quick snacks or easy meal add-ons.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked mushrooms, the texture might be a bit softer upon thawing. If you want to freeze them, cool completely and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back their crispness. Alternatively, warming them gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil works well to refresh their texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use button mushrooms instead of cremini?
Absolutely! Button mushrooms work just as well in this Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe. They might cook a tiny bit faster due to their size, so keep an eye on them as they air fry.
Do I need to peel or wash mushrooms before cooking?
It’s best to clean mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel rather than soaking them in water, which can make them soggy. Peeling is not necessary for this recipe since halving is enough for even cooking.
Can I add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma but can burn easily in the air fryer. If you want to use fresh garlic, finely mince it and toss with the mushrooms after cooking or add it very carefully before air frying for a shorter time.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! This Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe is completely vegan, using only plant-based ingredients—perfect for those following a vegan or plant-based lifestyle.
Can I cook mushrooms in the air fryer without oil?
While possible, a little oil helps mushrooms crisp nicely and keeps them from drying out. Using olive oil as recommended improves texture and flavor significantly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe enough if you’re looking for a fast, flavorful way to enjoy mushrooms anytime. It’s effortless, versatile, and transforms humble mushrooms into a dish that feels special. Go on, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite mushroom fix!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe is a quick and healthy side dish perfect for any meal. Featuring tender, golden brown cremini or white mushrooms seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and thyme, these mushrooms are air fried to crispy perfection using minimal oil. Garnished with fresh parsley, this vegan recipe brings out rich mushroom flavors in just under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 oz whole cremini or white mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F to ensure it’s hot and ready to cook the mushrooms evenly and crisp up their edges.
- Prepare the mushrooms: In a large bowl, toss the halved mushrooms with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until all mushrooms are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange mushrooms in the air fryer: Place the seasoned mushrooms in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Air fry the mushrooms: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get golden brown and tender.
- Serve: Remove the mushrooms and serve warm, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or sprinkle Parmesan cheese just before serving for extra depth of flavor.
- Using sliced mushrooms instead of halved ones shortens cooking time.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure mushrooms crisp evenly and don’t steam.
