Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms
Let’s talk about mushrooms. They can be a polarizing vegetable. When they’re bad, they’re really bad—soggy, slimy, and bland. But when they’re good? They are incredible. We’re talking savory, meaty, and packed with umami flavor. For years, I thought the only way to get that perfect, golden-brown, and juicy mushroom was to stand over a hot pan, sautéing them until just right. Then I tried it in the air fryer, and let me tell you, I’m never going back.
Cooking mushrooms in the air fryer is a total revelation. The circulating hot air roasts them to perfection, creating slightly crispy edges while keeping the insides tender and juicy. No more soggy mushrooms crowding a pan! This method is so fast and requires such minimal effort that it has become my go-to for a quick side dish or a topping for steak, pasta, or salads.
If you’re ready for the most delicious and easiest garlic mushrooms you’ve ever made, you’ve come to the right place. These are so good, they might just convert a mushroom skeptic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I am constantly looking for ways to make delicious food faster, and this recipe is a prime example of kitchen efficiency.
- Incredible Flavor: The high heat of the air fryer concentrates the mushroom’s natural flavor, and the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant without burning.
- Perfect Texture: You get the best of both worlds—tender, juicy centers with slightly crisped, golden-brown edges.
- Speedy and Simple: This is a true “dump and go” recipe. It’s ready in under 15 minutes with only a few minutes of active prep time.
- Versatility: These mushrooms are amazing on their own, but they’re also a fantastic addition to countless other dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these savory mushrooms come to life. The simplicity is what makes them so great.
- 250g / 9oz sliced button mushrooms: Pre-sliced saves you even more time!
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: Its high smoke point is perfect for the air fryer.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic is key for the best flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and herby freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This process is so simple, you’ll have it memorized in no time.
1. Season the Mushrooms
In a medium-sized bowl, add your sliced mushrooms. Drizzle them with the avocado oil and add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
Give everything a good toss until all the mushroom slices are evenly coated. This ensures every single bite is packed with that delicious garlic flavor.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Get your air fryer preheating to 390°F (200°C). This should only take about 3-5 minutes. Starting with a hot basket helps the mushrooms begin to roast immediately, preventing them from steaming and becoming soggy.
3. Cook in a Single Layer
Once your air fryer is hot, place the seasoned mushrooms in the basket. The most important rule for air frying vegetables is to spread them out in a single layer.
If they are piled on top of each other, they won’t get that beautiful golden color. If needed, cook them in two batches—it’s worth the extra few minutes for the perfect texture.
4. Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the mushrooms at 390°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes. To ensure they cook evenly, give the basket a good shake about halfway through the cooking time. This will flip the mushrooms and help them brown on all sides. They’re done when they are golden brown, fragrant, and have shrunk in size.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the mushrooms from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. They are best served immediately while they’re hot and sizzle. Enjoy them as a simple side dish, or get creative and use them as a topping.
Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 9 oz sliced button mushrooms
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sliced mushrooms, avocado oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Toss until the mushrooms are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Once preheated, place the seasoned mushrooms in the air fryer basket, spreading them out into a single layer.
- Cook in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- After cooking, remove the mushrooms from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Serve the garlic mushrooms immediately as a side dish or use them as a topping for salads, pasta, or rice dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have a question about making the perfect air fryer mushrooms? I’ve got you covered.
Absolutely! While button mushrooms are a great and affordable choice, this recipe works beautifully with other varieties. Try it with cremini (baby bella) mushrooms for a deeper flavor, or slice up some larger portobello mushrooms. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type and thickness.
Of course! This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to customize it to your heart’s content. If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove. You could also experiment with other herbs like dried thyme or rosemary, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
You can, but I recommend using it if possible. The oil helps the seasonings stick to the mushrooms and is crucial for achieving that delicious, roasted texture and flavor. If you omit it, the mushrooms might be a bit drier and less evenly seasoned.
If you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at around 350°F (175°C) until they’re warmed through. This will help bring back some of their original texture much better than a microwave.
