Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these Breaded Air Fryer Mushrooms are the ultimate bite-sized appetizer or side dish.
Air Fryer Breaded Mushrooms
I am a huge fan of mushrooms! When I’m not making my garlic butter mushrooms, I’m always trying new ways to enjoy them! If you love restaurant-style fried mushrooms but want a lighter version at home, I think you’ll love these breaded air fryer mushrooms. I love using my air fryer for making crispy, golden breaded food without all the grease. Using just a fraction of the oil, the air fryer creates that golden, crunchy coating while keeping the mushrooms moist and flavorful. Perfect with your favorite dipping sauces or as a side dish with anything you’re eating.
Why This Recipe Works
I always choose the air fryer when cooking breaded foods. Whether it’s chicken tenders, fish sticks, or vegetables, the air fryer does a much better job than the oven at creating that crispy, golden crust you get from deep frying. These simple air fryer breaded mushrooms satisfy my craving for the real thing.
- Lighter than fried: Air frying cuts way down on oil, making these mushrooms lower in calories and fat than traditional deep-fried versions.
- Versatile: I offer substitutions below to accommodate various dietary needs. Plus, you can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Healthy: Mushrooms are naturally low in calories and rich in B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants that support immune health and energy (Mushroom Council).
For more healthy air fryer recipes, check out my cookbooks, The Skinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook and Skinnytaste Air Fryer Dinners!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are some notes on the ingredients for these easy breaded mushrooms. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- White Whole Mushrooms: Wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and pat them dry. Leave small ones whole, but cut larger ones in half.
- Egg helps the breadcrumbs stick to the mushrooms.
- Breading: Italian breadcrumbs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese coat the mushrooms. Locatelli is my go-to Pecorino brand, but any kind will work.
- Garlic: Finely chop the garlic and add it to the breading mixture. It gives the mushrooms a delicious aroma as they cook.
- Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add fresh flavor.
- Kosher Salt brings out all the flavors.
How to Make Mushrooms in the Air Fryer
Line the air fryer with perforated parchment paper to simplify cleanup. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions.
- Set up your dredging stations: Whisk the egg in a bowl and mix the remaining ingredients (except the mushrooms) in another.
- Coat the mushrooms: Dip a mushroom in the egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Once you’ve coated all the mushrooms, lightly spray them with oil to help them crisp up.
- Air fry: Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure they get crispy. Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
No air fryer? No problem?
- Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper, and preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Bake the breaded mushrooms for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they brown evenly.
Variations
- Mushrooms: Substitute baby bella mushrooms.
- No seasoned breadcrumbs? Add some onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs to plain ones. You can also use panko for a crispier coating.
- Gluten-free Breaded Mushrooms: Use GF breadcrumbs.
- Egg Allergy: Skip the egg and spray the mushrooms with olive oil before dipping them in crumbs.
- Make It Dairy-free: Omit the cheese and use more breadcrumbs.
- No fresh herbs? Use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and thyme each.
Storage
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4 minutes, or until heated through.
- To freeze, flash-freeze the uncooked breaded mushrooms on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Air fry frozen mushrooms at 375°F for 15 minutes.
More Air Fryer Vegetables You’ll Love
For more side dish ideas using an air fryer, check out these five delicious air fryer vegetable sides to inspire your next meal!
Yield: servings
Serving Size: 3 /4 cup
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Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel and pat dry. If very large, cut in half; leave small ones whole. There is no need to remove the inside of the mushroom.
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In one bowl, add egg and whisk lightly. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic, rosemary, thyme and salt.
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Dip each mushroom into the egg, letting excess drip off. Roll in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
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Arrange mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation.
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Air fry 375°F for 8-10 minutes, gently shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
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Once golden brown and crispy, remove the mushrooms and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, garlic aioli or creamy horseradish sauce.
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Serve: Enjoy immediately as a snack, appetizer, or side.
Last Step:
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Serving: 3 /4 cup, Calories: 173.5 kcal, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 11 g, Fat: 6 g, Saturated Fat: 2.5 g, Cholesterol: 100.5 mg, Sodium: 873 mg, Fiber: 2.5 g, Sugar: 3.5 g
