Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer garlic mushrooms with this easy baking recipe. These quick-cook mushrooms deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort - perfectly caramelized edges, tender centers, and intense garlic flavor in every bite. A healthy appetizer ready in minutes!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp lemon juice</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Clean your mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp paper towel or mushroom brush. Avoid soaking them as mushrooms absorb water like sponges, which prevents proper caramelization. If using larger mushrooms, quarter them; for medium ones, halve them; and leave small button mushrooms whole. The goal is to have relatively uniform pieces for even cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme leaves, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This oil mixture will coat the mushrooms and infuse them with flavor during cooking. The oil also helps the mushrooms develop a beautiful golden exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the prepared mushrooms to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure each mushroom is evenly coated with the garlic oil mixture. The mushrooms will initially absorb the oil but will release moisture during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes. Preheating is crucial for achieving that initial caramelization that locks in flavor. Once preheated, add the mushrooms to the air fryer basket, arranging them in as close to a single layer as possible. Some overlap is fine, but try not to crowd them too much.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time. Watch carefully during the last few minutes as the garlic can burn quickly due to its high sugar content. The mushrooms are done when they've reduced in size, released their moisture, and developed golden-brown edges with a tender interior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Transfer the hot mushrooms to a serving dish and immediately toss with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The acid from the lemon brightens the earthy flavor of the mushrooms while the fresh herbs add color and a flavor contrast to the rich, garlicky mushrooms.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while hot and fragrant. These mushrooms are at their absolute best when fresh from the air fryer, as the contrast between the slightly crispy exterior and juicy interior is most pronounced. They make an excellent appetizer, side dish, or topping for crostini, steaks, or pasta.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms Recipe?

The recipe uses mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, fresh parsley and lemon juice. These simple ingredients create a flavourful umami-packed appetiser with minimal effort.

How to cook Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms by cleaning and cutting mushrooms to uniform sizes, coating them in a flavourful garlic-herb oil mixture, then air frying at 180°C for 8-10 minutes until golden and caramelised. Shake the basket halfway through cooking, then finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley for bright, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh ones in this air fryer recipe?

Fresh mushrooms work best for this air fryer recipe as they develop better caramelisation and texture. If using dried mushrooms, rehydrate them completely first, pat dry thoroughly, and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes as they'll cook faster than fresh ones due to their lower moisture content.

What are the best mushroom varieties to use in an air fryer?

Firm mushrooms like cremini (brown), button, shiitake, king oyster and portobello work excellently in air fryers. They maintain their structure while developing caramelisation. Mixing varieties creates interesting textures and flavours. Avoid delicate mushrooms like enoki which might dry out too quickly.

How do I prevent mushrooms from becoming soggy in the air fryer?

Prevent soggy air-fried mushrooms by never washing them under running water (wipe with damp paper towel instead), ensuring they're dry before cooking, not overcrowding the air fryer basket, preheating your air fryer, and using just enough oil to coat. Shaking the basket halfway ensures even cooking.

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