The Best Air Fryer Mushrooms Recipe in 15 Minutes • Low Carb with Jennifer (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to cooking mushrooms? ›

"Medium-high heat is the way to go with mushrooms. You want their liquids to slowly evaporate while they caramelize," says Norton. High heat can burn mushrooms, while low heat will make them cook in their own liquid, she says. You also want to be mindful of the pan.

For mushrooms that are always crispy, air fry them without oil.

During this first cooking step, the mushrooms will reduce in size and get cooked, releasing also some of their abundant water. Additionally, because of the cooking heat, the oil-absorbing air pockets will collapse, losing their ability to absorb oil.

But strangely enough, the secret to better (and faster) sautéed mushrooms is cooking them in water: Boiling your shrooms before pan-frying actually helps them brown. Just like soaking tofu in boiling salt water, boiling mushrooms “dries them out” a little.

The study demonstrated that cooking methods have an effect on the flavor profile of white mushrooms. Sear mushrooms for a more intense roasted, charred and smoky flavor and overall aroma. Roast mushrooms to get more sweet, salty and umami tastes with caramelized, nutty and buttery flavors.

Cook in butter and oil for richness

Butter makes everything better, but in some cases it brings out a true luxuriousness of a dish. This is the case for mushrooms. Bring out their umami taste by letting them sauté in a pan of melted butter. Morels are an absolute treat sautéed in butter until golden brown.

One of the biggest benefits of the air fryer is that you can cook foods without using oil, making your meals healthier. Some recipes may call for a spray of or a toss in oil, but when cooking in the air fryer, using the slippery stuff is deffo unnecessary.

If you're using an air fryer that has a nonstick surface, you usually don't have to spray the basket too. However, it depends on the type of food you're cooking. For example, salmon with skin tends to stick so for something like that, I would spray or brush the basket with oil.

Do I need to wash the mushrooms before I cook them? Never wash mushrooms. Instead, Wipe off any dirt with a damp paper towel. You can wash them but they won't be as good in texture/color.

Butter is great because it adds lots of flavor and produces a nice golden brown exterior, while adding oil allows the mushrooms to cook a little more quickly at slightly higher heat.

When to season mushrooms? ›

Salt your mushrooms at the end: I know this seems odd, but mushrooms are one of the only things I salt towards the end of cooking. Salt brings out moisture, which, in the case of mushrooms, prevents them from browning in the pan.

Mushrooms retain a lot of moisture. To achieve the right amount of browning and release a delicious umami flavor, the mushrooms must be as dry as possible before cooking. Some chefs refuse to wash their mushrooms because it makes it harder to reach the browning stage.

Once you begin to see golden edges and no more liquid, give the mushrooms a quick stir. The mushrooms will begin to turn a dark reddish-brown with golden spots. Add your seasoning at this stage. This can include salt, pepper, garlic, fresh herbs, or even a little more butter if you're feeling indulgent.

The researchers concluded that the best way to cook mushrooms while still preserving their nutritional properties is to grill or microwave them, as the fried and boiled mushrooms showed significantly less antioxidant activity.

Olive oil: Olive oil has a low smoke point, so it is better suited for sautéing and roasting at low to medium heat. Its distinct flavor can complement the earthy taste of mushrooms. Butter: Butter can add richness and flavor to sautéed mushrooms.

Wash fresh mushrooms in cold plain water just before using, just to remove the dirt and growth medium.