Can I Cook Mushrooms in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can absolutely cook mushrooms in the air fryer—they turn out tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized in just minutes with minimal oil. Ideal for quick sides, stir-fries, or meal prep, air-frying mushrooms preserves their flavor and texture far better than boiling or microwaving.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook mushrooms in the air fryer for quick, crispy results without excess oil.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
• Toss mushrooms in oil and season before air frying to enhance flavor and prevent drying.
• Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding and achieve consistent browning.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking for uniform crispiness and doneness.
• Use 375°F (190°C) as a starting temperature for most mushroom varieties.

The Air Fryer Revolution: A Mushroom Lover’s Dream?

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, staring at a basket of fresh mushrooms, wondering if there’s a quicker, easier way to cook them, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—especially on those evenings when I’m craving something savory but don’t want to spend 30 minutes babysitting a skillet. That’s when I first asked myself, “Can I cook mushrooms in the air fryer?” Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can. And honestly, it’s kind of a game-changer.

The air fryer has quietly taken over home kitchens in the last few years, promising crispy, golden results with little oil and almost no mess. But while we’ve all heard about air-fried chicken wings or sweet potato fries, mushrooms often get overlooked. That’s a shame because mushrooms are naturally rich in umami, and when cooked right, they become tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful. So, can you cook mushrooms in the air fryer? Let’s explore how, why, and what you need to know to get it just right—without ending up with rubbery, soggy, or burnt bites.

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well for Mushrooms

At first glance, mushrooms might seem like an odd fit for an air fryer. They’re soft, watery, and don’t have the starchy structure we typically associate with “frying.” But that’s exactly why the air fryer shines here. Mushrooms contain up to 90% water, and the air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air helps evaporate that moisture quickly, concentrating their flavor and creating a satisfying, meaty texture—without deep frying.

How Air Frying Transforms Mushroom Texture

When you sauté mushrooms in a pan, you’re relying on direct heat and oil to brown them. But if you overcrowd the pan or don’t use enough oil, they can steam instead of sear—leaving you with soggy, pale mushrooms. The air fryer avoids this by cooking mushrooms in a perforated basket, allowing steam to escape and hot air to circulate evenly. This results in mushrooms that are:

• Evenly browned on all sides
• Juicy on the inside, with a slight chew
• Lightly crispy at the edges, especially on varieties like cremini or portobello

I’ve tested this with cremini mushrooms—my go-to for weeknight dinners—and the difference is striking. After 10 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F, they come out with a golden sear, almost like they were pan-seared in butter, but with just a teaspoon of oil.

Flavor Enhancement Without the Fuss

Mushrooms are flavor sponges. In the air fryer, they absorb seasonings beautifully, especially when tossed with a little oil, garlic, salt, and herbs before cooking. Unlike stovetop cooking, where flavors can burn or stick to the pan, the air fryer preserves the integrity of your seasoning. A quick toss with soy sauce, thyme, and a dash of smoked paprika gives you umami-rich, aromatic mushrooms in under 15 minutes.

And here’s a personal tip: try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar after cooking. The slight acidity brightens the earthiness, and the mushrooms are still warm enough to absorb it without becoming mushy.

Choosing the Right Mushrooms for Air Frying

Not all mushrooms are created equal—and that’s true whether you’re grilling, roasting, or air frying. The good news? Most common varieties work beautifully in the air fryer. But knowing which ones to pick (and how to prep them) can make all the difference.

Best Mushroom Varieties for Air Frying

• Cremini (Baby Bella): My top pick. They have a meaty texture and hold their shape well. Great for roasting whole or slicing into halves.
• White Button: Milder in flavor, but perfect for absorbing bold seasonings. Best when sliced or halved.
• Portobello: Thick caps work well for “steaks” or stuffed mushrooms. Slice them ½-inch thick for even cooking.
• Shiitake: Tough stems should be removed, but the caps get wonderfully chewy and aromatic. Toss with sesame oil and soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Oyster Mushrooms: Delicate and feathery. Best cooked in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding. They crisp up nicely at the edges.
• Enoki: These are tricky—very thin and prone to drying out. Best used in small quantities or mixed with heartier mushrooms.

I once made the mistake of air-frying a batch of whole white button mushrooms without halving them. The centers were still cold and watery after 12 minutes. Lesson learned: always slice or halve mushrooms larger than a walnut for even cooking.

Prepping Mushrooms for Air Frying: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Wipe, don’t soak: Rinse mushrooms quickly under cold water or wipe with a damp paper towel. Soaking makes them soggy and harder to brown.
2. Slice or halve: For even cooking, cut mushrooms into ½-inch pieces. Uniformity is key.
3. Toss with oil: Use 1–2 teaspoons of olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter per cup of mushrooms. This helps them brown and carry seasonings.
4. Add seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs, or a splash of soy sauce. Toss well to coat.
5. Preheat the air fryer (optional): Some models perform better when preheated for 3–5 minutes at 375°F. This helps prevent sticking and speeds up browning.

One thing I’ve noticed: mushrooms release a lot of liquid during cooking. That’s normal! But if you overcrowd the basket, that liquid pools and steams the mushrooms instead of crisping them. So, cook in batches if needed—especially for larger quantities.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Air Fry Mushrooms Perfectly

Now that you’ve picked your mushrooms and prepped them, let’s get cooking. This method works for most varieties, with slight adjustments for size and thickness. I’ve tested it across multiple air fryer models (Ninja, Instant Vortex, Cosori), and the results are consistently great.

Basic Air Fryer Mushroom Recipe (Serves 2–3)

• 1 lb (450g) mushrooms (cremini, white, or portobello), sliced or halved
• 1–2 tsp olive oil or melted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced garlic)
• Optional: 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp dried thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes

1. Prep mushrooms: Wipe clean, slice or halve, and place in a bowl.
2. Toss with oil and seasonings: Use clean hands or a spoon to coat evenly. Don’t skip the oil—it’s essential for browning.
3. Preheat air fryer (optional): Set to 375°F (190°C) and let run for 3–5 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms to basket: Spread in a single layer. Do not overcrowd—leave space between pieces for air to circulate.
5. Cook at 375°F for 8–12 minutes: Shake the basket halfway through to promote even browning.
6. Check for doneness: Mushrooms should be golden brown, tender when pierced, and slightly shrunken.
7. Finish with flavor: Toss with fresh herbs, a drizzle of balsamic, or a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking.

Pro tip: If your mushrooms are still a bit pale after 12 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2–3 minutes. This gives them a final sear without overcooking the insides.

Adjusting Time and Temperature for Different Varieties

Here’s a quick reference for cooking times and temps based on mushroom type:

Mushroom Type	Prep	Temperature	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Cremini	Halved or sliced	375°F (190°C)	10–12	Great for salads or pasta
White Button	Sliced	375°F (190°C)	9–11	Add garlic for extra flavor
Portobello	½-inch slices or whole caps	375°F (190°C)	12–15	Perfect for burgers or “steaks”
Shiitake	Stems removed, caps sliced	375°F (190°C)	8–10	Toss with sesame oil and soy
Oyster	Whole or lightly separated	375°F (190°C)	7–9	Delicate—don’t overcook
Enoki	Trimmed, small clusters	375°F (190°C)	5–6	Cook with other mushrooms to prevent drying

I once tried cooking a mix of shiitake and oyster mushrooms together. The shiitakes were perfect after 9 minutes, but the oyster mushrooms were starting to crisp too much. So, I now recommend cooking delicate mushrooms separately or adding them in the last 5 minutes.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with a foolproof method, things can go sideways. I’ve had my share of air fryer mushroom mishaps—soggy batches, burnt edges, or flavorless results. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. When mushrooms are packed too tightly, they steam instead of crisp. The hot air can’t circulate, and the moisture stays trapped. Solution: Cook in batches. If you’re feeding a crowd, do two rounds. It only adds a few extra minutes and makes a huge difference in texture.

Skipping the Oil

Mushrooms need a little fat to brown. Without oil, they’ll dry out and turn rubbery. But don’t overdo it—too much oil causes splattering and can make them greasy. Solution: Use just enough to lightly coat (1–2 tsp per cup). Avocado oil is a great high-heat option.

Not Shaking the Basket

Air fryers cook from all sides, but mushrooms can clump together. If you don’t shake the basket halfway through, some pieces will cook faster than others. Solution: Pause at the 5–6 minute mark, shake gently, and redistribute. This ensures even browning.

Using Wet or Soaked Mushrooms

Water is the enemy of browning. If your mushrooms are wet, they’ll steam instead of sear. Solution: Pat them dry with a paper towel after wiping or rinsing. Even a few extra drops of water can affect results.

Overcooking Delicate Varieties

Oyster and enoki mushrooms cook fast. Leave them in too long, and they turn into crispy, brittle chips. Solution: Start checking at 5–6 minutes. Remove when they’re golden and tender, not crunchy.

Ignoring the After-Cooking Step

Fresh herbs, citrus, or a splash of vinegar can elevate air-fried mushrooms from good to amazing. But adding them before cooking can cause burning. Solution: Finish with lemon juice, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of truffle oil after cooking.

Cooking Mushrooms with Other Ingredients in the Air Fryer

One of the best things about the air fryer is its versatility. You’re not limited to mushrooms alone. You can cook them alongside other ingredients to make complete meals—no need for multiple pans or extra cleanup.

Vegetable Medley with Mushrooms

Pair mushrooms with other veggies like:

• Zucchini (sliced ½-inch thick)
• Bell peppers (cut into strips)
• Red onions (sliced)
• Asparagus (trimmed)
• Carrots (julienned or sliced)

How to do it: Toss all veggies with oil and seasonings. Add mushrooms and heartier veggies first (they take longer). Add softer veggies like zucchini in the last 5–7 minutes. Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.

I love making a “rainbow bowl” with mushrooms, red bell pepper, and purple cabbage. The colors stay vibrant, and the flavors blend beautifully.

Mushroom and Protein Combos

Want a full meal? Add protein to your air fryer basket:

• Chicken breasts: Season and cook first (12–15 minutes at 375°F), then add mushrooms in the last 10 minutes.
• Salmon fillets: Place on parchment, cook 10–12 minutes, then add mushrooms in a separate section of the basket.
• Tofu (extra-firm): Press and slice, marinate in soy sauce and garlic, then cook with mushrooms for 10–12 minutes.
• Shrimp: Toss with oil and spices, cook 6–8 minutes, then add mushrooms for the last 5 minutes.

One of my go-to weeknight meals: air-fried chicken strips with cremini mushrooms and broccoli. It’s ready in 20 minutes, and my kids actually eat the mushrooms (a small miracle).

Stuffed Mushrooms in the Air Fryer

Portobello caps are perfect for stuffing. Try a mixture of:

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Breadcrumbs (or panko)
• Chopped spinach or kale
• Garlic and herbs

How to: Remove stems, brush caps with oil, fill with stuffing, and air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes. The caps stay juicy, and the stuffing gets golden and crispy.

I once made stuffed mushrooms with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. My husband said they were better than the ones we had at our favorite Italian restaurant.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can—And You Should

So, can I cook mushrooms in the air fryer? Absolutely. In fact, it might be the easiest, most reliable way to get perfectly browned, flavorful mushrooms every time. Whether you’re making a quick side, a hearty main, or a veggie-packed meal, the air fryer delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

What I love most is the freedom it gives me in the kitchen. No more standing over a hot stove, no more splattered oil, and no more guessing if the mushrooms are done. Just prep, season, air fry, and enjoy. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze—just wipe the basket with a damp cloth or toss it in the dishwasher.

Of course, the air fryer isn’t perfect. It has limits—like basket size and cooking time—but once you understand those, it becomes a trusted tool. Mushrooms, with their natural umami and adaptability, are a perfect match for this appliance. So next time you’re staring at that basket of mushrooms, wondering what to do, grab your air fryer. You’re in for a treat.

And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with flavors: truffle oil, harissa, miso, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. The air fryer is your canvas. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook mushrooms in the air fryer without oil?

Yes, you can cook mushrooms in the air fryer with little to no oil. Their natural moisture helps them brown and crisp, though a light spray of oil enhances flavor and texture.

How long does it take to cook mushrooms in an air fryer?

Most mushrooms cook in 8–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on size and thickness. Shake the basket halfway for even cooking.

Do air fryer mushrooms get crispy like fried mushrooms?

Yes! Air-fried mushrooms develop a delicious crispy exterior while staying tender inside, similar to pan-frying but with less oil and mess.

What’s the best way to season mushrooms for the air fryer?

Toss mushrooms with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or soy sauce before air frying. Add fresh herbs like thyme after cooking for extra flavor.

Can I cook frozen mushrooms in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen mushrooms in the air fryer. Increase cook time by 3–5 minutes and avoid overcrowding to ensure even crisping.

Why are my air fryer mushrooms soggy instead of crispy?

Sogginess usually happens due to overcrowding or excess moisture. Pat mushrooms dry before cooking and leave space in the basket for proper airflow.