Air fried baby bella mushrooms

Mushrooms, especially baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, are a wonderful vegetable to cook with. They have a rich, earthy flavor that deepens when cooked, and they have a meaty texture that makes them satisfying. Air frying is a game-changer for mushrooms—allowing them to crisp up on the outside while keeping their juicy, tender interior intact. This recipe for air-fried baby bella mushrooms will make you fall in love with the simplicity and flavors of this healthy, crispy, and savory snack. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a satisfying side dish, snack, or appetizer in no time.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4-6 (depending on portion size)

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Ingredients:

For the Mushrooms:

• 16 oz (about 2 cups) baby bella mushrooms (cremini mushrooms), cleaned and stems trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or use rosemary for a different flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (for added flavor)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing or garlic aioli
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Equipment:

• Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)
• Mixing bowl for seasoning mushrooms
• Sharp knife for trimming stems and cutting
• Tongs or spatula for flipping mushrooms during cooking
• Paper towel or clean cloth for cleaning mushrooms

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Baby Bella Mushrooms

Time: 5 minutes

1. Clean the mushrooms:
   Begin by cleaning the baby bella mushrooms. Since mushrooms are porous, avoid rinsing them under water as they absorb moisture, which can affect their texture. Instead, use a damp paper towel or a soft cloth to gently wipe off any dirt from the caps. Make sure each mushroom is clean but not wet.
2. Trim the stems:
   If the stems of the mushrooms are long, trim them to about 1/2 inch to create a uniform size. You can also leave them whole if you prefer. The stems are edible and delicious, so feel free to leave them intact if they are tender.
3. Cut the mushrooms (optional):
   If your mushrooms are large, consider cutting them in half or into quarters. This will help them cook more evenly in the air fryer, and the smaller pieces will become crispier. For smaller mushrooms, you can leave them whole.
4. Prepare the seasoning:
   In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients into a smooth, fragrant paste.
5. Toss the mushrooms:
   Add the prepared mushrooms to the bowl and toss them gently to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture. Make sure all of the mushrooms are well-coated, as the olive oil and spices will help the mushrooms crisp up and flavor the air-fried mushrooms.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Time: 3 minutes

1. Preheat the air fryer:
   Preheating the air fryer ensures that the mushrooms cook evenly and become crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, run it for about 3 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
2. Optional (for extra crispy mushrooms):
   If you like extra crispy mushrooms, lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush a little extra olive oil on the basket. This will prevent the mushrooms from sticking, and it will also help crisp them up.

Step 3: Air Fry the Mushrooms

Time: 10-12 minutes

1. Arrange the mushrooms in the air fryer basket:
   Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the seasoned baby bella mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, it’s better to cook them in batches to ensure that the mushrooms crisp up evenly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking.
2. Cook the mushrooms:
   Air fry the mushrooms at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time (around 5-6 minutes) to ensure even crisping and to prevent any mushrooms from sticking. The mushrooms are done when they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender inside.
3. Optional step for extra crispiness:
   If you prefer an even crispier exterior, cook the mushrooms for an additional 2-3 minutes after the initial 10 minutes, checking them every minute to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serve the Mushrooms

Time: 2 minutes

1. Garnish and serve:
   Once the mushrooms are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. If you’re adding Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the hot mushrooms while they are still warm so it can melt slightly for extra flavor.
2. Optional garnish:
   For a touch of freshness and color, garnish the mushrooms with chopped fresh parsley.
3. Dipping sauce (optional):
   Serve the air-fried mushrooms with your choice of dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy mayo all make great options. The mushrooms are packed with flavor on their own, but a dipping sauce can add an extra layer of taste.

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Notes:

• Customization:
  This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to adjust the flavor. You can use rosemary for a more aromatic flavor, or add paprika for a smoky kick. If you like your mushrooms a little spicier, add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Cheese Options:
  If you love cheese, Parmesan is an excellent choice to sprinkle over the mushrooms after they cook, but other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyère can also work well. Just be sure to add the cheese while the mushrooms are still hot so it can melt.
• Baking Option:
  If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these mushrooms in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the seasoned mushrooms on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Healthier Version:
  For a lighter version, you can use olive oil spray instead of tossing the mushrooms in olive oil, which will reduce the amount of oil used. You can also use low-sodium seasonings to cut back on the salt.
• Storing Leftovers:
  Leftover air-fried baby bella mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Serving Suggestions:
  These mushrooms can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with main dishes like roast chicken, grilled steak, or pasta. For a light meal, you can even serve them on top of a salad or as part of a veggie platter.

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fried Baby Bella Mushrooms:

• Crispy & Tender: The air fryer makes it easy to achieve the perfect balance between crispy, golden exteriors and juicy, tender insides, all while using a fraction of the oil you’d need for deep frying.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe is incredibly fast to make. In just 20 minutes, you can have a delicious, satisfying dish ready to serve. It’s perfect for a quick snack or a last-minute appetizer for a dinner party.
• Versatile: The flavor possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer savory herbs like thyme and rosemary, or want to add a little heat with chili flakes, you can customize the mushrooms to suit your taste.
• Healthy: Air frying uses much less oil than traditional frying, making this dish a healthier option without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Great for Meal Prep: These mushrooms can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and quickly reheated in the air fryer for a satisfying snack or side dish later in the week.

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Air fried baby bella mushrooms are an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy mushrooms. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a flavorful side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these crispy, tender mushrooms are the perfect choice. With just a few ingredients and a little time in the air fryer, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Enjoy!