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Crispy Fried Mushrooms Recipe

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Written By Hayyat

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Crispy Fried Mushrooms are a delectable, crunchy, and savory snack or appetizer that’s sure to satisfy any craving for something deep-fried. The mushrooms are coated in a flavorful, crispy batter and fried until golden brown. The combination of the juicy, tender mushroom inside and the crispy, crunchy exterior makes for an irresistible bite.

Whether you’re serving these crispy fried mushrooms as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’ll surely be a hit. Here’s how to make them from scratch!


Ingredients:

For the Mushrooms:

  • 1 lb (450g) white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms (you can also use portobello, but be sure to cut them into slices)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) cold sparkling water (or regular water)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (optional, for a richer batter)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or sunflower oil work well)

For the Dipping Sauce (optional):

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy aioli

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

  1. Clean the Mushrooms: Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid rinsing them under water, as mushrooms are like sponges and will soak up the moisture. Trim the stems if they’re too long, but keep them intact for a nice bite.
  2. Slice the Mushrooms (if necessary): If you’re using larger mushrooms like portobello, slice them into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices. For smaller button mushrooms, you can leave them whole or halve them.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

  1. Make the Dry Coating: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. The cornstarch and baking powder help achieve a crispier texture on the mushrooms once fried.
  2. Make the Wet Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cold sparkling water (or regular water), and milk (if using). The cold water helps to create a light, crispy batter. You can adjust the amount of sparkling water based on the desired consistency of the batter—it should be thick enough to coat the mushrooms but not too runny.

Step 3: Coat the Mushrooms

  1. Dip the Mushrooms in the Batter: Take each mushroom (or mushroom slice) and dip it into the wet batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  2. Coat with Dry Mix: After dipping the mushroom in the wet batter, transfer it to the dry flour mixture. Toss the mushroom in the flour mixture to coat it evenly. Press lightly to help the coating adhere. Repeat this process until all mushrooms are coated.

Step 4: Fry the Mushrooms

  1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot so that there’s enough oil to fully submerge the mushrooms. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. The ideal frying temperature is between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small amount of batter into it—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
  2. Fry the Mushrooms: Carefully add the coated mushrooms into the hot oil, a few at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy mushrooms. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the fried mushrooms from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Serve Immediately: Crispy fried mushrooms are best served hot and fresh, straight from the fryer. They can be served with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese, spicy aioli, or even ketchup. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations:

  • Texture: For an even crunchier coating, you can double dip the mushrooms—first dip in the wet batter, then coat in the dry mix, dip again in the wet batter, and coat in the dry mix again before frying.
  • Add Heat: To make these crispy fried mushrooms spicy, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry coating mixture. Alternatively, serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or hot sauce.
  • Make Them Gluten-Free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornstarch for a gluten-free version of crispy fried mushrooms.
  • Flavor Add-ins: You can experiment with adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the dry coating for extra flavor.
  • Air-Fryer Version: If you prefer a lighter version, you can make these in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the coated mushrooms with a light layer of oil, and cook them for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Fried Mushrooms:

These Crispy Fried Mushrooms are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering a perfect contrast of textures. The batter is light and crispy, while the mushrooms maintain their natural tenderness. With the added option of dipping sauces, you can customize the flavor to your liking, whether you prefer something tangy, spicy, or creamy. These crispy fried mushrooms make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or even a fun side dish for any meal.

Enjoy the crunch and flavor of these delicious mushrooms with family and friends!

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