To create these fantastic air fryer crumbed mushrooms, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. The key to their flavor and texture lies in the quality of the mushrooms and the balanced blend of seasonings in the breading.

• 4 ounces cleaned and quartered whole baby portobello mushrooms (approximately 113g; also known as baby bella or cremini mushrooms). Opt for firm, fresh mushrooms without any visible blemishes. Quartering them ensures even cooking and a better crispy-to-tender ratio.
• ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour. This initial dusting helps the egg wash adhere better to the mushrooms, creating a robust base for the breadcrumbs.
• 1 large egg. Whisked, this acts as the “glue” that binds the breadcrumbs to the mushroom pieces.
• ¼ cup fine textured breadcrumbs (unseasoned). Fine breadcrumbs provide a delicate, crisp coating. Using unseasoned breadcrumbs allows you to control the flavor profile precisely. Panko breadcrumbs can also work for an extra-crispy texture, but adjust cooking time as needed.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. A savory foundation for the breading.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Enhances the aromatic depth alongside the garlic powder.
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika. Adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky warmth, elevating the overall flavor.
• ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano. Contributes a classic herbal note.
• ⅛ teaspoon dried basil. Complements the oregano and mushroom flavor profile.
• ½ tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. For a salty, umami kick and extra crispiness.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Cooking oil spray. Essential for achieving that golden-brown crisp in the air fryer without deep frying. Use your preferred high-heat oil.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter. A final drizzle of butter adds richness and a beautiful sheen after air frying.
• Ranch dressing or dip. The perfect creamy accompaniment for dipping these savory mushrooms.

Always remember that air fryer cooking times can vary based on your specific appliance model and its wattage. It’s always a good practice to monitor your food during its first cooking cycle to ensure perfect results and prevent over-cooking.

5

Before you begin coating, lightly mist the basket or racks of your air fryer with cooking oil spray. This prevents sticking and promotes crispiness. Now, take each flour-dusted mushroom piece, dip it first into the whisked egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Roll and press the mushroom into the breadcrumbs until it’s completely and uniformly coated. Arrange the breaded mushrooms on your air fryer rack in a single layer, making sure no pieces are touching. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in less crispy mushrooms. Work in batches if necessary.

Once all your mushrooms are beautifully breaded and arranged in the air fryer, give them a final light misting with cooking oil spray. This is key for achieving that golden-brown, extra-crispy exterior. Finally, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the mushrooms; this adds a rich flavor and helps with browning.

Now it’s time to air fry! Cook the crumbed mushrooms for approximately 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). If you are using an air fryer oven, position the rack on the top shelf for best results. After the first 5 minutes of cooking, open the air fryer to check on the mushrooms. There’s no need to flip them, but if they appear dry, give them another quick misting with cooking oil spray. Continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy. Remember that cooking times can vary significantly depending on your specific air fryer model, so always check for doneness. Serve these hot, crispy treats immediately with a generous side of creamy ranch for dipping!

For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video below:

• 4 ounces whole baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and quartered (113 grams; cut them into ⅛ if very large)
• ½ tablespoon flour
• 1 large egg, whisked
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (fine texture)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper, to taste
• cooking oil spray of choice
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ranch dressing (for dipping)

1. Place your washed and quartered baby bella mushrooms in a bowl. Sprinkle them with the ½ tablespoon of flour. Stir gently to ensure the flour is evenly distributed over all mushroom pieces. This helps the egg wash and breading adhere perfectly.

2. Prepare your breading station. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the large egg until thoroughly combined. In a third shallow bowl, combine the ¼ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, ⅛ teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, and ½ tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix well.

3. Lightly mist your air fryer basket or racks with cooking oil spray. Take each floured mushroom piece, dip it into the whisked egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a full and even coating. Place the breaded mushrooms into your prepared air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring no pieces are touching to allow for even crisping. Work in batches if necessary.

4. Once all your mushrooms have been breaded and placed in the air fryer, lightly mist them again with cooking oil spray. This extra spray helps them achieve a beautiful golden color and a super crispy texture. Finally, drizzle the 1 tablespoon of melted butter evenly over all the mushrooms for added richness and flavor.

5. Air fry the coated mushrooms for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). After 5 minutes, check on them. If they look dry, mist them with additional oil spray (no need to flip them at this stage). Continue to air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy. (Please note that cooking times may vary significantly depending on the make and model of your air fryer!) Serve these delicious crispy air fryer breaded mushrooms immediately with creamy ranch dressing for dipping.

🌱 Explore More Vegetarian Air Fryer Recipes

Expand your culinary horizons and discover the versatility of air frying with these delightful vegetarian recipes. From crispy tofu to vibrant roasted vegetables, the air fryer makes healthy eating both easy and incredibly delicious:

• Air Fryer Tofu Bowls with Ginger Lime Aioli: A protein-packed, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
• Air Fryer Whole Carrots Recipe with Herbs, Tahini, and Pomegranate Seeds: Sweet, savory, and beautifully roasted carrots that make an excellent side dish.
• Roasted Air Fryer Butternut Squash with Brown Butter and Sage: A comforting and elegant side, perfect for autumn.
• Air Fryer Jicama Fries with Cilantro Lime Dipping Sauce: A unique, crunchy, and refreshing alternative to potato fries.
• Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables: Say goodbye to mushy frozen veggies! This reader-favorite recipe shows you how to get perfectly crisp results every time.

👩‍🍳 Other Easy & Delicious Mushroom Recipes

Mushrooms are celebrated for their rich umami flavor, their versatility in countless dishes, and their abundance of beneficial B vitamins. If you’re a fan of these earthy fungi, you’ll love exploring these additional recipes that highlight their incredible taste and texture:

• Oyster Mushroom Jerky Recipe: A surprisingly delicious and satisfying vegan alternative to traditional jerky.
• Smoked Portobello Mushrooms: Infused with deep, smoky flavor, these portobellos are perfect as a side or a hearty vegetarian main.
• High Calorie Pasta for Weight Gain (Pasta with Mushrooms): A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring an abundance of mushrooms for a truly satisfying meal.