Mussels cook fast and look impressive, and the air fryer steams them open in a dish with garlic, wine and herbs in 10 minutes. The key is good prep and a careful safety check. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do mussels take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry mussels in a dish at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, until the shells open.
Q: How do you know they're cooked?
A: The shells open. Discard any that stay shut after cooking.
Cleaning & safety
Scrub the mussels and pull off the beards. Discard any that are cracked, or that stay open when tapped before cooking. After cooking, discard any that haven't opened. Use them fresh, on the day you buy them.
The recipe
Air Fryer Mussels
Ingredients
- 500g mussels, cleaned
- 2 garlic cloves, splash white wine
- Knob of butter, parsley
- Lemon
Method
- Put mussels, garlic, wine and butter in a dish.
- Cover with foil; air fry at 200°C for 8–10 min.
- Check the shells have opened.
- Finish with parsley and lemon.
Tips
- Use them fresh, on the day you buy them.
- Cover the dish so they steam open.
- Discard any that stay shut after cooking.
Frequently asked questions
How long do mussels take in an air fryer?
About 8–10 minutes in a covered dish at 200°C, until the shells open. Discard any that stay shut after cooking.
How do you clean mussels?
Scrub the shells and pull off the beards. Discard any that are cracked or stay open when tapped before cooking.
Can you cook frozen mussels in an air fryer?
Cooked frozen mussels can be reheated, but fresh mussels give the best result. Always discard any unopened shells after cooking.