Mushrooms can go watery in a pan, but the air fryer's dry heat concentrates their flavour and browns them beautifully. With garlic and butter, they're a 10-minute side, steak topping or part of a cooked breakfast.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do mushrooms take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry mushrooms at 180°C (360°F) for 8–10 minutes, shaking once, until golden and juicy.
Q: How do you stop them going soggy?
A: Don't wash them in water (wipe clean), don't overcrowd, and add any garlic butter partway through rather than at the start.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Button / chestnut | 180°C / 360°F | 8–10 min |
| Sliced | 180°C / 360°F | 7–9 min |
| Whole portobello | 180°C / 360°F | 10–12 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 250g mushrooms, halved
- 15g butter (or oil for vegan)
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- Parsley, salt & pepper
Method
- Toss mushrooms with a little oil and seasoning.
- Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 6 minutes.
- Add garlic butter; cook 2–3 minutes more.
- Finish with parsley.
Tips
- Wipe, don't wash — water makes them steam.
- Add garlic late so it doesn't burn.
- Make it vegan with oil instead of butter. Great with air fryer eggs for breakfast.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my air fryer mushrooms watery?
Usually from washing them in water or overcrowding the basket. Wipe them clean and cook in a single layer so they brown instead of steam.
Can you cook mushrooms and other veg together?
Yes — pair them with anything at a similar temperature, like peppers or onions, shaking the basket for even cooking.
Are air fryer mushrooms healthy?
Yes — low in calories and carbs, and you can keep added fat minimal by using a spray of oil instead of butter.