Air Fryer Shiitake Mushrooms

I made this delicious twist on an Asian-style dish that I’ve been cooking for years, but this time, I swapped my usual beef mince for air fryer Shiitake mushrooms, and it was absolutely delicious. Shiitake mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor and a firm, meaty texture, making them the perfect substitute for meat in many dishes. I first started making this dish when my family decided we wanted to incorporate more meat-free days into our diet, and the Shiitake mushrooms did not disappoint. In fact, they elevated this dish to another level!

The Shiitake mushrooms absorb all the flavor of the sauce, giving them a wonderful sticky consistency that’s just perfect. Whether you’re a long-time fan of mushrooms or new to them, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying and savory this dish is. The mushrooms add a depth of flavor that is just as hearty as any meat-based dish, making it a wonderful choice for anyone seeking a plant-based meal.

This Asian-style air fryer Shiitake mushrooms dish is super easy to prepare and uses fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together quickly. The best part is that it’s a fast, weeknight-friendly meal that all members of the family will enjoy. While I cooked this dish in the air fryer for its convenience and even cooking, you can certainly prepare it on the hob if you don’t have an air fryer. Both methods result in a delicious, sticky, and flavorful meal.

In less than 30 minutes, including prep time, you can have this authentic fake away dish ready to enjoy. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, healthy, and meat-free meal without sacrificing flavour!

PREP 15 minutes

COOK 12 minutes

SERVES 2 people

KIT you will need an air fryer, a small mixing bowl and larger mixing bowl.

Ingredients for air fryer shiitake mushrooms

200g of Shiitake Mushrooms

150g of Button mushrooms

I Bag of Microwave Rice

4 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce

1 Teaspoon of Ginger Paste

1 Teaspoon of Garlic Paste

2 Tablespoons of runny honey

1 Teaspoon of Sriracha

Seasoning

To serve:

3/4 Spring onions, thinly sliced

1 fresh red chilli, thinly sliced

1/2 a teaspoon of sesame seeds

Method

Start by gently wiping the mushrooms using a damp piece of kitchen roll. This helps remove any dirt without soaking them, which is important because mushrooms can become a bit soggy if washed with too much water. Once they’re clean, I cut them in half. Or into similar-sized pieces depending on their shape – to ensure they cook evenly. Then I set them aside while I prepare the marinade.

In a small bowl, I combined a few flavour-packed ingredients: soy sauce, ginger paste, garlic paste, honey, and a good squeeze of sriracha. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to be generous with the sriracha or even add some chilli flakes. Stir everything together until it becomes a smooth, slightly sticky sauce.

Next, I transferred the mushrooms into a larger mixing bowl and poured the sauce over them. Using a spatula, I gently stirred them to ensure every piece was well-coated in the mixture – they should all be glossy and evenly seasoned.

Now it’s time to cook. I preheated the air fryer to 190°C, then added the marinated mushrooms directly into the basket. I let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, giving them a good stir halfway through to make sure they browned evenly. You’re looking for them to be tender and slightly caramelised at the edges.

While the mushrooms were cooking, I finely sliced a couple of spring onions and a fresh red chilli for garnish. Then I popped a pouch of microwave rice in to heat just before the mushrooms were ready.

Finally, I carefully removed the mushrooms from the air fryer and served them over a warm bed of rice. I finished the dish with the spring onion, chilli, and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds – full of flavour and so simple to make!

Tips for Air Fryer Shiitake Mushrooms

1. Clean with Care
Gently wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel instead of washing under water. Shiitakes soak up moisture fast, which can affect texture in the air fryer.

2. Remove the Tough Stems
Shiitake stems are woody and chewy. Snap or cut them off before cooking, but don’t toss them as they’re great for stocks.

3. Slice or Halve for Even Cooking
Slice large caps or halve medium ones. This gives more surface area for browning and better texture overall.

4. Toss in Oil + Seasoning
Coat mushrooms lightly in olive oil, sesame oil, or avocado oil to encourage crisping. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, soy sauce, or smoked paprika for flavour.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Spread in a single layer as overlapping leads to steaming instead of roasting. Cook in batches if needed.

6. Air Fry at Medium-High Heat
Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. You want golden, slightly crisp edges and a meaty interior.

7. Go Umami with Finishing Touches
After air frying, toss with a splash of soy sauce, tamari, or balsamic vinegar for a flavour boost. Or sprinkle with parmesan, miso butter, or sesame seeds.

8. Add to Anything
Use them in salads, grain bowls, ramen, pasta, tacos, or just enjoy as a savoury snack on their own.

9. Try a Marinade for Extra Depth
Marinate briefly in a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic before air frying for an Asian-inspired twist.

10. Serve Immediately
Shiitakes are best fresh out of the air fryer as they are chewy, crisp, and packed with flavour. They tend to soften as they cool.