You can find this easy recipe for air fryer button mushrooms on page 32 of my fourth book, The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: 15 Minute Feasts. This book is all about simple and delicious air fryer meals that are ready in a flash.
Step aside, avocado, there’s a new brunch hero in town! These Air Fryer Button Mushrooms and Butter Beans on Toast are about to shake up your weekend breakfast. Or quick midweek lunch in the best way possible. It’s hearty, satisfying and packed with flavour. All while being incredibly affordable and nutritious.
The air fryer works its magic here, turning humble butter beans into little golden nuggets with a lightly crisped exterior. While the mushrooms become beautifully caramelised and juicy. A quick toss in a simple but flavour-packed seasoning brings everything together. Ensuring every bite delivers comfort and richness without any fuss.
You can have this dish on the table in under 15 minutes, making it perfect when you want something that feels a little bit special but don’t have the time (or energy!) for a big cook. Pile everything onto your favourite toast – sourdough, wholemeal, or even a gluten-free option. Then finish with a handful of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chilli flakes for a pop of colour and flavour.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or whipping up brunch for friends, this recipe proves that quick and easy can still feel downright indulgent. Enjoy!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 – 12 minutes
SERVES 4 as a breakfast or brunch
KIT you will need an air fryer, a mixing bowl and a heatproof dish that fits into your air fryer (optional)
Ingredients for Air Fryer Button Mushrooms
200g button mushrooms, halved
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic paste
A tsp of dried thyme
1 x 400g tin of butter beans (you could also use cannellini), drained and rinsed
olive oil spray
1 tbsp crème fraîche
sea salt and ground black pepper
TO SERVE:
4 slices of sourdough
olive oil
a handful of fresh spinach leaves
25g feta
chopped fresh chives
Method
In a mixing bowl, add the whole button mushrooms along with the olive oil, garlic, dried thyme, a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Give everything a really good toss. Make sure the mushrooms are evenly coated so they can caramelise properly as they cook. If any mushrooms are particularly large, you can slice them in half to ensure they roast at the same pace as the beans later on.
Transfer the seasoned mushrooms to a heatproof dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer. Alternatively, if you prefer to cook directly in the basket, simply remove the crisper plate first to avoid any small ingredients falling through.
So set your air fryer to 200°C and cook the mushrooms for 5 minutes. Giving the basket a shake halfway through. At this point they should be starting to soften and release their natural juices.
Next, add the drained butter beans straight into the dish with the mushrooms and give everything a quick stir to combine. A light spray of oil will help the beans turn beautifully golden and a little crisp on the edges. Return the dish to the air fryer and continue cooking for a further 5–6 minutes. Or until the mushrooms are nicely browned and the beans have taken on a deliciously toasted look. Stir in the crème fraîche while the mixture is still hot and season again to taste.
Meanwhile, toast your sourdough slices until golden. Then brush lightly with olive oil for extra flavour. Lay the toast on serving plates and top with a handful of fresh spinach, which will gently wilt under the heat of the topping.
Finally, spoon the hot mushroom and butter bean mixture over the toast. Crumble over the feta and finish with finely chopped chives. Serve immediately!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Button Mushrooms
Choose the right mushrooms
Button or chestnut mushrooms work so brilliantly because they hold their shape and develop a gorgeous caramelised edge. Wipe them clean with a damp cloth rather than washing under running water, which can make them soggy. If they’re very large, halve or quarter them so everything cooks evenly.
Don’t skip the shake
Giving the mushrooms a shake halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly and prevents them from sticking. When you add the beans, a good stir ensures every bite is coated in seasoning.
Add flavour layers
Garlic, thyme, and a well-seasoned base make a big difference here. Feel free to personalise it by adding smoked paprika or lemon zest. Or even a splash of balsamic vinegar before cooking for added depth.
Spinach swap-ins
Don’t have spinach on hand? Rocket/arugula, wilted kale or even thinly sliced courgette ribbons make great alternatives and still give that fresh, vibrant finish.
Make it dairy-free
Swap the crème fraîche for a plant-based alternative and choose a dairy-free feta-style cheese (or skip the cheese altogether) for a completely vegan-friendly brunch.
Crispier beans
If you prefer your beans extra crisp, you can cook them 2–3 minutes longer before stirring in the crème fraîche. Just keep a close eye so they don’t dry out.
Upgrade the toast
Sourdough gives the best crunch and structure to hold the generous topping, but ciabatta, rye bread or thick wholemeal toast are also delicious options. Lightly brushing the toast with olive oil adds a restaurant-worthy finish.
Make it a meal anytime
This isn’t just for brunch! Serve with a poached egg for more protein. Or pair it with a fresh salad for a satisfying lunch or speedy dinner.
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