Are you looking for a quick, flavourful side dish or snack that is packed with umami and comes together in minutes? Then these easy garlic air fryer mushrooms are exactly what you need. Whether you are cooking up a weeknight dinner, prepping for a gathering, or just craving something savoury, this recipe delivers big flavour with minimal effort every time.
Each bite of these mushrooms is golden, garlicky, and perfectly crisp on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. Tossed in olive oil, fresh garlic, and your choice of herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, they develop a deep, earthy richness that only gets better with a little time in the air fryer. The high heat of the air fryer concentrates their flavour while creating irresistibly crispy edges in under 15 minutes.
These mushrooms are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a party appetiser with a dipping sauce, pile them on top of a steak, pasta, or risotto, or enjoy them as a warm, nourishing snack all on their own. They are also a fantastic addition to grain bowls, toast, or even folded into an omelette.
Better yet, this recipe is low in carbs, plant-based, and naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for a wide range of diets. You don’t need any fancy ingredients – just some simple pantry staples and fresh mushrooms.
But once you try these garlic mushrooms in the air fryer, you will wonder why you ever made them any other way. They are bold, savoury, and ready in a flash. This simple dish is bound to become a new favourite in your rotation.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 10 – 12 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and a mixing bowl
Ingredients for Air Fryer Mushrooms
400g (about 14 oz) whole mushrooms (white button or chestnut), cleaned and trimmed
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon of soy sauce (optional, for umami)
½ a teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
¼ a teaspoon of ground black pepper
½a teaspoon of dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Method
So start by cleaning your mushrooms. This step is key to getting the best texture. Use a damp paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt, or if you prefer, give them a quick rinse under cold water and dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. Avoid soaking them, as mushrooms absorb water easily and can become soggy when cooked. Trim the stems if they appear tough or dry.
Place the cleaned mushrooms in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, finely chopped garlic, a dash of soy sauce (optional but adds a lovely umami depth), and a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and your favourite herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley work beautifully. Toss everything well to make sure the mushrooms are evenly coated with all that garlicky goodness.
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for a few minutes. This helps the mushrooms start cooking immediately and encourages better browning. Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer directly in the air fryer basket, leaving the crisper plates in. Don’t overcrowd, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. If necessary, cook in batches for the best results.
Then air fry the mushrooms for 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to give the air fryer basket a good shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. The mushrooms should be golden brown, tender, and slightly crispy on the edges when done.
Finally, transfer to a serving dish, finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and if you like, add a light squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours. Then serve immediately as a side dish, snack, or topping. They are delicious served hot from the fryer and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Air Fryer Mushrooms
1. Don’t overcrowd the basket
One of the most important tips for cooking mushrooms in the air fryer is to spread them out in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which results in soggy mushrooms. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s best to do it in batches to allow each piece to get crisp and golden.
2. Wipe, don’t soak
Mushrooms are naturally porous and can absorb moisture. To clean them, use a damp paper towel or a soft brush to remove dirt. Avoid soaking them in water, as this will make them soggy and less likely to crisp up in the air fryer.
3. Use a little oil
To help the mushrooms brown and develop that delicious umami flavour, lightly coat them with olive oil. For added depth, drizzle a bit of soy sauce, toss with minced garlic, or sprinkle on some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary before cooking.
4. Shake or stir halfway
About halfway through the cooking process, shake the air fryer basket or stir the mushrooms with a spatula. This ensures even cooking and crisping on all sides, preventing them from sticking to the basket.
5. Cook time matters
Mushrooms typically take around 10–12 minutes at 190°C (375°F) to cook perfectly. However, if you’re working with smaller or thinner varieties like cremini or button mushrooms, they may require less time, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
6. Add fresh touches
Once cooked, finish your mushrooms with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavour.
7. Make it a meal
Mushrooms are incredibly versatile. You can pair them with steak, toss them into a pasta dish, or serve them over toast with a poached egg for a quick, satisfying meal.
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