1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Clean the Mushrooms: Gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Trim the stems if necessary, leaving the mushrooms whole.
- Seasoning and Breading Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
2. Coat the Mushrooms:
- Dip in Egg: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each mushroom in the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Coat in Parmesan Mix: Roll each egg-coated mushroom in the Parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks to all sides.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the mushrooms cook evenly and get crispy.
4. Air Fry the Mushrooms:
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated mushrooms in a single layer, making sure there is space between them for proper airflow. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Air fry the mushrooms at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The mushrooms should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish (Optional): Once the mushrooms are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve these air-fried Parmesan mushrooms with a dipping sauce like ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Mushrooms:
- Use Dry Mushrooms: Make sure the mushrooms are dry before coating them. Excess moisture can prevent the breading from sticking and becoming crispy.
- Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy mushrooms. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Serve Immediately: These mushrooms are best served hot and crispy right out of the air fryer. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.
Variations:
- Spicy Parmesan Mushrooms: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms: After air frying, toss the cooked mushrooms in melted garlic butter for a rich, flavorful finish.
- Herb-Crusted Mushrooms: Add fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an herby twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve these crispy mushrooms as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli.
- Side Dish: Pair these air-fried mushrooms with grilled meats or pasta dishes for a tasty side.
- Salad Topping: Add these crispy mushrooms to a salad for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
Air fryer Parmesan mushrooms are an easy and delicious way to enjoy crispy, cheesy mushrooms without the need for deep frying. The savory Parmesan breading combined with the tender mushrooms makes for a mouthwatering snack or side dish. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or any occasion, these air-fried mushrooms are sure to be a hit!