1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Start by gently removing the stems from the mushrooms. Set the caps aside and finely chop the stems to use in the filling.
- Using a small spoon, scrape out some of the insides of the mushroom caps to create more space for the stuffing.
- Brush the outside of the mushroom caps with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Stuffing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped mushroom stems, and parsley. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using bacon or sausage, add it now.
3. Stuff the Mushrooms:
- Spoon the stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap, packing it lightly to fit as much as possible without overflowing.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This ensures the mushrooms start cooking in a hot environment, helping to sear the outside quickly.
5. Air Fry the Mushrooms:
- Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Remove the stuffed mushrooms from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the stuffing can be very hot.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or alongside your main dish.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure there is some space around each mushroom in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Moisture Check: If your mushrooms start to release a lot of liquid during cooking, that’s normal. You can pause halfway through cooking to carefully drain the excess liquid if necessary.
- Customization: The filling for stuffed mushrooms is very versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, and add-ins like spinach, artichokes, or different meats.
Enjoy your air fryer stuffed mushrooms, a delightful dish that’s sure to impress with its flavorful filling and perfect texture!