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Whether you’re trying to fill your plate with more veggies or round out your next steakhouse-quality meal at home, these Air Fryer Mushrooms are a must-make. Learn the secret to the best flavor and texture paired with the convenience of air frying for an exceptional side dish you’ll make again and again.
Meggan’s notes
On my journey toward becoming a classically-trained chef, culinary school taught me industry techniques for creating top-quality dishes, including time-saving hacks and special touches that deliver that “wow factor.” These quick air fryer mushrooms are no exception!
The insider’s secret to this recipe is the marinade. In just under 5 minutes, it works its magic to elevate the flavor of air fryer mushrooms to a whole new level. If you’re planning to use these mushrooms in another recipe, skipping the marinade is fine. But if they’re starring as a side to a perfectly cooked steak, I can’t recommend marinating them enough—it’s the key to making them truly exceptional.
I’m giving you instructions for both whole and halved mushrooms depending on what you need. For the ultimate comfort food, try them with my steak tips with mushroom gravy for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Mushrooms: I call for the classic white button mushrooms because they are mild and family-friendly, but I also tested the recipe with portobellos and loved them. See the FAQ section for more options.
- Balsamic vinegar: Seek out a variety made in Modena (like Giuseppe Giusti). The natural sweetness of this high-quality vinegar is worth the extra investment. (Plus, you can use the rest of the bottle in my French Onion Soup, Balsamic Chicken and Tomatoes, Balsamic Mushrooms and Onions, and of course, Balsamic Vinaigrette.)
- Olive oil: If you’ve never had good olive oil, it’s hard to understand the sentiment of “use one you would enjoy plain.” Because maybe there isn’t one, right? I promise you there is, you just haven’t discovered it yet. If you think this might describe you, I personally use and recommend Cobram Estate extra virgin olive oil from California.
- Thyme: Both freshly minced and dried thyme work here, but I vote for fresh thyme if you can swing it.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, add mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, thyme and ½ teaspoon salt. Toss to combine. Allow to marinate 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat air fryer to 380 degrees.
- Transfer the mushrooms to the basket of an air fryer and arrange in a single layer.
- Air fry at 380 degrees until mushrooms are browned and plumped, about 10 to 15 minutes for whole or halved mushrooms or 8 to 10 minutes for sliced. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot or at room temperature.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This air fryer mushroom recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for four servings, ½ cup each.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make ahead: While they can be eaten after just 5 minutes of chilling, these mushrooms are best made ahead and chilled for at least 8 hours before heating them in the air fryer. Make them up to 3 days ahead, especially for parties and holidays when you’re way too busy anyway.
- Balsamic mushrooms and onions: With just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes, whip up Balsamic Mushrooms and Onions in a skillet on the stove.
- Pairing ideas: Air fryer mushrooms are incredibly versatile. Pair them with New York Strip steak and a baked potato or try them on or alongside grilled pork tenderloin, risotto, and roasted carrots. Try them stuffed in an omelet, or chill them and add them to your next Italian Antipasto Platter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! I call for white button mushrooms since they’re widely available, but if you prefer the flavor or texture of cremini, portobello, baby portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms, feel free to use one of those instead. Or if you’re craving novelty, mix two or more of the mushroom types in this side dish.
Mushrooms contain a lot of water, which gets released during cooking. The hot circulating air in the air fryer helps to evaporate this moisture, leaving the mushrooms tender on the inside, crispy and carmelized on the outside, and packed with natural umami flavor.
Since mushrooms release most of their moisture in the high heat of the air fryer, the mushrooms stay slightly firm in texture with a crispy surface and juicy, tender inside.
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Air Fryer Mushrooms
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound white button mushrooms whole, halved, or sliced (see note 1)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, thyme and ½ teaspoon salt. Toss to combine. Allow to marinate 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat air fryer to 380 degrees.
- Transfer the mushrooms to the basket of an air fryer and arrange in a single layer. Air fry at 380 degrees until mushrooms are browned and plumped, about 10 to 15 minutes for whole or halved mushrooms or 8 to 10 minutes for sliced.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even heating. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- Mushrooms: I call for the classic white button mushrooms because they are mild and family-friendly, but I also tested the recipe with portobellos and loved them. See the FAQ section for more options.
- Yield: This Balsamic Mushrooms and Onions recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for four 1/2-cup servings.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.