Fried mushrooms are the kind of appetizer you order at restaurants, thinking it’s too complicated to ever recreate at home. But the truth is, making restaurant-quality fried mushrooms in your own kitchen is not only possible, but it’s surprisingly easy!
Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy fried mushroom that’s golden and crunchy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. And the best part is, you made it yourself! This fried mushroom recipe is perfect as a party appetizer or for leveling up your side dish game.
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And even better, you don’t have to rely on deep frying to get that irresistible crunch. With a simple air fryer method, you can achieve that same crispy coating with significantly less oil, meaning less mess, less guilt, and faster cleanup.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to get that golden, crunchy exterior every single time, whether you’re using an air fryer or going the traditional deep-fry route. And because no fried mushroom is complete without a great dip, we’ve got that covered too.
So if you’re ready to skip the takeout and make fried mushrooms that are every bit as good (if not better) than your favorite restaurant, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I was never the biggest fan of mushrooms until I tried this recipe. Now, I use mushrooms in my cooking wherever I can! Even for people who don’t love mushrooms, it’s hard not to love this recipe for many reasons.
- Simple ingredient list (just 8 items, and one of them is water!)
- Quick & delicious appetizer
- Perfect for parties or to spruce up a weeknight meal
- Cheaper to make and fresher and more and delicious than a restaurant version
- Easy to adapt to your liking with different mushrooms or seasonings
Best Mushrooms for Frying
Not all mushrooms are created equal, but luckily for you, most of the common mushrooms that you’ll find in the store fit perfectly into this recipe. Some of my favorite types to use include:
Button Mushrooms
These are an easy, go-to mushroom for this recipe. They’re mild in flavor, so they’re perfect for taking on the flavor of any seasoning you use. Plus, they’re small and uniform, so they cook evenly, and they’re widely available and inexpensive, too!
Their subtle taste makes them ideal for seasoned crispy coatings and bold dips.
Cremini (Baby Bella) Mushrooms
These small brown mushrooms are slightly more mature than button mushrooms. That means they have a deeper, earthier flavor and a slightly firmer texture. These are my absolute favorite to use in this recipe, and I find they are much more comparable to a restaurant-style fried mushroom.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are large and dense, often used as a meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian dishes. These are a great option if you want a more substantial mushroom. I recommend slicing these into thick strips before coating and frying.
Keep in mind that portobello mushrooms have a higher moisture content, so they can be trickier to get crisp than button or baby bella mushrooms, but they are a delicious and hearty choice!
Specialty Mushrooms
Feel free to try this recipe with any of your favorite specialty mushrooms like oyster, shiitake, or even enoki. They will all yield slightly different final results based on the mushroom’s texture, but this is a fantastic and fun way to turn this simple snack into a gourmet appetizer!
Ingredients at-a-Glance
The ingredients for this recipe couldn’t be simpler, and you’ve probably got most of them in your pantry right now. Just grab your favorite mushrooms from the farmer’s market or grocery store, and you’re nearly there!
- Mushrooms
- Flour
- Eggs
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Water
- Dried Parsley
- Garlic Powder
- Salt & Pepper
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Fried Mushrooms, are in the printable recipe card below.
Printable Fried Mushroom Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 18-20 mushrooms (see notes)
- water
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Line a large platter or baking sheet with wax paper and set aside.
- Set out 4 small bowls. In the 1st bowl, fill it about halfway with water.In the 2nd bowl, place the flour. Season with salt and pepper.In the 3rd bowl, add the eggs and beat lightly.In the 4th bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, parsley, garlic powder and season with salt and pepper.
- Clean the mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or paper towel and set them aside to dry for a few minutes.
- Dip each mushroom in the water, then the flour, then the beaten eggs and finally, the bread crumb mixture. Making sure to coat the mushroom completely for each step. Place them on the wax paper-lined plate and continue with the remaining mushrooms.
- Place the coated mushrooms in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes to let the coating set.
- Place the mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer pan. Cook at 400℉ for about 7 minutes total, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
- To deep fry: heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375℉. Carefully add the mushrooms to the pot and fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Notes
- White button, baby bella, or portabella mushrooms are some of the best choices for this recipe. If using portabella mushrooms, you will only need 4 or 5, sliced into thick strips.
- Fry the mushrooms in multiple batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer or frying pan.
Nutrition
Fried Mushrooms Step-by-Step Instructions (with Video!)
Air Fryer vs Deep Fried Mushrooms
Both methods can give you delicious results, but they deliver very different experiences in terms of texture, flavor, and convenience.
Deep Fried Mushrooms
This is the traditional way to make this appetizer and will give you the closest results to that restaurant-quality crunch. Choose this method if you want an ultra-crispy, crunchy coating and even golden browning.
The downside to the deep-frying method is that it requires more oil and more cleanup, and it’s higher in calories than air frying.
Air Fryer Mushrooms
The air fryer is becoming a more and more popular choice for frying foods at home for good reason! It uses far less oil than deep frying, making this a much healthier way to cook “fried” foods. Plus, it’s a faster and cleaner cooking option, and you’ll still get that crispy coating. Try out these air fryer liners for an even easier cleanup!
The only downside to air frying over deep frying is that you’ll have a slightly less even, crunchy coating, and they can dry out a bit if you overcook them. But this tends to be a better option for everyday cooking and healthier eating.
Regardless of the method you choose for these fried mushrooms, you’ll still get incredible flavor and a perfect crunch. I have made these using both methods, and it really just depends on how I’m feeling. If I’m looking for a slightly more indulgent appetizer and I’ve got the time, I like to deep-fry them. But if I want a healthier option with the crunch but without all the cleanup, I’ll choose the air fryer.
Tip: For a nice combo of the two methods, spray your coated mushrooms with vegetable oil or olive oil before air frying to mimic that deep-fried texture while keeping the calories lower.
Pro Tips for the Best Fried Mushrooms
- Add More Texture: Use 1/2 cup regular bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs (or use all Panko for a gluten-free coating!).
- Layer Your Flavor: Season the flour, season the coating, and finish the mushrooms with a sprinkle of seasoning after cooking. This gives the fried mushrooms a much deeper flavor.
- Clean Your Mushrooms: Avoid washing your mushrooms under running water, as they will absorb a lot of moisture and turn out more soggy than crispy. To clean them, wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth, then lay them out to dry for a few minutes before coating them.
- Offer Multiple Dips: Lay out a few different sauces alongside these fried mushrooms so people can enjoy them in a more fun, interactive way.
Fried Mushrooms Flavor Variations
Once you master the base recipe, the real fun begins! I love experimenting with recipes like these fried mushrooms, which are incredibly versatile. Trying out new variations keeps the recipe feeling fresh and new each time I make it.
Garlic Parmesan: In addition to the garlic powder in the coating, add some grated Parmesan cheese. After frying the mushrooms, finish them with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley.
Spicy Buffalo: Toss the cooked mushrooms in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese for a vegetarian game-day snack. Or, if you want to keep them sauce-free to maintain that crunchy exterior, add a teaspoon or two (depending on how spicy you like it) of Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Seasoning to the coating mixture. It’s a dry seasoning powder with that same addictive buffalo sauce flavor, and it is my absolute favorite to sprinkle on everything!
Italian Herb: Mix oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of crushed red pepper into the breadcrumbs for those classic Italian flavors.
Smoky BBQ: Add smoked paprika and a pinch of brown sugar to the breadcrumbs, then serve with a side of BBQ sauce for the ultimate sweet-and-smoky mushrooms. Or, try it with a bold BBQ dry rub.
Keto/Low-Carb: Replace the breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and mix in some grated parmesan. This is the perfect swap for low-carb diets without sacrificing crunch.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
Fried mushrooms are delicious on their own, but the right sauce can really take them to the next level. Try out some of these ideas, or serve the mushrooms with a few different sauces and let people mix and match.
- Ranch: This cool, creamy dip is the classic and most popular pairing for fried mushrooms.
- Garlic Aioli: My personal favorite! Just mix together garlic paste, mayo, a splash of lemon juice, and some finely chopped parsley for a rich, gourmet dip.
- Spicy Mayo: Stir up some mayo and sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for an easy dipping sauce with a kick.
- Marinara Sauce: This is a super simple option that makes these feel like mozzarella sticks.
- Horseradish: A sharp and bold dipping sauce that balances this rich, fried appetizer so well!
Storage & Reheating Guide
Fried mushrooms are best fresh, but with the right techniques, you can still enjoy leftovers with a perfect taste and texture.
Store the cooled mushrooms in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They are best within 2-3 days.
To freeze them, lay the cooked mushrooms on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep for up to 2 months. Freezing them on a baking sheet first keeps the mushrooms from sticking together in the bag.
You can reheat the fried mushrooms in the air fryer or the oven. I prefer the air fryer because it delivers a perfect, crispy crust. Bake them at 350ºF for about 5 minutes in the air fryer or about 10 minutes in the oven.
Tip: To help them crisp up, lightly spray them with oil before reheating.
Fried Mushrooms FAQs
Fried mushrooms are one of those restaurant appetizers that always seem a bit intimidating to try at home, so naturally, these recipes are always followed by some common questions. For any other questions, leave them in the comments below.
Why Is My Coating Falling Off?
The most common reason this happens is if your mushrooms are too wet, you skipped the flour step in the recipe, or the coating wasn’t pressed on firmly. Making sure your mushrooms are dry before you begin coating them makes a big difference in the final result.
If your mushrooms seem too wet, sprinkle them with a light coating of salt and let them sit in a strainer for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, gently pat the mushrooms dry with a paper towel and continue with the recipe.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can make these ahead of time, but keep in mind that fried mushrooms are the best when they’re served fresh! My recommendation is to prep and coat the mushrooms in advance, then cook them right before serving.
Why Are My Mushrooms Soggy?
The mushrooms can turn out soggy if they have too much moisture in them or if they’re overcrowded during cooking. If needed, fry the mushrooms in batches so there’s plenty of room for them to cook evenly rather than steam.
If you feel like your mushrooms are too wet, dry them thoroughly before beginning. You’ll be happy you spent a few extra minutes drying them to avoid soggy mushrooms after all your work. Wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth instead of rinsing them under running water, and let them dry before starting the recipe for the best results.
What Oil is Best for Frying?
For frying, use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for the best results. These oils all have high smoke points, so they can withstand the temperatures needed for deep frying. Avoid using olive oil, as this will smoke and burn before it reaches frying temperatures.
The Perfect Appetizer: Crispy Fried Mushrooms
Now that you’ve got everything you need to make perfectly crispy fried mushrooms at home, it’s time to get cooking! With the right mushrooms, a well-seasoned coating, and a few simple steps, this recipe quickly becomes a regular favorite.
It’s easy to make and a great recipe for experimenting with fun new flavors for any occasion. Whether you’re serving these as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or just something fun to add some flair to weeknight dinners, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of the other easy air fryer recipes on the site for more quick, crowd-pleasing dishes. Now grab your air fryer, pull out the mushrooms, and get ready to snack!
Looking For More Air Fryer Recipes?
If you’re a fan of air fryers, then you’ll love these recipes! They’re simple, easy, and perfect for when you don’t have time to cook. Here are some of our favorite air fryer recipes to get you started.
Comment & Save!
How did your fried mushrooms turn out? Let us know in the comments! And save or print this recipe to have it on hand next time you want an appetizer that will wow all your friends!
