Name: 25-Minute Air Fryer Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; For Topping:; 3 tablespoons grass-fed butter; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

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These 25-Minute Air Fryer Mushrooms are tender, golden, and packed with flavor, thanks to a buttery garlic-lemon sauce with a kick of red pepper. They’re the perfect side for steak, burgers, or even served on their own. Quick to prep and easy to customize, this is a go-to recipe for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mushrooms are everything you want in a quick side dish: flavorful, versatile, and ready in under 25 minutes. Air frying makes them perfectly tender without becoming soggy, while the garlic butter topping adds richness and depth. Whether you’re serving them with meat or enjoying them as a vegetarian option, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

25-Minute Air Fryer Mushrooms

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mushrooms (sliced)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Grass-fed butter
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Crushed red pepper flakes
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until mushrooms are tender and golden.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and crushed red pepper flakes.
Once mushrooms are done, toss them in the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Oven Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the mushrooms as above, then spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until tender and browned.
Toss with garlic butter topping and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 22–25 minutes

Variations

Balsamic Glaze: Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze just before serving.
Herb Lover’s Version: Stir in fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for added aroma.
Cheesy Mushrooms: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta after cooking.
Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the butter.
Mushroom Medley: Use a mix of button, cremini, and shiitake mushrooms for more depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep leftover mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
To freeze: Not recommended, as mushrooms can become rubbery after freezing and thawing.

FAQs

Can I use whole mushrooms instead of sliced?

Yes, but whole mushrooms will take slightly longer to cook. Slice them in half if they’re large for more even cooking.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

Cremini or white button mushrooms are ideal, but you can also use portobello or shiitake for more robust flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, but they are best served fresh. You can prep the garlic butter and slice the mushrooms in advance to save time.

Do I need to wash mushrooms?

Wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or rinse quickly under water and dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, though butter gives the richest flavor. Use a plant-based butter for a vegan option.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Are these mushrooms spicy?

They have a subtle heat from the red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit for a milder version.

Can I skip the lemon juice?

The lemon juice adds brightness and balance, but you can skip it or replace it with a splash of vinegar.

Can I serve these cold?

They are best enjoyed warm, but can be served at room temperature as part of a salad or appetizer platter.

What should I serve these with?

Perfect on top of steak, burgers, grilled chicken, or as a side with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Mushrooms are quick, delicious, and incredibly versatile. With a garlicky butter sauce and a hint of spice, they elevate any meal and are just as good on their own. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a quick side, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.