These air fryer oyster mushrooms are a delicious meaty starter perfect for vegans or vegetarians.
These are super crunchy on the outside and melt-in-the mouth on the inside.
I promise you that this is one recipe you will make over and over again.
For vegetarians or vegans, this is your perfect substitute for meat for its amazing texture and taste.
Portobello mushrooms in air fryer also are a delicious meaty dish.
Mushroom adds a delicious, earthy flavour. You may like: air fryer mushrooms, breaded mushrooms in air fryer, Airfryer French Fries and air fryer stuffed mushrooms.
Ingredients
1. Mushroom: I have used fresh oyster or King mushrooms here.
Shiitake, baby bella or portobello work well too.
2. Vegan buttermilk or plant-based milk: This is used for the outer coating.
3. Rice flour: This is used to create a slurry with vegan buttermilk to then coat the mushrooms.
4. All-purpose flour: This is added along with rice flour for a nice crispy coating to oyster mushrooms.
You could use breadcrumbs and cornflakes mix in its place.
You can even try almond flour.
5. Spices: Basic spices like cayenne, salt and pepper along with dried herbs like parsley, basil, oregano work well.
You can use any spices you have.
How to Make Vegan Buttermilk
Vegan buttermilk: You can use plant-based buttermilk.
Or you can make your own.
Just use 1 cup of plant-based milk like soy milk or almond milk.
You can try making your own almond milk like this.
Add 1 tbsp. of lemon juice and keep it aside for 10 minutes.
You can use the slightly curdled milk as the vegan buttermilk.
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Variations and Substitutions
1. You can use breadcrumbs in place of all-purpose flour for a crunchy coating.
2. You can vary the spices as per your choice.
3. You can use any other mushrooms like portobello, baby bella or even button mushroom.
Their mouthfeel will be slightly different though.
4. You can use regular buttermilk if you consume dairy or use diluted Greek yogurt as well.
5. If you feel that the slurry is not enough for the mushrooms then increase the quantity of flours and buttermilk used.
Instructions
Clean and keep the oyster mushroom aside.
You can cut them into thick slices.
Combine together vegan buttermilk, rice flour and salt to form a slurry.
It will be slightly runny.
Toss oyster mushrooms in this slurry.
Mix spices in the all-purpose flour and keep aside.
After marination, take out each marinated mushroom and immerse it in the seasoned flour mix till well coated.
Lightly brush with oil or spray all over with oil.
Do this to all the oyster mushrooms and keep aside.
How to Air fry Oyster /King Mushrooms
Pre-heat Airfryer at 180 C or 360 F for 5 minutes.
Brush the air fryer basket and arrange the mushroom in one row.
Air fry for 15 minutes at 180 C or 360 F.
Flip once in the middle.
If needed spray them with oil again.
Now turn up the temperature to 200 C or 390 F and air fry for 4 minutes for a golden colour.
You may use parchment paper for easy clean up.
Your crunchy oyster mushrooms in air fryer are ready.
Take them out and serve them.
Your crispy Air fried mushrooms are ready to serve.
These are also known as vegan fried chicken as they are the vegan version of fried chicken due to their meaty texture.
They are a very popular appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
1. With dip: These fried oyster mushrooms are delightful as an appetizer.
Serve them with a dip of choice.
2. With pasta: These crispy oyster mushrooms are really yummy when served with this spaghetti aglio e olio.
3. With salad: For a subtantial meal or snack, pair them with a hearty salad like this avocado salad.
4. With mashed potatoes: I haven't done this personally but a friend of mine raved about how good they were with mashed potatoes.
Storage Instructions
These fried oyster mushrooms don't stay crispy when stored.
They are best consumed fresh.
But, you can store leftovers in an air tight container for upto 2 days.
Reheat them in air fryer at 360F or 180C for about 4-5 minutes till heated through.
They may not be as crispy as when fresh.
Here’s the recipe card:
📖 Recipe Card
Air fryer Oyster Mushrooms
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Oyster mushroom or about 200 gm.
- 1 cup vegan buttermilk (recipe shared in the notes)
Spices
- 1 tsp. cayenne or paprika or red chilli powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning or dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or corn starch
- 3 tbsp. rice flour
- 1 tsp. oil
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Instructions
- Clean mushroom and dry them well. Now prepare a slurry of vegan buttermilk with rice flour and ½ tsp. salt. Marinate mushroom in the slurry for about 30 minutes.
- Now take all the spices and add to all-purpose flour and keep it ready.
- Pre-heat Airfryer at 180 C or 360 F for 5 minutes.
- After marination, take out each marinated mushroom and immerse it in the seasoned flour mix till well coated. Lightly brush with oil. Do this to all the mushroom and keep aside.
- Brush the air fryer basket and arrange the mushroom in one row. Air fry for 15 minutes at 180 C or 360 F. Turn once in the middle. Now turn up the temperature to 200 C or 390 F and Air fry for 4 minutes for a golden colour.
- Take it out and serve out. Your crispy Air fryer mushrooms are ready to serve. Have with dipping sauce, mayo or even ketchup. It’s super delicious.
- Serve them hot.
Notes
Nutrition
If you liked the recipe, I request you to leave a star * rating. Thanks.
Luci says
I've never cooked mushrooms in an air fryer till now! They tasted wonderful and were so flavorful. I loved how simple and easy the mushrooms were to prep for the air fryer!
Shanna says
These look so yummy! Every time I try to cook something in the Air Fryer I overcook it. I can't wait to try this and see if I can finally master it.
Sharon says
I love using my air fryer and these air fryer mushrooms are just another reason. They are perfect for snacks or a side dish.
Andrea Metlika says
I am a mushroom lover. These are such a great snack. Can't wait to taste them.
sarah johnson says
I'm always looking for a good air fryer recipes, this turned out great! thank you
Priya Patel says
The 1tsp of cayenne is far too much. The extra 4mins at 200 burnt my first batch to a crisp. The amount of seasoning mix was not enough in relation to 10-12 mushrooms and having to brush the mushrooms with oil after they were seasoned just made the seasoning come off and clump together. DESPITE all of above a few tweaks meant the next two batches came out a treat.
Rachna says
Sorry to hear that, Priya. You can always use only paprika if you don't like the heat of cayenne. I have made the recipe many times and it turns out really good. Maybe you have a different model of air fryer? Happy to hear that you were able to tweak the recipe to your requirements.
JB says
Can you use almond flour?
Rachna says
You can try and see. It ought to work.
Damarys Hernandez says
Do you have to use rice flour? I only have regular whole wheat flour and coconut flour.
Rachna says
You can use coconut flour, just use half the quantity mentioned for rice flour.
Atis says
Hi! Wondering if we can keep the slurry or the spice flour mixture for a next use? Or is it best to discard it?
Also, wondering if the spice flour mixture needs rice flour? It wasn’t very clear in the description. Thank you!
Rachna says
Hi Atis, I would suggest that unless you are making the next batch within a day, it is best to discard the slurry and spice flour mixture. Rice flour is only needed for the slurry. Hope that helps.
Judy says
So delicious. As was said by another reviewer there is not enough of the flour mixture. I will make it again but double or triple the flour and spices. Wasn’t hot at all to my taste. The time was perfect. I am new to air frying and probably should have done it in two batches. And I used an olive a oil spray instead of brushing it on.
Rachna says
Thank you for your feedback. I will make it again and recheck about the flour mixture bit. I am glad you liked the recipe. 🙂
Jennifer Osborn says
I really love this recipe and I never ever thought of making mushrooms in the air fryer until I saw it. Brilliant we will definitely be making it again.
Joan says
Just love mushroooms and these look AMAZING. Great directions and photos btw. These would be fantastic served with rice and a sautéed green!
Sara says
Yum yum! And I was happy to learn how to make my own vegan buttermilk. It was easier than I thought. Thanks!
Christa says
I had a fried mushroom appetizer a few months ago at a conference and I've been obsessed with finding a similar recipe ever since. This one is the best I've found, and I love that I can make it in my air fryer. Delish!
Connie says
Can't easily find oyster mushrooms but baby bella mushrooms are readily available and a good substitute so I appreciate the suggestion. Love mushrooms in my air fryer!!! Thanks for the recipe!
Jenny says
These turned out amazing! I love finding new ways to prepare mushrooms and this has now become one of my favorite ways to make them!
Ellie says
Thanks for this recipe! My family really loved it!
Carol says
This was delicious! The oyster mushrooms got perfectly crispy and tasted great on my steak.
Kathy says
I’ve found that the air fryer is now my favorite way to cook mushrooms. Always comes out tasty. These were delicious.