Vegan 4-ingredient air fryer oyster mushrooms are great to be served on their own as a quick snack, appetizer, side dish, or to use as an addition to any recipe. It is a great plant-based meal that everybody will love, even those that hate mushrooms. Be sure to make some extra mushrooms!
Try this crispy air-fried oyster mushroom recipe for a “chicken-like” crunch that may become your go-to. You’ll find yourself making it repeatedly, wishing you’d prepared more each time.
These air-fried oyster mushrooms are quick to prepare, making an ideal snack or side dish.
Enhanced with dried onions and fresh garlic, these mushrooms offer a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
Versatile and meaty, they’re an excellent meat alternative for vegan or vegetarian meals and can mimic fried chicken wings when coated with panko or breadcrumbs.
Quick Note: If you don’t find oyster mushrooms, bella mushrooms can serve as an alternative, though the texture of oyster mushrooms remains unmatched. When your mushrooms are ready, and they come out golden and crispy, feel free to place mushrooms in a taco or wrap as mentioned earlier.
Another advantage of this recipe is that you can prepare a bigger number of mushrooms, and keep them in the fridge for about 3-4 days, and when you want to prepare a quick snack as a quick wrap or taco, you can reheat them and use in your dishes.
If some of your friends or family members are hating mushrooms and don’t prefer to eat them, ask them to try this recipe. It may change their mind.
So good they are.
🔖 What You Will Find in This Post?
- Why do you need to break the mushrooms with your hands?
- Why don’t need to wash the mushrooms with water?
- Serving Suggestions. Ideas to Substitute Ingredients.
- Detailed step-by-step instructions.
🤚 How to Choose Oyster Mushrooms?
- Pick the oyster mushrooms that are neither moist nor dry and have a uniform creamy white color.
- Avoid those oyster mushrooms that have some red or green patches. Also, oyster mushrooms should be firm, not slimy and plump, without any wrinkles.
- Ideally, pick those that have the cap intact.
🔪 How to Clean the Oyster Mushrooms?
As the oyster mushrooms usually grow on wood and mushrooms don’t get in contact with any dirt, you probably will not find a lot of things to clean with them.
Is important to not wash them under the water because the oyster mushrooms will absorb it and will become mushy.
Use a paper towel instead to gently rub away any dirt they may have on them.
😊 The Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms?
Besides the fact that we will cook the oyster mushrooms in air fryer with almost no oil, the oyster mushrooms are very healthy by their selves.
They are fully packed with vitamins, minerals, fibers, and other healthy properties.
🥗 Why These Oyster Mushrooms are Healthy?
As we are using an air fryer but not a deep fryer, we almost don’t use oil. Because of that, they are a lot healthier than other variants that you are common with.
Also, as a bonus, you will get a crispy crust without using tons of oil.
👩🍳 How to Prepare Oyster Mushrooms in Air Fryer?
- Using a paper towel, eliminate all possible dirt from the mushrooms.
- Put the mushrooms in a large bowl and pour over them all the spices and oil. Mix well.
- Arrange the Oyster mushrooms in a single layer on the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 12 minutes at 400°F.
- Decorate with freshly chopped parsley in the end.
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- It is a recipe that cooks very quickly and is easy to make even if you don’t have too much experience in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and healthy snack or side dish.
- Oyster mushrooms are low in calories but high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and nutritious addition to any meal.
- With a few ingredients, you get a delicious snack that you can serve both hot and cold. The combination of oyster mushrooms, dried onions, and fresh garlic creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the crispy texture of the mushrooms adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
- You can make it ahead of a few days and use it later as a component in other dishes.
- It is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or just those who are looking for a delicious meat substitute.
- Oyster mushrooms are a budget-friendly ingredient that is widely available at most grocery stores. This recipe is an affordable and delicious way to enjoy a gourmet-style dish at home.
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
Quick Note: I recommend cooking some extra mushrooms because I’m more than convinced that you will be tempted and you will eat some directly from your air fryer basket.
- Oyster Mushrooms. Make sure to pick the best oyster mushrooms you can find. Also, pick those that don’t have some blemishes and that have a nice creamy color. Also, for this recipe, you can use blue oyster mushrooms. They have a subtle seafood flavor that will go very well with the rest of the ingredients. If you go with the blue oyster mushrooms in the air fryer, keep in mind as they are smaller in size you will also need to reduce their cooking time. Another great option is to use the king oyster mushroom in the air fryer. The only thing you should pay attention to is to cut them evenly into pieces to make sure that all of them will cook the same. If you leave them as is, you risk not cooking them evenly, plus the interior of the mushroom may remain raw.
- Olive Oil. The fat of the oil accentuates the taste of the mushrooms. Also, the oil will stick the spices to the mushrooms and it also helps the spices to open their taste better.
- Dried Onion. I used dried onions because they offer a creamy aroma to the dish. If you do not have it at hand, you could omit it altogether.
- Fresh Garlic. The combination of garlic and mushrooms is one that leaves you speechless, and you can never go wrong with it. If you don’t like the fresh taste of fresh garlic, you can replace it with granulated garlic because it has a lighter taste and is not so pronounced as fresh garlic.
- Seasonings. I used a simple mixture of salt and pepper, to keep the fine taste of the oyster mushrooms, but if you want, you can add chili peppers and other aromatic herbs such as thyme, parsley, and oregano.
🍴 Tools Needed:
- Bowl
- Cooking Spray
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Clean the mushrooms with a paper towel in case the mushrooms have any dirt on them.
Pro Tip: I don’t recommend washing the mushrooms with water because they will absorb too much water and the mushrooms will change their taste and texture. These will become mushy.
Quick Note: Break the mushrooms by hand into approximately equal pieces so that you can be sure that they will all cook evenly.
After that, take a deep bowl which will allow you to mix all the ingredients. Put the mushrooms in it and add all the spices over them.
Mix well until the mushrooms are well-covered on all sides with oil and spices.
After that, put the mushrooms in the air fryer basket.
Quick Note: For a better and even result, don’t overload the air fryer tray. If you need to prepare a larger quantity or if you use a smaller air fryer, cook them in a few batches for the best results.
Cook at 400°F / 200°C for about 12 minutes.
Halfway through the cooking time, take the tray out of the air fryer and shake it well to rotate the mushrooms in the air fryer basket.
Quick Note: The cooking time is approximate only because it may differ from one air fryer model to another because the air fryer may work differently, they may have different sizes and the quality of the ingredients may differ. The timings from this recipe are for the Cosori Air Fryer 5.8QT.
In the end, if you decide to serve them as a side dish, or eat them as a quick snack, you could sprinkle the oyster mushroom with some finely chopped parsley over them.
🍽️ How to Serve the Air-Fried Oyster Mushrooms?
If you plan to serve them in addition to other recipes, consider adding them in a wrap, sandwich, burrito, pasta, salad, or toss the oyster mushrooms in enchiladas or tacos.
As you can see, this recipe is very versatile and it goes well in a lot of dishes.
Dipping Sauces to Serve the Oyster Mushrooms?
If you plan to enjoy the air-fried oyster mushrooms as a quick snack, I highly recommend you to serve them near your favorite dipping sauce.
If you don’t know with what you can combine the oyster mushrooms, I will leave you below a few suggestions that you can’t go wrong with:
How to Cook Blue Oyster Mushrooms?
Follow the same recipe, and all the steps, just reduce the cooking time to 7-8 minutes if you want to cook the blue oyster mushrooms in the air fryer.
Can You Freeze Oyster Mushrooms?
Yes, you can freeze the air-fried oyster mushrooms for about 1 month in the freezer. Make sure that you will freeze the oyster mushrooms in air-tight containers or freezing bags from which you will squeeze all the air excesses.
When you need to serve them, just leave them on the table for about 30 minutes until they thaw and you’re good to go.
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Do not wash the mushrooms in water because they will absorb a lot of liquid and the mushrooms will lose their taste and texture. Use only a dry paper towel to remove any rubbish that may be on them.
- Mushrooms, in contact with steel, will oxidize. For this reason, if you are unsure of the composition of your knife, I recommend breaking the mushrooms by hand so you will be sure that the mushrooms will not change their color.
- Try to break all the mushrooms of about the same size to make sure that all the mushroom pieces will cook evenly.
- If you prefer the oyster mushrooms even crispier, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Dried onions work better than fresh onions in this recipe because they add a concentrated burst of flavor without adding moisture to the mushrooms.
- Toss the mushrooms, dried onions, and fresh garlic with olive oil before adding them to the air fryer. This helps to ensure that they become crispy and evenly coated with seasoning.
- Keep an eye on the mushrooms as they cook, and flip them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- As a Snack: Serve the crispy oyster mushrooms in a bowl with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, sriracha mayo, or aioli. They make a fantastic, guilt-free snack.
- In Tacos or Wraps: Use the air-fried oyster mushrooms as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add some fresh veggies, a drizzle of sauce, and you have a delicious, plant-based meal.
- On Top of Salads: Add the crispy mushrooms as a topping to your favorite salad for extra flavor and texture. They can elevate a simple green salad to a more satisfying dish.
- In Sandwiches: Make a hearty sandwich by placing the oyster mushrooms between slices of bread or in a roll. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of condiments for a tasty sandwich.
- With Pasta: Toss the air-fried mushrooms with cooked pasta and a flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and easy way to create a satisfying pasta dish.
- In Rice Bowls: Serve the mushrooms in a rice bowl alongside steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, and a drizzle of teriyaki or soy sauce for an Asian-inspired meal.
- In Wraps or Burritos: Incorporate the mushrooms into a burrito or wrap with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a filling and nutritious meal.
- Pizza Topping: Use the air-fried mushrooms as a pizza topping. Add them to your pizza along with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings of your choice.
- With Noodles: Pair the oyster mushrooms with cooked noodles and a savory broth or sauce to create a comforting noodle bowl.
- On Appetizer Platters: Include the mushrooms on an appetizer platter with other finger foods like vegetable sticks, hummus, or cheese for a party or gathering.
🍽️ Storage
Refrigeration
After your air-fried oyster mushrooms have cooled down to room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from entering.
Duration
Oyster mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately 3-4 days. Beyond this time, their quality may start to degrade.
Separation
If you have a large batch of mushrooms, it’s a good idea to separate them into smaller portions in separate containers. This makes it easier to reheat only the amount you need without repeatedly exposing the entire batch to temperature fluctuations.
🌡️ Reheating
Microwave
To reheat a portion of air-fried oyster mushrooms, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overheating, which can make them less crispy.
Air Fryer
If you want to maintain or restore the crispy texture, consider reheating the mushrooms in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C), then place the mushrooms in the basket and heat for a few minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Shake the basket or flip them over halfway through for even heating.
Oven
Alternatively, you can use an oven to reheat the oyster mushrooms. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the mushrooms on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for about 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy.
Stovetop
Reheating on the stovetop in a skillet with a bit of oil can also restore some crispiness. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil, and sauté the mushrooms for a few minutes until they’re hot and crispy.
Quick Note: Be cautious not to overheat the mushrooms during reheating, as this can make them too dry or lose their texture. It’s best to reheat them in small batches if you have a large quantity.
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
Can I Use Fresh Onions Instead of Dried Onions?
While fresh onions can be used in this recipe, we recommend using dried onions as they add a more concentrated flavor without adding moisture to the mushrooms.
Can I Use Other Types of Mushrooms?
Yes, you can use other types of mushrooms in this recipe. However, oyster mushrooms work best because of their texture and ability to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make this recipe without an air fryer by baking the mushrooms in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
How Long Will These Mushrooms Stay Crispy?
These mushrooms are best served immediately after cooking. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Buffalo Oyster Mushrooms: Toss the oyster mushrooms in a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter or vegan butter before air frying. Serve with a side of vegan ranch dressing for a spicy and tangy appetizer.
- Lemon and Herb Oyster Mushrooms: Add lemon zest and a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley to the seasoning mixture for a fresh and zesty flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mushrooms before serving.
- Sesame Ginger Oyster Mushrooms: Mix soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame oil in the seasoning mixture for an Asian-inspired twist. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on the mushrooms after air frying.
- Garlic Parmesan Oyster Mushrooms: After air frying, sprinkle the mushrooms with grated vegan parmesan cheese and minced garlic. Place them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to melt the cheese slightly.
- Cajun-Spiced Oyster Mushrooms: Season the mushrooms with a blend of Cajun spices for a bold and spicy kick. Serve with a side of vegan remoulade sauce for a taste of New Orleans.
- Teriyaki Glazed Oyster Mushrooms: Create a homemade teriyaki glaze using soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Toss the air-fried mushrooms in the teriyaki glaze for a sweet and savory twist.
- Curry-Spiced Oyster Mushrooms: Mix curry powder, cumin, and coriander into the seasoning for an exotic flavor profile. Serve with vegan yogurt-based raita or chutney.
- Lime and Chili Oyster Mushrooms: Add a kick to the mushrooms by seasoning them with chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mushrooms for a zesty finish.
- BBQ Oyster Mushrooms: Coat the mushrooms with your favorite vegan barbecue sauce before air frying. Serve with coleslaw and pickles for a barbecue-style snack.
📋 Recipe Card:
4-ingredient Air Fryer Oyster Mushrooms
Equipment
Ingredients
- 13 oz Oyster Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Dried Onions
- 1 Clove Garlic
Instructions
- If the mushrooms have any dirt on them, use a dry paper towel to remove them.13 oz Oyster Mushrooms
- Break the oyster mushrooms with hands into approximately equal size.13 oz Oyster Mushrooms
- Put the mushrooms in a deep bowl, pour the spices and oil over them and mix everything well.13 oz Oyster Mushrooms, 2 tablespoon Olive Oil, ¼ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, ½ teaspoon Dried Onions, 1 Clove Garlic
- Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the oyster mushrooms in the air fryer for about 12 minutes at 400°F.
- At the end, sprinkle some finely chopped parsley for extra freshness and color.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Don’t wash the mushrooms with water because the mushroom will absorb this water and will become mushy. Use a paper towel to eliminate all possible dirt the mushrooms may have.
- Don’t use a stainless steel knife on the mushrooms because they will oxidate and change their color. Break the mushrooms with hands into similar-sized pieces.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure that you left some spices between the mushrooms so the hot air can easily circulate between them.
Jeremy
We enjoyed this very much. I made it almost exactly to the recipe (just added a few more garlic cloves) and they turned out great.
Julie
Very nice recipe! it was so easy to make and they turned out soo good!