Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Why Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms are a Game-Changer
Air fryer stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer or side dish, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with the earthy flavor of mushrooms. This method is fast, efficient, and delivers golden, bubbling bites of deliciousness in just a few minutes. The air fryer simplifies the process by eliminating the need for preheating, making it an excellent option for a quick snack or a show-stopping party dish. Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to be a hit with everyone.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Stuffed mushrooms are a classic crowd-pleaser, but air frying elevates them to a whole new level. The mushrooms cook evenly, maintaining their juiciness while the filling becomes beautifully golden and gooey. This recipe is adaptable, so you can customize the filling to suit your taste, adding your favorite cheeses, spices, or even proteins like crab or bacon.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
To make these stuffed mushrooms, you’ll need the following:
- 16 oz. of Baby Bella or White Button Mushrooms: Their smaller size makes them perfect for bite-sized appetizers.
- 6 oz. Cream Cheese (Softened): For a creamy, rich base.
- 3 tbsp Sour Cream: Adds a tangy, light texture to the filling.
- ¼ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top.
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ tsp Salt and a Dash of Pepper: For seasoning.
- Chopped Chives: A fresh garnish for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Oil Spray: Prevents sticking during air frying.
Choosing the Best Mushrooms
For this recipe, smaller mushrooms like Baby Bella or White Button Mushrooms work best. Their compact size allows them to hold the creamy filling while maintaining a firm texture during cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try larger mushrooms like Portobellos for a more substantial dish, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
1. Preparing the Mushrooms
Start by cleaning the mushrooms. If you’re cooking them immediately, rinsing them under lukewarm water is fine. However, for later use, wipe them clean with a damp paper towel to prevent them from becoming slimy. Pop or cut the stems off, leaving a hollow “well” in the cap for the filling.
2. Creating the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. The result should be a smooth, creamy filling.
3. Stuffing the Mushrooms
Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out caps of each mushroom. For a quick tip, press the mushroom caps into a shallow dish filled with shredded cheddar cheese. This helps the cheese stick to the filling while ensuring even coverage.
4. Air Frying
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer in the basket. Set the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 4-6 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different flavors and textures:
- Spinach and Parmesan: Add sautéed spinach and parmesan for a fresh, savory twist.
- Bacon and Blue Cheese: Mix crispy bacon bits with blue cheese for a bold flavor.
- Mediterranean Style: Combine feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil for a tangy and herby filling.
- Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms: Add lump crab meat, breadcrumbs, and parsley for a seafood-inspired treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Mushrooms
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For even cooking, make sure the mushrooms are in a single layer.
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and warm mushrooms ensure an even filling texture.
- Serve Immediately: Stuffed mushrooms are best enjoyed hot, straight out of the air fryer.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the mushrooms before cooking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: Reheat cooked mushrooms in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to restore their texture and flavor.
Why the Air Fryer is Ideal for This Recipe
The air fryer speeds up the cooking process while delivering a crispy, golden topping that’s hard to achieve with traditional baking. Plus, there’s no need to preheat the appliance, saving you time and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes! Larger mushrooms like Portobellos can work, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and stuff the mushrooms, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pop them into the air fryer.
Do I need to spray the mushrooms with oil?
A light spray prevents sticking and ensures even cooking, but it’s optional if your air fryer has a non-stick coating.
Recipe Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
These air fryer stuffed mushrooms are creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious! Perfect for appetizers or as a quick side dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 12 stuffed mushrooms
Calories: 74 kcal
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Baby Bella or White Button Mushrooms
- 6 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp Sour Cream
- ¼ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- Dash of Pepper
- Chopped Chives for topping
- Oil Spray
Instructions
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Remove the stems to create a hollow space in the caps.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap and top with shredded cheddar cheese and chives.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer.
- Set the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
