Air Fryer Morel Mushrooms Recipe: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight
Morel mushrooms are a prized ingredient, beloved for their earthy, nutty flavor and delicate texture. These unique mushrooms are highly sought after by gourmet chefs and home cooks alike. Cooking morels in an air fryer is a game-changer, as it preserves their natural taste while creating a crispy, golden coating with minimal oil. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare perfectly cooked morel mushrooms in your air fryer, making them a healthier and easier alternative to traditional deep frying.
This guide includes everything you need: a detailed recipe, cooking tips, nutritional information, and storage instructions. Whether you’re an experienced mushroom forager or trying morels for the first time, this air fryer recipe is a must-try.
Air Fryer Morel Mushrooms Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
Preparation
- Clean the morel mushrooms thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Halve them if they are large.
Soak
- Place the cleaned morel mushrooms in a mixing bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for about 10 minutes.
Coating
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the soaked morel mushrooms in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Air Frying
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the coated morel mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Spray the tops of the mushrooms with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
Cook
- Air fry the morel mushrooms at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Serve
- Remove the morel mushrooms from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.
Notes
Tips
- Cleaning Morels: Morel mushrooms can have a lot of dirt and bugs. Soak them in salt water for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly to clean them well.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the mushrooms cook evenly and become crispy.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with aioli, ranch dressing, or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
Why Air Fry Morel Mushrooms?
- Healthier Option: Minimal oil is needed compared to deep frying.
- Convenience: Quick and easy to prepare, requiring less cleanup.
- Enhanced Flavor: Maintains the unique taste and texture of morels.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh morel mushrooms (cleaned and halved)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Mushrooms:
Gently clean the morel mushrooms under running water to remove dirt and grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then cut larger mushrooms in half for even cooking. - Set Up Breading Station:
Prepare three bowls:- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Mushrooms:
- Coat each morel mushroom in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip it into the beaten egg.
- Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. - Cook the Mushrooms:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the breaded morels in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
- Spray the mushrooms lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Air Fry:
Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the mushrooms are golden brown and crispy. - Serve:
Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. They pair beautifully with a creamy dipping sauce or simply a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin D: High, thanks to the morel mushrooms
- Iron: Good source
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Morel Mushrooms
- Choose Fresh Morels: Use firm, fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
- Dry Completely: Ensuring the mushrooms are dry before breading helps the coating stick better.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to allow even air circulation.
- Add a Twist: For an extra kick, mix cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.
