Air Fried Oyster Mushrooms
Craving a crispy, savory snack that’s completely plant-based? Air Fried Oyster Mushrooms are a Vegan Fried Chicken alternative that delivers a golden, crunchy exterior and a tender, meaty interior. These crispy mushroom bites are perfect for game nights, appetizers, or a guilt-free treat, with a quick air fryer prep that’s healthier than deep frying.
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms:
- 8 –10 large oyster mushrooms about 2 cups / 200g, fresh and firm
- 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
- ½ cup 60g cornstarch
For the Spice Mix:
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Wet Batter:
- ¾ cup 180ml plant-based milk (e.g., almond or soy)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp baking powder
For Serving (Optional):
- Hot sauce BBQ sauce, or vegan ranch
Instructions
Prepare the Mushrooms
- I gently clean 8–10 oyster mushrooms with a damp paper towel to avoid sogginess, trimming any tough stems for this golden oyster mushroom snack.
Mix the Dry Batter
- In a large bowl, I whisk 1 cup flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp salt for a flavorful crispy mushroom bite coating.
Prepare the Wet Batter
- In another bowl, I combine ¾ cup plant-based milk with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, letting it sit for 2 minutes to form a tangy “buttermilk.” I stir in 1 tsp baking powder for a frothy batter that ensures crunchy plant-based fried mushrooms.
Coat the Mushrooms
- I dip each mushroom in the dry flour mix, then the wet batter, letting excess drip off, and back into the dry mix, pressing lightly for a double-coated golden oyster mushroom snack.
Air Fry
- I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). I lightly spray the mushrooms with oil and place them in a single layer in the basket, air frying for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy for this Air Fried Oyster Mushrooms dish.
Serve
- I serve hot with hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or vegan ranch, enjoying these crispy mushroom bites immediately.