Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions: Your Go-To Side Dish!
Craving a delicious and healthy side dish that comes together in a flash? Look no further than these incredible Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions! Requiring just 7 simple ingredients, this recipe transforms humble vegetables into a flavorful accompaniment in less than 20 minutes – that includes both prep and cooking time. They are simple to prepare yet packed with umami goodness, making them the perfect pairing for a variety of main courses like succulent steak, juicy pork, or tender chicken. They also make an excellent topping for your favorite burgers, including these air fryer turkey burgers!
If you’re a fan of classic sautéed mushrooms and onions, you’re going to absolutely adore this air fryer rendition. It delivers similar delectable results with significantly less hands-on effort. Forget constant stirring over a hot stove; with the air fryer, you simply toss them once while they’re cooking, and this amazing appliance handles the rest, giving you beautifully browned and tender vegetables every time.
This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about maximizing flavor and texture. The air fryer circulates hot air around the vegetables, promoting even cooking and a slight crispness on the edges of the onions, while the mushrooms achieve a delightful tenderness without becoming soggy. It’s a game-changer for quick weeknight meals or when you need an impressive side with minimal fuss.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions
- Recipe Updates and Improvements
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Air Fry Mushrooms and Onions
- Key Recipe Tips for Perfect Results
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe FAQs
- More Air Fryer Side Dishes
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions
There are countless reasons why this air fryer mushroom and onion recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. First and foremost, it’s incredibly fast, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome side dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. With minimal oil, it’s a lighter, healthier alternative to pan-frying, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through.
The air fryer delivers a unique texture profile – the mushrooms become perfectly tender with a slightly meaty bite, while the onions caramelize beautifully around the edges, retaining just a hint of their natural sweetness and a satisfying texture. This versatility means they pair well with almost any protein, from a simple grilled chicken breast to a gourmet steak dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a deliciously appealing way. Forget boring steamed veggies; these are bursting with flavor!
Recipe Updates and Improvements
This beloved recipe was initially published in January 2021, at which point it was extensively tested using a smaller 2.75-quart air fryer. As cooking technology evolves and air fryer models become more advanced and larger, I’ve had the pleasure of upgrading to a more spacious 5.8-quart air fryer, which is now my preferred model. To ensure that this recipe continues to provide the best possible results for a wider range of air fryer users, I decided it was time for a comprehensive update.
The revised version of this recipe reflects these advancements, offering optimized cooking times and techniques tailored for larger capacity air fryers, which generally offer more even cooking. Beyond just technical updates, I’ve also seized the opportunity to refresh the content with brand new, vibrant photos that better showcase the mouth-watering appeal of these air-fried vegetables. Additionally, I’ve made a few minor additions and tweaks to the ingredient list to enhance flavor and provided even more helpful tips and tricks for readers, drawing from extensive testing and valuable feedback. My goal is to make this recipe as foolproof and delicious as possible for everyone!
For even more fantastic air fryer side dish ideas, be sure to explore this collection of 15+ quick and easy air fryer sides!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Crafting delicious air fryer mushrooms and onions requires only a few key ingredients. Below is a brief overview of what you’ll need, along with some recommended substitutions to help you tailor the recipe to your pantry and preferences. For precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Fresh Mushrooms – I typically opt for cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas. Their firm texture holds up beautifully to air frying, and their earthy, savory flavor is absolutely delightful. However, feel free to use white button mushrooms if those are more readily available or preferred; they’ll still yield fantastic results. For best results, select mushrooms that are firm and free of any dark spots or sliminess.
- Yellow Onion – The humble yellow onion is a workhorse in the kitchen, known for its robust flavor and excellent caramelizing properties. When air-fried, it develops a wonderful sweetness around the edges. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, or happen to have them on hand, white onions or sweet onions (like Vidalia) are excellent alternatives that will still caramelize beautifully.
- Olive Oil – This recipe exclusively uses olive oil to achieve that perfect browning and tender texture. I favor extra virgin olive oil for its mild, fruity flavor, which complements the vegetables without overpowering them. Avocado oil is another fantastic neutral-tasting alternative that performs similarly well under high heat. While some recipes incorporate butter for richness, sticking to oil here keeps it simple and ensures even coating in the air fryer.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This incredible addition came as a recommendation from a reader, and I can’t thank them enough! Just a small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds a fantastic layer of umami depth, elevating the overall savory profile of the mushrooms and onions. It’s a secret weapon for boosting flavor in many dishes.
- Seasonings – We keep it simple yet effective with a classic trio: salt, pepper, and garlic powder. These fundamental seasonings bring out the best in the vegetables. For those who love to experiment, feel free to infuse additional aromatics by adding a pinch of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or even a hint of rosemary. A dash of paprika can also add a nice color and subtle warmth.
How to Air Fry Mushrooms and Onions
Preparing these air fryer mushrooms and onions is incredibly straightforward. Below, you’ll find a brief, step-by-step overview of the process, complete with illustrative photos to guide you. For the complete and detailed instructions, including exact measurements and cooking times, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.
Key Recipe Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving perfectly cooked air fryer mushrooms and onions is easy, but a few key tips can elevate your results from good to exceptional. Pay attention to these details for the best texture and flavor:
- Mushroom Preparation: Mushrooms tend to shrink considerably during cooking as they release their moisture. To account for this, I typically recommend cutting them in half. If you’re working with particularly large mushrooms, quartering them might be a better option to ensure they don’t become too small or dry out. Consistent sizing will also help them cook evenly.
- Onion Slicing: The onions are designed to cook at roughly the same rate as the mushrooms. For this reason, it’s crucial to cut them into consistent 1/4-inch slices lengthwise. Thicker slices will remain too firm by the time the mushrooms are perfectly tender, while thinner slices might burn. When air-fried, the onions will soften considerably and develop a delicious caramelization around the edges, though they will still retain a delightful “bite” – a characteristic difference from deeply caramelized sautéed onions.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: While this recipe allows for some overlap, especially in a larger air fryer, avoiding excessive overcrowding is always a good practice. Overfilling can lead to steaming instead of crisping, resulting in soggy vegetables. If you have a smaller air fryer or are doubling the recipe, consider cooking in two batches to ensure adequate air circulation and superior browning.
- Shake and Stir: The midway stir is not optional! It’s essential for ensuring that all sides of the mushrooms and onions get exposed to the hot circulating air, promoting even browning and tenderization. If you notice uneven cooking, feel free to shake the basket more frequently, especially in smaller air fryers.
- Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Air fryers vary widely in wattage and efficiency. The cooking times provided are a guideline for a 5.8-quart air fryer. If you’re using a smaller model, you might need to add an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time and shake the basket more often. Always keep an eye on your vegetables, using visual cues like browning and tenderness to determine doneness.
- Preheating: While not strictly necessary for all air fryer recipes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at the cooking temperature can help achieve more consistent and faster results. This ensures the vegetables hit a hot cooking surface immediately, promoting better browning.
Serving Suggestions
The versatility of these air fryer mushrooms and onions makes them a perfect addition to almost any meal. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Pairings: They are an absolute dream alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pan-seared pork chops.
- Burger Topping: Pile them high on your favorite beef, turkey, or veggie burgers for an instant gourmet upgrade.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Stir them into scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a savory morning boost. They’re also great alongside breakfast sausages or bacon.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Add them to a hot sub sandwich, a grilled cheese, or a savory wrap for extra flavor and texture.
- Pasta & Grain Bowls: Toss them with pasta, a drizzle of olive oil, and some fresh herbs, or add them to a healthy grain bowl with quinoa or farro.
- Pizza & Flatbreads: Use them as a topping for homemade pizzas or flatbreads for an earthy, savory note.
- Stir-fries & Sautés: While excellent on their own, they can also be incorporated into stir-fries with other vegetables and proteins.
Recipe FAQs
You have two primary ways to clean mushrooms. The gentlest method, and often preferred, is to simply rub off any visible dirt with a clean, damp paper towel. Alternatively, you can rinse the mushrooms quickly in a colander under cold water and then immediately pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. I personally lean towards rubbing the dirt off. Mushrooms are like sponges; if they absorb too much water during rinsing, it can affect how well they brown and crisp in the air fryer, potentially leading to a steamed texture instead of a beautifully roasted one.
The tell-tale signs for perfectly cooked air fryer mushrooms and onions are quite clear. The mushrooms should appear nicely browned on the edges, feel tender when pierced, and will have visibly shrunk in size. They shouldn’t be mushy but rather retain a pleasant, slightly firm texture. The onions will become translucent, and you’ll notice their edges starting to caramelize, turning a lovely golden-brown hue. They should soften significantly but still offer a slight bite, rather than being entirely limp. If you desire a deeper caramelization for the onions, you can continue air frying them for another few minutes, but keep a close eye on them. Overcooking can cause the mushrooms to dry out and the onions to burn, so vigilance is key!
Reheating leftover air fryer mushrooms and onions is simple! The quickest and easiest method is to pop them into the microwave for about 45-60 seconds, or until they are heated through. If you prefer to regain some of that initial crispness, you can also reheat them in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, tossing halfway. Alternatively, a skillet on the stove top over medium heat for a few minutes will also do the trick, allowing you to stir them until warmed.
Absolutely! This recipe is quite adaptable. You can certainly add other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers (sliced thinly), zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes. Just be mindful of cooking times; some vegetables may cook faster or slower than mushrooms and onions. If adding others, ensure they are cut to a similar size to promote even cooking, and you might need to adjust the total air frying time or give the basket an extra shake.
Yes, they are! This recipe is an excellent healthy choice. Mushrooms and onions are both low in calories and packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Using an air fryer requires significantly less oil compared to traditional pan-frying, which reduces the overall fat content while still delivering fantastic flavor and texture. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy flavorful vegetables as part of a balanced diet.
You can certainly double the recipe, but with a crucial caveat: air fryers perform best when not overcrowded. If you’re using a standard home air fryer, it’s highly recommended to cook double batches separately. Overfilling the basket will lead to steaming rather than roasting, resulting in soggy vegetables instead of perfectly browned ones. If you must cook a larger quantity at once, be prepared to extend the cooking time and shake the basket more frequently to ensure even exposure to the hot air.
More Air Fryer Side Dishes
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of these Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions, you’ll love exploring other ways to use your air fryer for quick and healthy sides. Here are a few more favorites to inspire your next meal:
- Air Fryer Peppers and Onions
- Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
- Air Fryer Snap Peas
If you give this Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions recipe a try, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think! Please share your experience and feedback in the comments section below.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Follow Crumb Top Baking on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!
Print Recipe
Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
5 from 2 reviews
- Author: Leanne
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: Canadian, American
Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions are your new go-to for a quick, flavorful, and healthy side dish. With just 7 ingredients and under 20 minutes from start to finish, they deliver tender, earthy mushrooms and sweetly caramelized onions. Perfect alongside steak, pork, chicken, or as a delicious topping for your favorite burgers, this vegetarian recipe is a must-try for any air fryer owner!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound (227g) cremini mushrooms, halved (or quartered, if large)
- 1 large yellow onion, cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients (mushrooms, onions, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder) in a large bowl and toss together until the mushrooms and onions are thoroughly and evenly coated.
- Transfer the seasoned vegetables to your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 11-13 minutes, or until the mushrooms are nicely browned and tender, and the onions begin to caramelize around the edges. Remember to stir the mushrooms and onions thoroughly at the halfway point (around 6-7 minutes) to ensure even cooking and optimal browning.
Notes
- As mushrooms lose moisture and shrink considerably during cooking, I typically recommend cutting them in half. If your mushrooms are particularly large, you might want to quarter them to prevent them from drying out and to ensure a good texture.
- For consistent cooking, it’s essential that the onions are cut into uniform 1/4-inch slices. Thicker slices will remain too firm, and may not soften adequately by the time the mushrooms are perfectly cooked.
- It’s important to note that air-fried onions will not soften to the same degree as deeply caramelized sautéed onions. They will be tender and sweet around the edges but will retain a pleasant, slight bite.
- This recipe was tested and optimized using a larger capacity 5.8-quart air fryer. If you are using a smaller capacity air fryer (e.g., 2.75-quart), your basket will be quite full. In this case, you will likely need to extend the air frying time by approximately 3-5 minutes and increase the frequency of shaking the basket to ensure the mushrooms and onions cook evenly.
- For best results and crispier vegetables, try not to overcrowd the air fryer basket too much. If doubling the recipe, it’s best to cook in separate batches.
- While optional, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the vegetables can lead to more consistent browning.