Fried Mushroom Recipe: Tips for Making Crispy Fried Mushrooms

Fried mushrooms are mushrooms that have been cooked in a pan of oil or air fryer to create a crispy, golden-brown side dish. Often paired with a dipping sauce, this simple veggie dish is a great appetizer to serve when hosting vegetarian friends and family. You can use any type of mushroom—portobello mushrooms, white button mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms all fry well. Simply prep the mushrooms, add ample seasonings, and fry until golden-brown.

Breading involves three main steps.

1. 1. Coat the mushrooms in flour. The first step in breading is dipping your mushrooms in flour. Coating your mushrooms in flour prevents the mushrooms from sticking to the pan when frying. The flour also gives the mushrooms a crispy outside layer.
2. 2. Dip the mushrooms in an egg mixture. After coating the mushrooms in flour, the next step is dipping the mushrooms in an egg mixture. The egg helps the breading stick to the mushroom.
3. 3. Roll the mushrooms in breadcrumbs. Dip both sides of each mushroom into the breadcrumbs to ensure the mushroom is fully coated. Crispy breadcrumbs are best for frying. Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, making them a great option for deep-frying vegetables.

To get that mouth-watering, crispy texture, follow a few frying best practices.

1. 1. Choose the right oil. Oils high in saturated fats are best for frying because they are heat-resistant. Some common oils used for frying include canola oil, vegetable oil, and avocado oil.
2. 2. Fry at the right temperature. Frying oil needs to be at a temperature of 325 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for your mushrooms to come out crispy and golden brown. If your oil is too hot, it can burn your mushrooms. However, when the oil is not hot enough, the mushrooms come out soggy and greasy.
3. 3. Salt your mushrooms after frying. Salt can cause the frying oil to degrade in the pan, altering the flavor and texture of your fried mushrooms. To avoid this, simply add salt after frying your mushrooms for extra flavor.

Serving your fried mushrooms with a topping or sauce can heighten the flavor.

1. 1. Garlic butter and parsley: This topping requires minimal prep if you have a jar of garlic butter sitting in your refrigerator. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of your fried mushrooms and serve with melted garlic butter for dipping.
2. 2. Marinara sauce: If you have leftover tomato sauce, then consider using it as a dipping sauce for your fried mushrooms. To make a marinara dipping sauce, heat chopped tomatoes on the stove with medium heat, adding garlic, pepper, and parsley. Cook until the tomatoes form a thick sauce. If your sauce is watery, add a scoop of tomato paste.
3. 3. Lemon herb dipping sauce: For a light and tangy flavor, serve your fried mushrooms with a lemon herb dipping sauce. Simply mix fresh lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil to create a refreshing sauce that contrasts well with the crunch of the fried mushrooms.
4. 4. Ranch dressing: Ranch dressing is a classic dipping sauce that adds a creamy texture to any fried veggie. Mix sour cream with mayo, and add dill, chives, parsley, and minced garlic. If your ranch sauce is too thick, mix in some buttermilk. You can also add a dash of paprika for a kick of flavor.
5. 5. Tzatziki sauce: Serve your fried mushrooms with tzatziki sauce if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to ranch dressing. Creamy in texture and refreshing in taste, this sauce adds a Mediterranean flavor. Combine Greek yogurt with finely chopped cucumbers, garlic, and dill. Add in fresh lemon juice for more flavor.
6. 6. Soy dipping sauce: For a savory yet sweet taste, pair your fried mushrooms with a soy-based sauce. Mix ginger, chile flakes, scallions, cayenne, and garlic with soy sauce, sesame oil, and water. Serve alongside warm fried mushrooms.