Crispy Fried Mushrooms Recipe
This crispy fried mushrooms recipe delivers golden, crunchy bites with a tender, juicy center—perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or side. Seasoned to perfection and fried to a crisp, this recipe is a must-try for mushroom lovers and foodies alike.
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms:
- 1 lb 450g fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, or oyster)
- Salt for purging and seasoning
For the Dry Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
For the Wet Batter:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil canola or peanut oil recommended
- Optional Garnish & Serving:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Grated parmesan optional
- Dipping sauces garlic aioli, ranch, spicy mayo, etc.
Instructions
Prep the Mushrooms
- Gently wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth or soft brush. Trim stems if necessary. Slice larger mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Lightly salt and let sit for 15 minutes to purge moisture, then pat dry.
- Set Up Breading Station
Prepare three bowls:
- Dry coating: Mix flour and seasonings.
- Wet batter: Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, vinegar, and cold sparkling water.
- A tray for resting battered mushrooms.
Heat the Oil
- In a deep pan, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Coat the Mushrooms
- Dip each mushroom in the dry flour mix, then into the wet batter. Let excess drip off and place on the tray.
Fry in Batches
- Carefully lower mushrooms into the hot oil. Fry in small batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Drain and Garnish
- Transfer fried mushrooms to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate. Season with salt while hot. Garnish with parsley or parmesan if desired.
Serve Immediately
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use Cold Batter: Keep the batter chilled for best results.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent heat for even frying.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Variations: Try adding Cajun seasoning, using rice flour for tempura-style, or adding nutritional yeast for vegan umami flavor.