These irresistible Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms bring restaurant-quality appetizers right to your table in just 20 minutes. Perfectly crispy on top yet tender and juicy inside, each mushroom cap delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
With only 117 calories per serving, these bite-sized delights are both health-conscious and incredibly satisfying. The air fryer method ensures that classic stuffed mushroom taste while using minimal oil, making them an ideal choice for both casual gatherings and elegant dinner parties.
Ingredients Section
- Button Mushrooms (.66 pounds): Select firm, fresh mushrooms of similar size for even cooking
- Mozzarella Cheese (⅓ cup): Fresh or shredded works well for the perfect melty texture
- Bell Peppers (⅓ cup each): Fresh yellow and red peppers, finely chopped for color and crunch
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper for perfect flavor balance
- Oil (1 tablespoon): Any neutral cooking oil to coat the mushrooms
Instructions Section
- Mushroom Preparation: Clean mushrooms thoroughly and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Handle with care while removing stems
- Cavity Creation: Gently scoop out the center using a small spoon, creating space for the filling
- Season Base: Toss mushroom caps with oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until evenly coated
- Filling Preparation: Combine mozzarella, chopped peppers, and all seasonings in a separate bowl
- Stuffing Process: Fill each mushroom cap generously with the cheese mixture, pressing down gently
- Air Frying: Cook at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until cheese melts and mushrooms turn golden
Cooking Techniques
Getting your mushrooms prepped just right makes all the difference! The key is to dry them well after washing – those little guys can really hold onto water. A clean kitchen towel works great for this. When you’re scooping out the centers, be gentle to keep the mushroom caps intact. Your air fryer basket doesn’t need preheating for this recipe, but make sure to space the mushrooms so they’re not touching each other for the best results.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? These stuffed mushrooms are super flexible! Try using different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor twist. Not a fan of bell peppers? Swap them out for finely chopped spinach, onions, or even cooked bacon bits. If you like it extra spicy, add some minced jalapeños to the mix. For a Mediterranean spin, try feta cheese and diced olives instead of mozzarella and peppers.
Serving Suggestions
These cute little bites are perfect as party appetizers! Serve them hot from the air fryer on a pretty platter with some fresh parsley sprinkled on top. They’re great alongside other finger foods or as a starter before dinner. Want to make it a meal? Pair them with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread. Just remember – they’re best enjoyed right away while the cheese is all melty and delicious!
Storage Tips
Made too many? No problem! Let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just put them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until they’re warm and the cheese gets melty again. The mushrooms might release a bit of liquid when stored, so give them a quick pat with a paper towel before reheating.
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 0.66 pounds button mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 2 teaspoons black pepper divided
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and clean the mushrooms. Wipe off the extra water with a kitchen towel.
- Remove the mushroom stem, and scoop out the center with a small spoon.
- Season mushrooms in a mixing bowl with salt, pepper, and oil. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese, yellow peppers, red peppers, crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff the mushroom caps with the cheesy filling, pressing with the back of a spoon to fill it completely.
- Air fry at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 5 to 6 minutes.
