Description
Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are a delicious appetizer or snack featuring whole button or cremini mushrooms coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust and cooked to golden perfection. These bites offer a crunchy exterior with tender mushrooms inside, enhanced by optional garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor. Perfect for frying, baking, or air frying, they make a versatile dish to serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushroom Bites
- 8 oz whole button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and dried
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying or spray for baking/air-frying
Garlic Butter (Optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep mushrooms: Optionally remove the stems but keep the mushroom caps whole. Pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Set up coating stations: Prepare three bowls: Bowl 1 with flour, Bowl 2 with beaten eggs, and Bowl 3 with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat mushrooms: Dredge each mushroom first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press crumbs gently to ensure they adhere well.
- Cook mushrooms by frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep or shallow pan. Fry the mushrooms in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Alternatively, cook in the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange breaded mushrooms on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Or air fry mushrooms: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place mushrooms in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for uniform crisping.
- Prepare garlic butter (optional): Combine melted butter, finely minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Drizzle over hot mushrooms or serve on the side for dipping.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or marinara sauce for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Removing mushroom stems is optional but can make bites more uniform and enhance presentation.
- Dry mushrooms thoroughly to prevent sogginess and help the coating stick better.
- If baking or air frying, spraying mushrooms lightly with oil will help achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust the seasoning mix in panko breadcrumbs to suit your taste preferences, adding more spice if desired.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; leftover mushrooms can become soggy.
- Use a thermometer to maintain correct frying temperature (350°F) to avoid greasy bites.
