Air Fryer Roasted Oyster Mushroom BBQ
Transform humble oyster mushrooms into a savory, crispy BBQ-style treat using your air fryer. Perfectly spiced, smoky, and ready in under 30 minutes.
This air fryer mushroom BBQ is a fantastic way to satisfy cravings for something savory and satisfying without the need for meat. By tearing the mushrooms by hand and removing excess moisture before roasting, you achieve a remarkably tender, chewy texture that mimics grilled beef. It is a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative for a snack or side dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 500 g oyster mushrooms
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- 1Tear the mushrooms
Take the fresh oyster mushrooms and use your hands to carefully tear them into smaller, bite-sized strips. Place the torn mushrooms into a large mixing bowl.
Tip: Tearing the mushrooms by hand rather than cutting them with a knife creates uneven edges, which helps them absorb more flavor and achieve a better texture when air-fried. - 2Salt the mushrooms
Add a spoonful of salt over the oyster mushroom strips and use it to help draw out impurities, preparing them for the rinse.
Tip: Tearing the mushrooms by hand creates better texture for roasting than cutting them with a knife. - 3Wash the mushrooms
Pour cold water over the salted mushrooms to rinse them thoroughly. This helps clean the mushrooms before the next step.
Tip: Ensure you rinse them well and drain all excess water thoroughly before seasoning to get the best texture. - 4Squeeze out excess water
After washing, grab handfuls of the wet mushroom strips and squeeze them tightly in your hands to drain out as much water as possible. Removing the moisture is crucial for achieving a roasted, barbecue-like texture rather than steaming them in the air fryer.
Tip: Squeeze firmly to remove the water, but be gentle enough not to crush the mushrooms into a mushy paste. - 5Season with chili powder
Return the squeezed mushroom strips to the bowl and add a generous sprinkle of red chili powder over the top. You can easily adjust the amount of chili powder depending on your preferred spice level.
Tip: For an authentic barbecue flavor, you can also add a pinch of cumin powder or smoked paprika at this stage. - 6Add cooking oil
Pour cooking oil over the seasoned mushrooms and chili powder. Mix everything together thoroughly so that each mushroom strip is evenly coated with the oil and spices before placing them in the air fryer.
Tip: Using warm oil can help bloom the chili powder, instantly releasing a more intense aroma and vibrant color. - 7Combine and coat
Mix the seasoned mushrooms thoroughly until each strip is evenly coated with the oil and spices.
Tip: Ensure the oil and spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and browning in the air fryer. - 8Prepare for air frying
Arrange the seasoned mushrooms in an even layer inside an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Cook for about 20 minutes to achieve a delicious roasted texture.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the basket so the mushrooms can roast and crisp up properly.
