There’s something indescribably satisfying about a crispy snack, especially when it’s unexpected—like mushroom fries in an air fryer. These portobello strips are like the rebellious cousins of traditional fries, with their rich, earthy flavor that somehow feels both familiar and exotic. Last weekend, while binge-watching the latest season of that hit show everyone’s talking about, these mushroom fries became the star of the evening, stealing the spotlight from the plot twists.
Steps
- Slice the portobello mushrooms into approximately 1/2 inch wide strips, ensuring they are not uniform in size.
- Set up your coating station with three bowls: one with panko breadcrumbs, another with all-purpose flour mixed with onion salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, and a third with whisked eggs.
- Coat each mushroom piece by first dipping it into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the panko. Repeat this for all pieces.
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil after frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron pan or dutch oven to 370°F, filling it to a depth of 2 inches. Adjust the amount of oil based on your pan size.
- Fry the mushroom strips in batches for 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring the outside becomes golden and the inside is cooked. Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying.
- After frying, place the mushroom fries on the prepared baking sheet to drain. Garnish with minced parsley and serve with your preferred dipping sauce, such as sriracha mayo or ketchup.
Ingredients
- Large portobello mushrooms
- Panko breadcrumbs
- All-purpose flour
- Onion salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Minced parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: Sriracha mayo and ketchup (for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1209kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 114g | Saturated Fat: 90g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 1962mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 751IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of mushroom for the fries?
- While portobello mushrooms are ideal due to their firmness, you can try using other firm mushrooms. However, the texture and cooking time might vary slightly.
- What can I use as a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs. The texture might be a bit different, but it will still work for coating the mushrooms.
- Is there a specific oil recommended for frying these mushroom fries?
- Vegetable oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point, which helps prevent burning during frying.
- How can I ensure that the fries are flavorful?
- Make sure to season your flour well. Using onion salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can enhance the flavor of the fries.
- What are some good dipping sauces to pair with these mushroom fries?
- These fries can be paired with a variety of sauces. Sriracha mayo and ketchup are popular choices, but feel free to use your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips
- Generously Season the Flour: Ensure your flour is well-seasoned to avoid bland fries. Use a good mix of onion salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to keep the oil consistently at 370°F. This helps achieve a crispy coating and ensures the mushrooms are cooked thoroughly.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying the mushroom pieces in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and attain the desired golden and crispy texture.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Customize your experience by trying different dipping sauces. Options like sriracha mayo or classic ketchup can enhance the taste of the mushroom fries.
Equipment
- Candy Thermometer – Useful for keeping the oil at the correct temperature (370 degrees F) for frying.
- Cast Iron Pan or Dutch Oven – Required to fry the mushrooms; ideally holds at least 2 inches of oil.
