Name: Air Fryer Buttered Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces (1 lb) baby bella or button mushrooms, cleaned and halved or quartered if large; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder + fresh for topping); ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth

These Air Fryer Buttered Mushrooms are a quick, savory side dish featuring tender mushrooms tossed in rich garlic butter, air-fried to golden perfection with minimal effort—ideal for weeknight dinners or appetizers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this recipe because it’s incredibly fast and hands-off, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss of stovetop sautéing or oven roasting. The air fryer crisps the edges just right while keeping the mushrooms juicy and infused with luxurious garlic butter, soy sauce for umami depth, and fresh herbs for brightness.

It’s versatile, low-carb, vegetarian-friendly, and uses simple pantry staples, making it a go-to for busy cooks who crave something indulgent yet healthy. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—no greasy pans!

Yield: 4 servings

Air Fryer Buttered Mushrooms Recipe

Quick garlic butter air fryer mushrooms: tender, flavorful, and ready in minutes!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 2 minutes

Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

16 ounces (1 lb) baby bella or button mushrooms, cleaned and halved or quartered if large
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder + fresh for topping)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth

Instructions

Start by giving your mushrooms a gentle clean—wipe them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt (no soaking, or they'll get watery!). Trim any tough stems if needed, and halve or quarter larger ones so they're bite-sized and cook evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, toss those gorgeous mushrooms with the olive oil and soy sauce until they're nicely coated—this step adds amazing umami and helps them brown beautifully.
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and half the minced garlic (save some for later), then give everything a good gentle toss to distribute the flavors evenly. Your kitchen will already smell incredible!
Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (most models take about 3-5 minutes)—this ensures that perfect crisp exterior right from the start.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a touch of oil spray if your model tends to stick, then add the mushrooms in a single layer (no piling up—work in batches if necessary for the best results!).
Air fry for 6-8 minutes, then pause and shake the basket vigorously halfway through—this little shake is the secret to golden, even browning on all sides.
While they're cooking, melt the butter in a small bowl (microwave 20-30 seconds), then stir in the remaining minced garlic and a pinch of extra pepper for that irresistible garlic butter aroma.
Once the mushrooms are tender inside with crispy edges (they'll shrink a bit and turn golden), carefully transfer them to a serving bowl.
Pour the warm garlic butter over the hot mushrooms and toss gently to coat every piece—the butter melts in luxuriously, creating glossy, flavorful perfection.
Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, then serve immediately while they're piping hot and irresistible—enjoy as a side, appetizer, or steak topper!

Notes

These mushrooms pair wonderfully with grilled meats, steaks, burgers, or as a topping for pasta/rice. They're naturally gluten-free if using tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust cook time slightly based on mushroom size and air fryer model—start checking at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 121Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 15mgSodium 662mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel instead of rinsing to avoid sogginess.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for even crisping and better texture.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure uniform browning.
For extra caramelization, toss halfway or add a light spray of oil.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced can be bitter if overcooked.
Preheat the air fryer for consistent results every time.
Taste and adjust seasoning after tossing with butter, as air frying intensifies flavors.

Ingredients Notes

Mushrooms — Baby bella (cremini) or button mushrooms work best; they hold shape well and absorb flavors beautifully. Choose firm, fresh ones without bruises.
Butter — Unsalted for control over saltiness; melt it first to coat evenly. It adds rich, nutty depth.
Olive oil — Helps with initial crisping and prevents sticking; avocado oil is a great high-heat alternative.
Soy sauce — Low-sodium preferred for umami without excess salt; adds savory complexity.
Garlic — Fresh minced or grated for bold aroma; garlic powder can supplement if needed.
Seasonings — Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley elevate simplicity to gourmet levels.
Optional extras — A dash of Worcestershire or herbs like thyme for variation.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it vegan by swapping butter for plant-based butter or more olive oil.
Add cheese: Toss with grated Parmesan after cooking for a cheesy twist.
Spice it up: Include smoked paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning for heat or herbs.
Herb swaps: Use thyme, rosemary, or chives instead of parsley.
Mushroom variety: Try shiitake, portobello (sliced), or oyster for different textures and earthier flavors.
Low-sodium: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Garlic lovers: Double the garlic or add garlic powder to the initial toss.
For steakhouse style: Serve over grilled steak or add a splash of balsamic at the end.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy. Not ideal for freezing, as mushrooms become watery upon thawing.