Name: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz (450g) cremini or white button mushrooms, cleaned and halved (or quartered if large); 1½–2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil spray); 1½–2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (only if your lemon-pepper is salt-free); Optional: zest of ½ lemon + fresh lemon wedges for serving; Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

These air fryer lemon pepper mushrooms are golden, tender inside with delightfully crispy edges. Coated in zesty lemon-pepper seasoning, olive oil, and a touch of garlic, they burst with bright citrus and savory pepper notes. Perfect as a healthy side, appetizer, or topping for salads and bowls — simple, vegan, and irresistibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll fall head over heels for these air fryer lemon pepper mushrooms because they deliver restaurant-quality texture and flavor with almost zero effort. The air fryer works magic by crisping the edges while keeping the mushrooms juicy and meaty inside — no soggy results like pan-frying can sometimes give.

The classic lemon-pepper combo brings a refreshing, citrusy brightness that cuts through the earthy mushroom flavor beautifully, while a hint of garlic adds savory depth. They’re ready in under 20 minutes, require minimal ingredients, use little oil, and are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb.

Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight side dish, a party appetizer everyone devours, or a guilt-free snack, this recipe checks every box — easy cleanup, crowd-pleasing taste, and healthy vibes all in one!

Yield: 4 servings

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Mushrooms Recipe

Crispy, zesty air fryer lemon pepper mushrooms — tender, golden, and bursting with citrus-pepper flavor in minutes!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

16 oz (450g) cremini or white button mushrooms, cleaned and halved (or quartered if large)
1½–2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil spray)
1½–2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt (only if your lemon-pepper is salt-free)
Optional: zest of ½ lemon + fresh lemon wedges for serving
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Hey there, mushroom lover! Start by gently cleaning your mushrooms with a damp paper towel or soft brush — no long soaks please!
Pat them super dry with paper towels (this is the secret to crispy magic!). Cut larger ones in half or quarters so they’re bite-sized and uniform.
Grab a big mixing bowl and toss those beauties in 1½–2 tablespoons of olive oil until they’re lightly coated and glistening.
Now sprinkle over the lemon-pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt (if needed) — give everything a loving toss so every mushroom gets its flavor hug!
Fire up your air fryer and preheat it to 380–400°F (190–200°C) for 3–5 minutes — trust me, this step makes a huge difference!
Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer in the basket (no piling — give them room to breathe and crisp up!).
Air fry for 10–12 minutes total — pause at the 5–6 minute mark, shake the basket or stir gently with tongs for even golden perfection.
Check them — they should be tender inside with delightfully crispy, caramelized edges. Cook 1–2 minutes more if you want extra crunch!
While they’re piping hot, hit them with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest for that bright, irresistible zing.
Transfer to a serving plate, scatter with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately — grab a fork and enjoy every zesty bite!

Notes

Best served fresh and hot from the air fryer for peak crispiness. Adjust lemon-pepper amount based on your brand’s strength — start light and taste-test. This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free (check seasoning label), and low-carb friendly.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 34Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 142mgCarbohydrates 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:

Pat the mushrooms very dry after cleaning — excess moisture prevents crisping and causes steaming instead.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for maximum air circulation and crispiness.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
For extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right after air frying while they’re hot.
Use a light hand with oil — too much makes them greasy rather than crisp.
Preheat your air fryer for best results (most models benefit from 3-5 minutes).
Taste and adjust seasoning before cooking; lemon-pepper blends vary in salt level.

Ingredients Notes:

Mushrooms — Cremini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms work best; they hold their shape well and develop wonderful meaty texture. Avoid very large portobellos unless sliced thickly. Clean them with a damp cloth or quick rinse and dry thoroughly — never soak, as they absorb water like sponges.
Olive oil — Use extra virgin for flavor or a light oil spray for even coating with less total oil. It helps the seasoning stick and promotes golden crisp edges.
Lemon-pepper seasoning — A store-bought blend (with salt included) brings bright citrus and bold pepper in one shake. If yours is salt-free, add a pinch of kosher salt separately.
Garlic powder — Adds savory backbone without burning like fresh garlic might in high heat.
Fresh lemon — Optional zest or post-cook squeeze elevates the citrus punch to the next level.

Variations and Substitutions:

Spice it up — Add ¼–½ tsp cayenne, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Herb twist — Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning (½ tsp) for an herby lemon-pepper vibe.
Cheesy version — After cooking, toss with 2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for umami richness (great for non-vegans).
Butter lover’s swap — Replace olive oil with melted butter or vegan butter for richer flavor.
Low-oil — Use avocado oil spray or zero-oil if your air fryer is nonstick — results are still great.
Mushroom variety — Try oyster mushrooms torn into pieces for a “wing-like” crispy texture, or shiitake for deeper umami.
Fresh garlic — If using fresh minced garlic (1–2 cloves), add it in the last 2–3 minutes to prevent burning.

Storage Options:

Store leftover mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness (microwave makes them soggy). They’re not ideal for freezing as texture suffers upon thawing.