Description
Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are bite-sized mushrooms coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust and cooked until golden and crunchy. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these mushrooms can be fried, baked, or air-fried for a deliciously crispy texture with a hint of garlic and smoky paprika flavor. An optional garlic butter drizzle adds an extra burst of buttery garlicky goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushrooms and Coating
- 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
For Garlic Butter (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep mushrooms: Optionally remove stems, but keep mushrooms whole. Thoroughly pat dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Set up coating stations: Arrange three bowls: Bowl 1 with all-purpose flour; Bowl 2 with beaten eggs; Bowl 3 with panko breadcrumbs mixed evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat mushrooms: Dredge each mushroom first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs gently onto the mushrooms to adhere well.
- Cook mushrooms by your preferred method: For frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry mushrooms in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels. For oven baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange mushrooms on a greased baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, cook mushrooms at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Prepare garlic butter (optional): In a small bowl, combine melted butter with finely minced garlic and chopped parsley. Drizzle the garlic butter over the hot mushrooms or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Serve: Enjoy the crispy garlic mushroom bites immediately, pairing them with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Patting mushrooms dry is essential to help the coating stick and crisp properly.
- If you prefer lower oil content, opt for baking or air frying instead of deep frying.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- The garlic butter drizzle is optional but adds a rich, aromatic layer of flavor.
- Use whole button or cremini mushrooms as they hold together well during cooking.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
