Some recipes are for special occasions. This one? It’s a weekly thing for me.
I started making air-fried lion’s mane mushrooms during a “clean out the fridge” moment. It was late, I was hungry, and the only fresh produce left was a weird, shaggy-looking mushroom. I almost roasted it. But out of curiosity (and laziness), I threw it in the air fryer with salt and garlic powder.
Game-changer.
Crispy edges. Tender inside. No oil splatter. It’s the easiest, fastest way to make lion’s mane taste amazing.
Ingredients (Simple, Flexible)
- 1 medium lion’s mane mushroom
- A few sprays of oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Feel free to jazz it up smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, or even a dash of nutritional yeast all work great.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Mushroom
- Brush off any dirt with a dry towel don’t rinse.
- Tear into bite-sized pieces (they shrink a bit as they cook).
2. Season
- Lightly mist with oil (if using).
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Air Fry
- Preheat to 375°F.
- Place pieces in the basket without overlapping.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
They’re done when the edges are crispy and golden brown. If they look dry but aren’t crisp yet, give them 1–2 more minutes.
What to Eat Them With
- Toss into a stir-fry or grain bowl
- Add to a wrap or pita with hummus
- Use as a side dish for anything grilled
- Eat them like snacks because why not?
Real Questions I Get
Do I need to use oil?
Nope but a light mist helps with even crisping and color.
Can I batch-cook and store them?
Yes, but they lose crisp over time. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to bring them back to life.