Of course! Crispy Fried Mushrooms are an irresistible appetizer or side dish. They’re meaty, juicy on the inside, and encased in a perfectly seasoned, shatteringly crisp coating.
Here are two fantastic methods: a classic beer-battered version for a light, puffy crust, and a double-dredged version for an extra-thick, crunchy coating (like a fairway favorite).
Method 1: Classic Beer-Battered Crispy Mushrooms
This batter fries up light, airy, and incredibly crisp.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 as an appetizer
Ingredients
· 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed (leave whole if small, halve if large)
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 cup cold lager-style beer (or club soda for a non-alcoholic version)
· Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
· For serving: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or horseradish sauce.
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the cold beer while whisking, until the batter is smooth and has the consistency of thin pancake batter. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay.
- Coat and Fry: Pat the mushrooms completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the batter to stick. Working in batches, dip a handful of mushrooms into the batter, letting the excess drip off.
- Fry to Perfection: Carefully lower the battered mushrooms into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Season: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mushrooms to a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this keeps them crispy). Immediately sprinkle with a little extra salt.
- Repeat and Serve: Continue with the remaining mushrooms, allowing the oil to return to 375°F between batches. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Method 2: Double-Dredged Extra-Crunchy Mushrooms
This method uses a flour-egg-flour breading for a thicker, craggier, and super crunchy crust.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 as an appetizer
Ingredients
· 1 pound cremini or button mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed
· ½ cup all-purpose flour
· 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
· For serving: Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or aioli.
Instructions
- Set Up Breading Station: Get three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Mushrooms: Pat the mushrooms completely dry. Working one at a time, dredge a mushroom in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then, dip it into the egg, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko mixture until it’s fully coated. Place on a plate and repeat with all mushrooms.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry: Working in batches, carefully place the breaded mushrooms in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until the coating is a deep golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle with salt while hot. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Fried Mushrooms
· Dry the Mushrooms: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Thoroughly patting the mushrooms dry before battering or breading is the #1 most important step.
· Oil Temperature is Key: Use a thermometer. If the oil is too cool, the mushrooms will be greasy. If it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the mushroom cooks through.
· Don’t Crowd the Pot: Frying in small batches maintains the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
· Wire Rack > Paper Towels: Draining on a wire rack prevents the bottom from getting soggy, which can happen if you use a paper towel-lined plate.
· Season Immediately: Sprinkling with salt right after they come out of the fryer allows it to stick to the hot, oily surface.
Enjoy your incredibly delicious, golden-brown, and perfectly Crispy Fried Mushrooms! They’re the ultimate comfort food.