Quick, easy and delicious air fryer mushrooms, finished with balsamic glaze, fresh thyme and goat or feta cheese. A delicious mushroom side side.
If steak is on the menu this weekend, I can’t think of a nicer (or easier!) side dish than these air fryer mushrooms. Ready in just 10 minutes and finished with balsamic glaze, thyme and goat cheese. Of course, mushrooms make a great side for so many dishes. Enjoy these with or without cheese.
No air fryer? I’ve got oven options for you below in the Cook’s Notes!
Ingredient Notes
Mushrooms – I love to make this with the small button mushrooms. I’ve used cremini button mushrooms here, but white button mushrooms are fine, too. You could also use larger mushrooms and cut in half, if you like.
Balsamic Glaze – one of my favourite condiments! Look for balsamic glaze in with the balsamic vinegars at your grocery store. It is easily available these days. I’ve used the classic here, but I’ve also used the Cabernet Merlot Balsamic Glaze as well and it’s also lovely. A substitute for balsamic glaze would be to just simmer some balsamic vinegar with a bit of brown sugar until reduced and thickened.
Thyme – fresh thyme leaves are both the nicest flavour, but also really pretty in this dish. If fresh thyme isn’t available, substitute dried thyme leaves, using a bit less.
Cheese – I’ve used goat feta cheese here, but I’ve also done this with regular feta cheese and straight up goat cheese. They are all nice. That said, you can easily just omit the cheese here, if you prefer, as balsamic mushrooms are delicious on their own, too.
Step-by-Step Photos
Cook’s Notes
Clean the mushrooms before using by first loosening any visible dirt with a dry paper towel, then switch to a damp paper towel to give them a quick wipe.
Adjust the cooking time for the mushrooms upward if starting with larger button mushrooms.
If doubling or tripling the recipe, consider doing in batches, instead of over-crowding the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, stick to the amount of mushrooms that makes one, even layer, with a bit of space between them.
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400F. Scatter mushrooms on a baking sheet a even layer (not too crowded). Roast in oven for 15-20 minutes. (If you have a convection oven, reduce oven temperature to 375F and use the Convection setting instead. Check a little earlier, for done-ness.)
Top Tip
If using regular goat cheese, DO NOT TOSS the mushrooms after adding the cheese. Tossing warm goat cheese = melty cheese hot mess :) You won’t have the same issues if using feta or goat feta, as it doesn’t melt with the heat of the mushrooms.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 8 oz small button mushrooms, cremini or white (227g)
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 2-3 tsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
To serve (adjust amounts to taste):
- 1/2 tsp thyme leaves, fresh or 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1-2 tsp balsamic glaze
- 2-3 Tbsp crumbled goat or feta cheese, or try goat feta
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer at 380F for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the mushrooms by first wiping with a dry paper towel, then wiping with a damp paper towel, to loosen and remove any dirt. Add mushrooms to a bowl Add garlic. Add olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper and toss to combine well.
- Add mushroom mixture to air fryer, spreading out into an even layer.
- Air fry at 380F for 4 minutes, then open and shake basket. Air fry a further 4-6 minutes, or until mushrooms are golden (8-10 minutes total, for small button mushrooms).
- Remove mushrooms to a serving dish. Add balsamic glaze and toss to combine. Sprinkle with thyme leaves. Scatter cheese over-top and serve. **If using goat cheese, DO NOT STIR OR TOSS mixture after adding cheese, as it will have started melting and will make a bit of a hot mess. You won't have the same issues with feta cheese, as it doesn't melt, but no need to stir or toss anyway.
Notes
Recipe adapted from a Good Housekeeping recipe
I made this recipe last night for company to serve with beef tenderloin. It was excellent in every way. I had sliced my mushrooms before reading the recipe, but it worked equally well. I also followed your suggestion and used the merlot balsamic glaze; Yum!
So glad to hear, Barb! And yes, love that glaze, especially when there is beef involved in the meal :) Thanks so much!
Love this recipe. Easy and delicious. I made them in my oven set to convection. I used feta cheese-perfect.
Thanks Jennifer.
So glad to hear, Diana :) Thanks so much!
Will make this side today as it will be the best day of the weekend so rib steak is the menu. Most everything we, already have on hand just have to go to buy the button mushrooms so off I go to market. Was wondering. If I scatter mushrooms on pan with holes and put them on bbq off heat and reach same temp 400 do you think they will cook the same as the oven?
Hi Pat and yes, these would work as you described on the BBQ, too :) Enjoy!