Save to Pinterest Savory mushrooms filled with a festive blend of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then air-fried to golden perfection—an irresistible holiday appetizer.
I tried these for the first time at a winter gathering and they disappeared from the plate faster than any other dish. The air fryer adds the perfect touch of crunch without needing extra oil.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms: 16 large cremini or white mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
- Cream cheese: 120 g (4 oz), softened
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup) grated, plus 2 tbsp for topping
- Panko breadcrumbs: 40 g (1/2 cup) for filling, plus 2 tbsp for topping
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Fresh chives: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Dried thyme: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, plus extra for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare mushrooms:
- Gently wipe mushrooms clean and remove stems. Finely chop the stems and set aside.
- Sauté filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté chopped mushroom stems and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sautéed mushroom stems and garlic, Parmesan cheese, 40 g panko breadcrumbs, parsley, chives, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff mushrooms:
- Fill each mushroom cap with about 1 tablespoon of the filling, mounding slightly.
- Add topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the topping panko and Parmesan. Sprinkle over stuffed mushrooms.
- Oil the tops:
- Brush or drizzle the tops lightly with remaining olive oil.
- Air fry:
- Arrange mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and tops are golden.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest We make these together as a family while waiting for the holiday meal to finish cooking. Everyone loves customizing their own with extra herbs or cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these stuffed mushrooms with sparkling wine or a crisp salad for a balanced and elegant appetizer spread.
Ingredient Swaps
Try swapping the parsley and chives for finely chopped sage or rosemary for a different holiday-inspired flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare and stuff the mushrooms up to a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, and air fry when ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these irresistible air fryer stuffed mushrooms as a fuss-free start to any celebration. They disappear fast, so you may want to double the batch!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of mushrooms work best?
Large cremini or white mushrooms hold the filling well and provide a robust flavor ideal for stuffing.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to stuff the mushrooms.
- → How do I prevent the mushrooms from becoming soggy?
Wiping the mushrooms clean and air-frying at the right temperature helps maintain a tender yet firm texture without sogginess.
- → Can this be adapted for non-vegetarian tastes?
Adding finely chopped cooked bacon or sausage to the filling enhances savory depth for non-vegetarian preferences.
- → What herbs complement the filling best?
Parsley and chives add freshness, while rosemary and sage can be used for a deeper holiday flavor variation.
- → Is an air fryer necessary?
An air fryer provides a quicker, crisp finish, but baked alternatives are possible with adjusted timing.