Air Fryer Recipe: Goji & Lemon Stuffed Mushrooms
Air Fryer Goji & Lemon Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetiser game with these unexpectedly delightful Goji & Lemon Stuffed Mushrooms, air-fried to perfection! This recipe takes humble mushrooms and fills them with a vibrant, savoury-sweet mixture that balances the umami of mushrooms with the bright zest of lemon and the unique, slightly tart notes of goji berries. Quick to prepare and even quicker to cook in the air fryer, they make for an elegant and wholesome bite perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 large cremini or button mushrooms
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion or shallots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced1
- 2 tbsp dried goji berries, roughly chopped (or whole, if preferred)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra savoury depth)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions & Method:
1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
* Gently wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp cloth (do not wash under running water, as they absorb too much).
* Carefully remove the stems from the mushroom caps. Finely chop the mushroom stems and set aside.
* Arrange the mushroom caps gill-side up in your air fryer basket.
2. Make the Stuffing:
* Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped mushroom stems and red onion (or shallots) and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
* Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the chopped goji berries, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and fresh parsley or chives.
* Season the stuffing generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
3. Stuff the Mushrooms:
* Using a small spoon, carefully fill each mushroom cap with a generous amount of the goji & lemon stuffing. Press the filling lightly to ensure it's compact.
4. Air Fry the Mushrooms:
* Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3-5 minutes.
* Carefully place the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
* Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crispy on top. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of your mushrooms and air fryer model.
5. Serve:
* Carefully remove the stuffed mushrooms from the air fryer.
* Serve warm as an appetiser or a flavourful side dish. A tiny extra sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or chopped herbs can brighten them further.
Tips for Perfection:
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: Larger mushrooms (like jumbo cremini or portobello caps) are easier to stuff and hold more filling.
- Don't Wash Mushrooms: Mushrooms are like sponges! Wipe them with a damp cloth instead of rinsing under water to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Chop Stems Finely: Finely chopped stems integrate better into the stuffing mixture and cook more evenly.
- Balance Flavours: The goji berries provide a unique sweetness and chew. Adjust the lemon juice and zest to your preference – you want a bright, tangy counterpoint.
- Don't Overcrowd: Air circulation is key in the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the mushrooms cook evenly and get a nice texture.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Stuff the mushrooms just before air frying for the best results.
Enjoy these unexpectedly delicious and healthy Air Fryer Goji & Lemon Stuffed Mushrooms!