Air Fryer Recipe: Goji & Lemon Stuffed Mushrooms
Air-Fried Goji & Lemon Stuffed Mushrooms: Jewels of the Earth
This recipe elevates the humble stuffed mushroom to a new level of sophistication, infusing earthy fungi with the vibrant tang of lemon and the chewy sweetness of goji berries. The air fryer works its magic, creating beautifully browned and slightly crispy caps while the flavourful stuffing remains moist and delectable. These are perfect as an elegant appetiser, a light lunch, or a flavourful side dish.
A Short Telling
Imagine tiny treasures unearthed from a sun-dappled forest floor, each cap holding a secret burst of flavour. This recipe is a culinary adventure, where the grounding essence of mushrooms meets unexpected jewels of the Orient – the ruby-red goji berries – and the bright, zesty kiss of lemon. The air fryer acts as a swift, modern kiln, gently transforming these ingredients into miniature masterpieces, each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance on the palate.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (approximately 450g) large white or cremini mushrooms, about 2-3 inches in diameter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dried goji berries, rehydrated in warm water for 10 minutes and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions and Method
1. Prepare the Mushrooms:
- Gently wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp cloth. Carefully remove the stems. Finely chop the stems and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Stems:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped mushroom stems and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sautéed onion, garlic, and mushroom stems with the rehydrated and drained goji berries, fresh breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Stuff the Mushroom Caps:
- Drizzle the mushroom caps with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, both inside and out. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Carefully fill each mushroom cap with the prepared goji and lemon stuffing, mounding it slightly on top.
5. Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly brush the tops of the stuffed mushrooms with a little extra olive oil.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the mushroom caps are tender and slightly browned, and the filling is golden brown and heated through.
6. Serve:
- Carefully remove the air-fried goji and lemon stuffed mushrooms from the air fryer.
- Arrange them on a serving platter. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: Look for firm, intact mushrooms of a uniform size for even cooking.
- Don't Overstuff: While you want a generous filling, avoid overstuffing the caps, as the filling might spill out during cooking.
- Rehydrate Goji Berries: Rehydrating the goji berries softens them and plumps them up, adding a better texture to the filling.
- Single Layer Cooking: Ensure the mushrooms are in a single layer in the air fryer for even browning and cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling before stuffing the mushrooms and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, lemon) to your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: These stuffed mushrooms pair well with a fresh salad, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or as part of a tapas-style spread.