Crispy Oven Fried Garlic Mushrooms

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for crispy oven-fried garlic mushrooms is the ultimate snack or side dish for mushroom lovers. What sets these mushrooms apart is their incredibly crispy coating, made from a combination of almond flour, sunflower seeds, and spices. The optional addition of Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of richness, but it can be omitted for a dairy-free option. Plus, they’re baked instead of deep-fried, making them a healthier alternative to typical fried mushroom recipes.

The mushrooms are coated in a seasoned breading and baked to perfection, offering a crunchy exterior while maintaining their juicy, earthy flavor inside. Whether you’re serving them for a casual snack, at a party, or as a side dish, they’re sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 6-8 ounce carton mushrooms (small to medium-sized mushrooms)

• ⅓ cup almond flour

• ⅓ cup raw sunflower seeds (ground)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional, omit if dairy-free)

• 1 extra-large egg (beaten)

• ½ tablespoon butter (melted, omit if dairy-free)

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with avocado or olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Rinse the mushrooms and dry them thoroughly before setting them aside.

3. In a blender or food processor, pulse the raw shelled sunflower seeds until they have a powdered texture.

4. In a zippered storage bag, add the ground sunflower seeds, almond flour, garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, parsley, and optional Parmesan cheese. Close the bag and shake to mix the ingredients evenly.

5. In a small mixing bowl, beat the extra-large egg (or two regular-sized eggs). Stir in the melted butter, if using.

6. Dip each mushroom into the egg mixture, then place it into the zippered bag with the breading mixture. Close the bag and shake until the mushroom is evenly coated.

7. Arrange the breaded mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, turning the mushrooms halfway through using tongs.

9. Once the mushrooms are golden, turn the broiler on low for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the coating. Be sure to check them after one minute to prevent burning.

10. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 4 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 19 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Omit the Parmesan cheese and butter to make this recipe completely dairy-free.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for a spicy kick.

• Herb Variation: You can experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to give these mushrooms a more aromatic flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the mushrooms in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. Microwave reheating may make them soggy.

FAQs

1. How can I make these mushrooms extra crispy?

For extra crunch, make sure to broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. This step will help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour with other gluten-free flours, such as coconut flour, though the texture may differ slightly.

3. Can I use frozen mushrooms for this recipe?

Fresh mushrooms work best for this recipe, as frozen mushrooms release excess moisture when cooked, which can affect the crispiness.

4. Is there a way to make these mushrooms spicier?

Yes, adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture will give these mushrooms a delightful heat.

5. Can I make these mushrooms ahead of time?

You can bread the mushrooms ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve. This saves time on the day you’re serving them.

6. What’s the best way to cut the mushrooms for this recipe?

For an even coating, slice the mushrooms in halves or quarters, depending on their size. Small whole mushrooms work well for this dish too.

7. Can I make this recipe without sunflower seeds?

Yes, if you don’t have sunflower seeds, you can try ground flaxseeds, sesame seeds, or even finely chopped nuts as alternatives.

8. How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), and omit the Parmesan cheese and butter.

9. Can I use another oil for baking?

Yes, olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil are great substitutes. They all have high smoke points and will help achieve a crispy texture.

10. Can I freeze these crispy mushrooms?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded and baked mushrooms. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Conclusion

These crispy oven-fried garlic mushrooms offer the perfect balance of flavor and crunch, with a healthier twist compared to traditional fried mushrooms. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious, crispy treat that everyone will love!