Air Fryer Mushrooms and Red Onions

Air Fryer Mushrooms and Red Onions are soft, golden, and full of rich flavor. They have a bit of sweetness from the onions and a deeper, earthy taste from the mushrooms.

Using an air fryer makes the whole process quicker and easier—no need to stand by the stove or use a bunch of pans. Just toss everything together, press a button, and in about 12 minutes, you’ve got a simple dish that works with almost any meal. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to come back to when you want something tasty but don’t feel like making a fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Mushrooms – Not all mushrooms cook the same. For this recipe, cremini (baby bella) or white button mushrooms work best due to their size and texture. They hold up well in the air fryer and absorb flavors nicely. 

• Red onion – A medium sized thinly sliced red onion is all you need but you can also replace it with a regular brown onion.

• Olive oil – I prefer using a good quality olive oil but you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil for sautéing the vegetables and adding extra flavor.

• Seasoning – Salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme are my preferred seasoning for this recipe. You can use any of your favourites such as chili flakes, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika.

How to Make Air Fryer Mushrooms and Red Onions

Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt.

Slice the mushrooms and onions, making sure they are uniform slices for even cooking.

Place the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme in a large mixing bowl and then give it a whisk until all are combined.

Add the sliced mushrooms and onions, and then toss until everything is evenly coated. Set your air fryer to 383°F (195°C) and then place the seasoned mushrooms and onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.

Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to help even browning. The vegetables should be tender with slightly crispy edges.

Expert Tips From the Chef

• Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe mushrooms clean. Avoid soaking them — they absorb water, which can lead to soggy texture.

• Try to slice both the mushrooms and onions as evenly as possible. This helps them cook at the same rate.

• Marinate the vegetables for 15-30 minutes before cooking for a richer taste.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket — mushrooms need space to brown.

• Avoid too much oil — a light coating is enough.

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Mushrooms and Red Onions

This versatile side pairs well with a variety of dishes:

As a side: Serve alongside Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs, Roasted Whole Chicken in Air Fryer, Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas with White Sauce , or Air Fryer Marinated Salmon.

In bowls: Add to grain bowls with quinoa, rice, or couscous, along with your choice of protein and veggies.

On Air Fryer Toast: Top crusty bread with the mushrooms and onions, perhaps with a smear of goat cheese or hummus.

In wraps, sandwiches, or omelettes: Use as a filling for wraps, pitas, or sandwiches, or even for Air Fryer Mushroom Omelette.

Flavor Variations

• Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives after cooking for adding freshness and colour.

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the hot vegetables before serving.

• Incorporate chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the seasoning mix.

• Drizzle with a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce before cooking.

Storage and Reheating

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can keep them for up to 3 months in the freezer.

You can reheat the leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

Air Fryer Mushrooms and Red Onions

Ayla Clulee

Air Fryer Mushrooms and Red Onions are soft, golden, and full of rich flavor, with a bit of sweetness from the onions and a deeper, earthy taste from the mushrooms.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 2 people

Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 250 g mushrooms
• 1 medium red onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano

Instructions

 

• Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt.
• Slice the mushrooms and onions, making sure they are uniform slices for even cooking.
• Place the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme in a large mixing bowl and then give it a whisk until all are combined.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and onions, and then toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Set your air fryer to 383°F (195°C) and then place the seasoned mushrooms and onions in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.
• Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to help even browning. The vegetables should be tender with slightly crispy edges.

Notes

• Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe mushrooms clean. Avoid soaking them — they absorb water, which can lead to soggy texture.
• Try to slice both the mushrooms and onions as evenly as possible. This helps them cook at the same rate.
• Marinate the vegetables for 15-30 minutes before cooking for enhanced taste.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket — mushrooms need space to brown.
• Avoid too much oil — a light coating is enough.

Keyword air fryer, side dish, vegan, vegetarian