The Best Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

If you’ve ever loved the taste of mushrooms and onions sautéed in butter until golden and fragrant, then you’ll fall in love with this Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions Recipe. The air fryer makes them perfectly caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside — with far less oil and in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop cooking.

This simple side dish is earthy, savory, and slightly sweet from the onions, making it the perfect partner for countless meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Just 15 minutes from prep to plate.
• Healthier: Requires little oil while still delivering caramelized flavor.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or topping.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in the air fryer basket.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, or portobello), cleaned and sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced into thin strips
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

1. Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel (avoid soaking in water).
2. Slice mushrooms and onions into even pieces for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Season

In a mixing bowl, toss mushrooms and onions with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated.

Step 3: Air Fry

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place seasoned mushrooms and onions in the basket in a single layer.
3. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until mushrooms are browned and onions are caramelized.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy hot.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches for maximum caramelization.
• Add butter at the end: For a rich, silky finish.
• For extra flavor: Toss with balsamic vinegar or soy sauce before air frying.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Mushrooms & Onions: Stir in melted garlic butter after air frying.
• Balsamic Mushrooms & Onions: Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar before cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Cheesy Version: Add shredded Parmesan cheese in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Serving Ideas

• As a side with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or salmon.
• On top of burgers, sandwiches, or baked potatoes.
• Mixed into pasta, risotto, or grain bowls.
• As a topping for pizza or flatbreads.

Why This Recipe Works

The air fryer circulates hot air around the vegetables, drawing out moisture and concentrating their flavors. The result? Mushrooms that are meaty and savory with a hint of smokiness, and onions that caramelize beautifully without burning. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor — it’s the best way to enjoy mushrooms and onions.

✨ Golden, caramelized, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions Recipe is a side dish you’ll want to make again and again.