There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of golden, crispy fried mushrooms. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish, these mushrooms are coated in a seasoned batter and fried to perfection. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs beautifully with the crisp, flavorful coating, creating a dish that’s simple yet irresistible. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce, like ranch or garlic aioli, for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to disappear in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold sparkling water (or plain cold water)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the mushrooms: Wash the mushrooms and pat them dry with a paper towel. Trim any tough stems if needed.
- Mix the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add the cold sparkling water and whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Set up the breading station: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
- Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even frying.
- Coat the mushrooms: Dip each mushroom into the batter, letting any excess drip off, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Fry the mushrooms: Carefully place the coated mushrooms into the hot oil in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried mushrooms warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tip: For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the panko breadcrumbs or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. Enjoy!
