Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites

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Absolutely! These Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites are the ultimate vegetarian appetizer or snack. They’re golden brown, incredibly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce. They’ll disappear in seconds!

Here’s a foolproof recipe to achieve maximum crispiness.

Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites

These are like popcorn chicken, but with mushrooms! The double-coating technique is the secret to a shatteringly crisp crust.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2-3 as an appetizer

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms and Coating:

· 1 lb (450g) cremini or white button mushrooms, cleaned (halve if large, leave whole if small)
· ½ cup all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for color and depth)
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 2 large eggs
· 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (Panko gives the best crunch!)
· Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

· 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
· 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
· Salt to taste

For Serving (Optional):

· Grated Parmesan cheese
· Ranch dressing or creamy garlic aioli for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station

  1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a second shallow bowl, beat the two eggs.
  3. In a third shallow bowl, place the Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Bread the Mushrooms

  1. Working in batches, toss the mushrooms in the seasoned flour until lightly coated. Shake off any excess.
  2. Dip the floured mushrooms into the beaten egg, ensuring they are fully covered.
  3. Finally, dredge the mushrooms in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs adhere well. Place the breaded mushrooms on a plate or wire rack.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

  1. Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1.5 inches. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a single Panko crumb in; it should sizzle vigorously.
  2. Carefully lower the breaded mushrooms in batches into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, or the temperature will drop and make them greasy.
  3. Fry for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy.
  4. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer the fried mushrooms to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Sprinkle with a little salt while they’re still hot.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce and Toss

  1. While the last batch is frying, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 60-90 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice.
  4. Add all the crispy mushroom bites to the skillet and toss gently until they are evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.

Step 5: Serve Immediately!

  1. Transfer the Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites to a serving platter.
  2. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or more of the garlic butter sauce from the pan.

Pro Tips for Maximum Crispiness

· Dry the Mushrooms: After cleaning, pat the mushrooms very dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture will create steam and soften the crust.
· Don’t Skip the Flour: The initial flour coat helps the egg wash stick, which in turn helps the Panko adhere. This three-step process is key.
· Use Panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a much crispier, less dense coating.
· Maintain Oil Temperature: Frying at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C) is crucial. Too low, and they’ll be greasy. Too high, and they’ll burn before the inside is cooked.
· Air Fryer Option: For a lighter version, arrange the breaded mushrooms in a single layer in an air fryer basket sprayed with oil. Spray the tops of the mushrooms with oil as well. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Toss in the garlic butter sauce after cooking.

Variations

· Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
· Herbaceous: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or thyme to the Panko breadcrumbs.
· Parmesan Crust: Mix ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the Panko breadcrumbs before coating.

These are absolutely addictive and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy.

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