Save Savory mushrooms filled with a festive blend of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then air-fried to golden perfection—an irresistible holiday appetizer.
I love making these stuffed mushrooms during the holidays because they come together so quickly in the air fryer and always impress with their cheesy, flavorful filling. They've become my go-to for festive gatherings where I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms: 16 large cremini or white mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
- Cream cheese: 120 g (4 oz), softened
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup) for filling, plus 2 tbsp for topping
- Panko breadcrumbs: 40 g (1/2 cup) for filling, plus 2 tbsp for topping
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Fresh chives: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Dried thyme: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (plus extra for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare mushrooms:
- Gently wipe mushrooms clean and remove stems. Finely chop the stems and set aside.
- Sauté stems and garlic:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté chopped mushroom stems and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sautéed mushroom stems and garlic, 50 g Parmesan cheese, 40 g panko breadcrumbs, parsley, chives, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff mushrooms:
- Fill each mushroom cap with about 1 tablespoon of the filling, mounding slightly.
- Prepare topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the topping panko and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle over stuffed mushrooms.
- Add olive oil:
- Brush or drizzle the tops lightly with remaining olive oil.
- Air fry:
- Arrange mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and tops are golden.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Save I remember making these with my daughter for our first big family holiday party, and watching everyone reach for seconds was the highlight of our evening. It's a small touch that fills the house with holiday cheer and warm, savory aromas.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
These stuffed mushrooms make a fantastic starter for festive dinners and shine on any appetizer platter. Pair them with a chilled sparkling wine or dry white wine for a refreshingly balanced bite.
Ingredient Swaps
For a non-vegetarian twist, add chopped cooked bacon or sausage to the filling. You can also swap parsley and chives for sage or rosemary to vary the holiday flavor profile.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Assemble the mushrooms up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Air fry right before serving. Leftovers keep well, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer for crispness.
Save These air fryer stuffed mushrooms are sure to be polished off fast—I recommend making a double batch for larger gatherings. Warm, creamy, and golden, they bring festive joy to every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What mushrooms work best for this dish?
Large cremini or white mushrooms are ideal as they have sturdy caps perfect for stuffing and hold up well during air frying.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be mixed ahead of time and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before stuffing the mushrooms for best results.
- → How do I avoid soggy mushrooms after cooking?
Air frying at 350°F ensures the mushrooms cook evenly and the topping crisps nicely, preventing sogginess.
- → Are there alternatives to panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute with crushed crackers or finely chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
- → Can this be made non-vegetarian?
Adding cooked, finely chopped bacon or sausage to the filling adds a savory, meaty element while keeping the preparation simple.