Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Mushroom Bacon Recipe
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This mushroom bacon recipe is so easy to make in an air fryer with just a few ingredients. It’s a healthy vegan bacon recipe that is crispy, smoky and delicious!
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It’s amazing how thin slices of mushrooms can be transformed into a plant based alternative for bacon. It doesn’t taste exactly like bacon, but let’s face it, nothing tastes like bacon except the real thing, not even turkey bacon. But, portobello mushroom bacon does come close in flavor, it’s crispy, smoky, and buttery.
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy! It’s made with simple ingredients, and there is very little prep time to make this portobello bacon recipe.
- Delicious! There is no replacement for real bacon, but this mushroom bacon comes pretty close; so if you want a healthier bacon, this is it.
Here is what you will need
Ingredients
How to make this air-fryer mushroom bacon recipe
Prepare: Remove the stems from the mushrooms and wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel. Use a sharp knife to slice the mushroom into thin slices. Mix the olive oil and maple syrup in a small bowl.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees f.
STEP 1: Arrange the sliced mushrooms in a single layer onto an air fryer basket or tray. Use a basting brush to brush the olive oil/syrup mixture onto the mushroom slices.
STEP 2: Sprinkle the mushroom slices with smoked paprika and sea salt; air fry for 10 minutes. Until slightly crispy.
NOTE: Baking time can vary, mushroom slices should be slightly crispy. If they are not, air fry for 2 to 3 minutes longer and keep a close eye as it cooks quickly!
How to make mushroom bacon in the oven
If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! This recipe can be easily made in the oven. the instructions are similar to air-frying, with a slightly longer cook time.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the mushroom slices on the parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with the oil, and syrup mixture.
- Sprinkle with paprika and bake for 10 minutes or until the mushrooms begin to brown.
- Flip them over and bake until they are crispy, which will be approximately another 10 minutes.
How to use mushroom bacon
Vegan mushroom bacon can be used just as you would use regular bacon. Here are some suggestions:
- Sandwiches such as a vegan BLT,
- Add it to veggie side disheds like add it to beans and bacon, or roasted brussels sprouts.
- Toss it into your veggie favorite pasta recipe
- Serve it breakfast as a side dish with a breakfast casserole
- Crumble it up and add it to a salad or baked potatoes.
How to store mushroom bacon
Mushroom bacon tastes the best right after it comes out of the air fryer, and probably will be devoured immediately! In the event that there are leftovers, store it in an airtight container for a day or two. It will be a little soggy, heat it up in the air fryer or oven at 375 degrees for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture.
Variations
Spicy – Make spicy hot bacon, by adding 1/4 teaspoon or less of your favorite hot sauce to the oil before brushing it onto the strips of mushrooms.
Pepper Bacon – Sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper onto the bacon before air frying it.
Mushroom combo– Try using a variety of mushrooms, such as cremeni, king oyster, portobello and shitake for a variety of flavor and textures.
Recommended equipment for this recipe
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- For extra crispy bacon, slice the portobello as think as you possibly can.
- Leave enough space in the air fryer basket or tray to allow the air to circulate around them.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to make this recipe in a few batches. Keep the first batch warm on lowe heat in the oven while the second batch is cooking.
- Save time and use pre-sliced mushrooms from your local grocery store.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can, but you won’t get the crispiness that you will get when it’s made in an air-fryer or in the oven. Cook the mushrooms in a little bit of oil on top of the stove over high heat. Let them sit for 5 to 8 minutes before flipping them. Flip and cook until both sides are brown.
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Air Fryer Mushroom Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces portobello mushroom caps or shitake or King Oystyer Mushrooms
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them into thin strips with a sharp knife.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees f.
- Whisk the maple syrup and olive oil together.
- Arrange the mushroom slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray and brush each mushroom with the oil syrup mixture.
- Sprinkle the mushrooms with sea salt and smoked paprika and place the mushrooms into the preheated air fryer.
- Air fry the mushroom slices for 10 minutes. Flip them over and air fry until they are crispy – about 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
