The Secret to Super Crispy Keto Mushrooms
Craving a crunchy, savory snack that’s low in carbs but packed with flavor? These Crispy Air Fryer Keto Breaded Mushrooms are the perfect solution! Coated in a herby, garlicky crushed pork rind crumb with a hint of parmesan, these mushrooms are a keto-friendly treat you’ll love. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or a crunchy side dish, they’re sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 7 oz cremini mushrooms (or mini portobello), cleaned and halved
- 3 tbsp unflavored whey protein powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds (unseasoned)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan (optional, but highly recommended)
Optional for Serving:
- Keto Ranch Dressing or your favorite low-carb dip
Instructions
1. Prep the Mushrooms:
- Gently brush the mushrooms to remove any dirt. Cut them in half and set aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Coatings:
- In a shallow bowl, add the unflavored whey protein powder.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg and heavy cream together until smooth.
- If making your own crushed pork rinds, pulse them in a blender until finely ground.
- In a third bowl, combine the crushed pork rinds, salt, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and grated parmesan (if using).
3. Bread the Mushrooms:
- Roll each mushroom piece in the whey protein powder to create a dry base coating.
- Dip the coated mushroom into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, roll the mushroom in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
- Place the coated mushrooms back on the baking sheet while you finish the rest. Work in small batches to keep the egg mixture from becoming clumpy.
4. Air Fry the Mushrooms:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer on the air fryer tray, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
- Lightly spray both sides of the mushrooms with olive oil or avocado oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Air fry for 4–7 minutes, depending on the size of the mushrooms. Toss or flip the mushrooms halfway through (around the 3-minute mark) for even browning.
5. Serve:
- Enjoy the crispy mushrooms hot, served with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce like ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 375°F to restore their crispiness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 193 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 11g (Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g)
- Cholesterol: 27mg
- Sodium: 563mg
- Potassium: 312mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 165 IU
- Vitamin C: 1 mg
- Calcium: 15 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Helpful Tips:
- Crispier Coating: Lightly spray the mushrooms with oil before air frying to achieve a perfectly golden and crunchy texture.
- Make Ahead: You can bread the mushrooms a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge before air frying.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
These Crispy Air Fryer Keto Breaded Mushrooms are crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for keto dieters or anyone looking for a low-carb snack. The combination of pork rinds, parmesan, and savory spices makes each bite irresistible. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, they’re a hit at parties, game nights, or as a satisfying snack anytime!
FAQ
Can I use different mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes, you can use white button mushrooms, baby bellas, or even portobello slices. Just adjust the cooking time based on their size.
Are these keto breaded mushrooms gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free since it uses pork rinds and whey protein instead of traditional breadcrumbs or flour.
Can I bake these mushrooms instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, but they may not be as crispy as when air fried.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Make sure the mushrooms are dry before breading, and press the coating gently to help it stick. Spraying with oil before air frying also helps.
Can I make these mushrooms ahead of time?
You can bread the mushrooms ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for crispiness.
