These Air Fryer Morel Mushrooms are a quick and easy way to enjoy wild mushrooms without breading or deep frying. Just fresh morels, olive oil, and simple spices—air fried until tender with lightly crisped edges. No breading, no fuss, and no masking that earthy, umami flavor morels are known for.
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Looking for more easy Air Fryer Recipes? Try these Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops, and Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This no-breading recipe keeps the spotlight on the morels. No butter-soaked sauté, no heavy coatings, just a quick toss in oil and seasonings. If you love morels, you know they don’t need much.
Morels are already loaded with flavor thanks to their meaty texture and natural umami. This method brings out the best of both. If you want to make them last longer, read how to dehydrate morel mushrooms.
When to Find Fresh Morels
Depending on where you live, morel season typically runs from late March through May. I’ve had the best luck after a few days of rain followed by warm weather (55°F and 65°F), especially in recent burn areas.
⚠️ A quick safety note: True morels are completely hollow when sliced lengthwise. False morels (like Gyromitra species) are not - and they're toxic. Always be 100% certain before consuming wild mushrooms. Here's how to tell the difference between real and false morels.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Morel mushrooms: About ½ pound, halved and cleaned. Look for firm, springy mushrooms with no soft spots - or use your favorite mushroom, any kind will work.
- Olive oil: Just enough to lightly coat. Avocado oil also works.
- Seasonings: I keep it simple with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor without overwhelming it.
- Optional: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley and a light drizzle of melted butter elevate these to restaurant quality.
👉 You'll find full measurements and ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Air Fryer Morel Mushrooms
This easy recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and less than 10 minutes to cook! Here are a few photos to help guide you. See the full step-by-step instructions in the recipe card.
Quick Overview
- Clean and halve morels.
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
- Air fry until tender.
- Serve immediately.
Clean the Morels
Slice each morel in half lengthwise and soak in cold salted water (1 tablespoon salt) for 5–10 minutes. Swirl gently to dislodge dirt and bugs. Rinse well, then pat dry with paper towels. Let them sit cut-side down for 30 minutes if you have the time—this helps them crisp up.
Season
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the dry morels and toss gently to coat all the nooks and crannies.
Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes. Arrange morels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd - work in batches if needed.
Air fry for 4-5 minutes, gently shaking the basket halfway through. Larger mushrooms may need an extra 1–2 minutes. They’re done when they’re tender and slightly crispy at the edges.
Serve Hot
Serve immediately, optionally topped with butter and herbs. These are best eaten right away.
Tips From My Kitchen to Yours
- Dry thoroughly. Wet mushrooms will steam, not crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd. Air needs to circulate—work in batches if needed.
- Check early. Smaller mushrooms cook fast—start checking at 4 minutes.
- Handle gently. They’re delicate once cooked.
Variations
Butter basted. Before air frying, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a minced garlic clove and brush onto the mushrooms.
Italian-style. Add ¼ teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil to the seasoning mix.
Asian-inspired. Replace olive oil with sesame oil and add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of ground ginger.
Make Ahead + Storage
Make Ahead: Clean and halve morels up to a day in advance. Store them in a paper towel–lined paper bag in the fridge (not plastic).
Leftovers: Best fresh, but they’ll keep for 2 days in an airtight container.
Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 1–2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve these earthy mushrooms so many ways. A few of my favorites are:
- With grilled or smoked meats like smoked brisket, smoked steak, or smoked short ribs.
- Egg Dishes: Serve over toasted sourdough bread with a soft poached egg or folded into a spinach and mushroom omelet.
- With spring veggies like smoked asparagus, green peas, or baby spinach.
- Appetizer: Serve with a tangy dipping sauce or alongside charcuterie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It makes cleaning easier by exposing the hollow interior where dirt and small insects can hide.
They should be tender, not mushy, and lightly crisped at the edges.
Yes—as long as you’ve identified them properly and cook them thoroughly. Never eat raw or unidentified mushrooms.
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Looking for more wild mushroom recipes? Check out my Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Morel Mushrooms and Best Ever Morel Mushroom Pasta with Boursin.
Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Morel Mushrooms (No Breading)
Ingredients
- ½ pound fresh morel mushrooms, halved and cleaned (or substitute cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon melted butter and chopped herbs for finishing
Instructions
- Clean the mushrooms: Cut morels in half lengthwise. Soak in cold water with 1 tablespoon salt for 5–10 minutes to remove grit and bugs. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Let sit cut-side down on towels for 20–30 minutes if time allows.
- Season: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add dry morels and toss gently to coat.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Air fry: Arrange mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through. Larger mushrooms may need up to 6–7 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate and serve immediately. Optional: Drizzle with melted butter and herbs just before serving for an extra savory finish.
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Notes
- Dry thoroughly to avoid soggy mushrooms.
- Don't overcrowd. Work in batches if needed.
- Cooking time varies. Larger morels need more time; smaller ones cook faster.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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