Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, or your choice), cleaned and trimmed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. If using larger mushrooms, you can slice them into halves or quarters.
2. Set up the breading station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour and season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Bread the mushrooms:
- Dip each mushroom into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the mushroom in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
4. Heat the oil:
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and turn golden brown.
5. Fry the mushrooms:
- Carefully add the breaded mushrooms to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove the fried mushrooms with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Season with additional salt if desired, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara, or aioli.
Enjoy!
These Fried Mushrooms are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a delightful snack or appetizer!