OttoTestKitchen: Air-Fried 'Chicken' with Brown Oyster Mushrooms (2024)

Fried chicken has been one of my favorite comfort foods since I was a kid - but as I get older and focus more on health, I find that I feel super guilty when I indulge in this treat of a dish! That’s why I was incredibly stoked when I came across this neat little recipe for oyster mushroom fried “chicken” that even my meat-eating friends can get behind. So let’s dive in folks and talk about crafting some seriously crunchy “I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-chicken” vibes using none other than brown oyster mushrooms and our trusty air fryer. As always here in the OttoTestKitchen, we’re all about that healthier, sustainable life (but still here for the flavor), and this dish delivers!

Why Brown Oyster Mushrooms?

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Brown oyster mushrooms are a perfect choice for vegan fried “chicken” due to their meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors. When cooked, they offer a surprisingly similar experience to eating chicken, making them an ideal substitute for those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing taste. Additionally, oyster mushrooms are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins B6 and D, minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium, making them not just a tasty alternative but a nutritious one too.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz Brown Oyster Mushrooms

• 2 cups of buttermilk (or a vegan alternative)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika

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• 2.5 teaspoons Sea Salt

• 2 teaspoons Black Pepper

• 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder

• 2 teapoons Onion Powder

• 2 teaspoons Cumin

• Cooking oil (we used some olive oil that we had laying round)

Prep Steps:

Per usual, let’s break apart and clean the mushrooms with a gentle brush-off or dab with a wet paper towl (reminder: mushrooms are like sponges with water, and we’re not making soup here). Once clean, soak the mushrooms in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to get them flavor-infused and ready for action (if you have extra time, you can let them marinate overnight in the fridge).

While your mushrooms are decompressing in the buttermilk spa, grab another bowl and mix your dry ingredients together (so the flour with all those tasty spices). Once your mushrooms are nice and marinated, take a mushroom, let it drip off a bit, then give it a good tumble in the flour mixture. Make sure there’s a nice, even coat of your spice blend. We’ll do a double coating to make this fried “chicken” extra crispy, so repeat the process once more per piece of mushroom (i.e., dunk into buttermilk again and then recoat in your dry ingredients).

Once you have your oyster mushrooms all evenly coated, it’s air fryer time! Fire up your air fryer to 375°F to get it preheated. Lay your mushrooms in the basket in a single layer (depending on your air fryer size, you may have to do multiple batches). If you want the nice cripsy goldenness that truly feels like you’re biting into a piece of fried chicken, brush the mushroom with a light coat of cooking oil before letting it air fry for 10 - 12 minutes, flipping once (when you flip, brush the other side of the mushrooms with cooking oil once again). Be sure to check in periodically once you get to the 10 minute mark, you’re aiming for golden and crispy, not burnt!

What’s it Taste Like?

Eating brown oyster fried “chicken” is a delightful surprise, offering a crispy, golden exterior that yields to a tender, meaty texture inside, closely mimicking the experience of traditional fried chicken. The spices and traditional buttermilk marinade infuse the mushrooms with a robust, savory flavor that’s both rich and satisfying, without the heaviness associated with actual fried chicken. Yes folks, this dish delivers, combining the joy of comfort food with the benefits of a healthier, guilt-free alternative, leaving you pleasantly satisfied and amazed at the versatility of mushrooms.

Making air-fried “chicken” with brown oyster mushrooms is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a favorite comfort food dish, with a plant-based twist. By following this guide, you’ll be able to recreate the texture and taste of fried chicken, no meat required. Whether you’re a committed plant-based eater or just looking to reduce your meat consumption, this recipe is sure to impress with its incredible flavors and satisfying crunch. Give it a try and discover the magic of brown oyster mushrooms in your air fryer tonight!