Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms made in the air fryer

Sure, here’s a recipe for Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms made in the air fryer, along with some notes and tips:

Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 large button mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices or cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, mini pepperoni or cooked sausage, chopped bell peppers, chopped red onion, chopped basil or parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the pizza stuffing.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the pizza stuffing mixture, pressing it down gently to fill the cap.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Air fry the stuffed mushrooms at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Carefully remove the stuffed mushrooms from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a minute before serving.
7. Garnish with additional chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Notes and Tips:

• Mushroom Selection: Choose large button mushrooms with firm caps to hold the stuffing. You can also use cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
• Prepping Mushrooms: Remove the stems by gently twisting or cutting them. Save the stems for another use, like adding them to soups or sauces.
• Stuffing Variations: Feel free to get creative with the stuffing. You can add ingredients like chopped olives, diced tomatoes, cooked bacon, or different types of cheese.
• Air Fryer Times: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. Keep an eye on the mushrooms to prevent them from overcooking.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the pizza stuffed mushrooms as appetizers, snacks, or even as a side dish to a larger meal.
• Reheating: If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warmed through.

Enjoy your delicious Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms made in the air fryer!

Of course, here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms made in the air fryer:

Tips:

• Mushroom Cleaning: To clean the mushrooms, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking them in water as mushrooms are porous and can absorb excess moisture.
• Cheese Variation: Mix in different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice it Up: If you like some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pizza stuffing mixture.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of dried Italian herb blend to elevate the flavors.
• Bread Crumb Topping: Sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffed mushrooms before air frying for a crispy topping.

Variations:

1. Veggie Lover’s Delight: For a vegetarian option, skip the pepperoni or sausage and load up the stuffing with diced tomatoes, sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, and black olives.
2. Greek Twist: Replace the pizza sauce with tzatziki sauce and the mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese. Fill the mushrooms with chopped Kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, red onion, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
3. Caprese Style: Use a slice of fresh mozzarella, a cherry tomato half, and a small basil leaf to top each stuffed mushroom. Drizzle with balsamic glaze after air frying.
4. Buffalo Inspired: Toss the cooked mushrooms in buffalo sauce before stuffing them with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded chicken, and a touch of ranch dressing. Top with blue cheese crumbles.
5. Mediterranean Medley: Create a Mediterranean-inspired filling with crumbled feta cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, chopped fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of pine nuts.

Remember, cooking is about having fun and experimenting with flavors, so don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor the recipe to your preferences. Enjoy your tasty and satisfying air fryer Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms!