Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites with Herby Vegan Dip!

delicious, comforting, and completely cruelty-free Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites with Herby Vegan Dip:

🍄 Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites with Herby Vegan Dip

Golden, garlicky mushrooms coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and served with a cool, creamy herb dip — vegan comfort food at its best!

🧾 Ingredients

For the Mushrooms:

• 10 oz (280 g) button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (soy, almond, or oat)

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (helps curdle the milk slightly)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for extra flavor

• Oil spray or a few tablespoons of oil for baking/frying

For the Herby Vegan Dip:

• 1/2 cup vegan mayo or unsweetened vegan yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or green onion

• 1/2 tsp dried dill (or fresh if you have it)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Coating Station

1. In one bowl, add the flour.

2. In a second bowl, mix plant milk and apple cider vinegar (let sit for 2–3 min to curdle).

3. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using).

Step 2: Bread the Mushrooms

1. Dip each mushroom into the flour, then into the plant milk, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs to coat fully.

2. Place the coated mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking tray or plate.

Step 3: Cook the Mushroom Bites

Option A – Air Fryer:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly spray mushrooms with oil and air fry in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Option B – Oven-Baked:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Place mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Lightly spray with oil and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Option C – Pan-Fried:

• Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Fry the mushrooms in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Herby Dip

1. In a small bowl, mix together vegan mayo/yogurt, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings.

2. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed. Chill until serving.

🍽️ Serve

• Serve crispy mushrooms hot and fresh with the cool herby vegan dip on the side.

• Garnish with extra herbs or a lemon wedge if desired.

💡 Tips:

• Make it spicy: add chili flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.

• Gluten-free? Use GF breadcrumbs and rice flour.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer/oven — crispiness needs space!