Save There is something undeniably satisfying about a bite-sized appetizer that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and comes together in under 30 minutes. These Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese and Spinach are exactly that. Tender cremini or white mushroom caps cradle a luscious, savory filling of softened cream cheese, wilted spinach, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese — all crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, putting together a game-day spread, or simply craving a low-carb snack, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
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The secret to these stuffed mushrooms lies in a simple but important step: cooking the chopped mushroom stems and fresh spinach in a skillet before mixing them into the cream cheese filling. This drives out excess moisture, ensuring your filling stays rich and creamy rather than watery once air-fried. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth interior perfectly contrasted by a lightly crisped, Parmesan-dusted top. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and served warm, these little bites are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
- Mushrooms: 16 medium white or cremini mushrooms, stems removed and wiped clean
- Filling:
- 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 60 g (2 oz) fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Topping:
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Step 1 — Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes.
- Step 2 — Prepare the mushrooms
- Gently remove the stems from the mushrooms. Chop the stems finely and set aside.
- Step 3 — Cook the filling base
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped mushroom stems and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 4 — Mix the filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cooked spinach and mushroom stems, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Step 5 — Fill the mushroom caps
- Spoon the filling evenly into each mushroom cap, mounding slightly.
- Step 6 — Add the topping
- Sprinkle the tops with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7 — Arrange in the air fryer
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange stuffed mushrooms in a single layer. Mist the tops with a little olive oil spray.
- Step 8 — Air fry
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden.
- Step 9 — Garnish and serve
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Achte darauf, die Pilze vor dem Befüllen gut trocken zu tupfen, damit sich keine überschüssige Flüssigkeit im Frittierkorb sammelt. Das vorherige Anbraten der Pilzstiele und des Spinats in der Pfanne ist ein entscheidender Schritt, um Feuchtigkeit zu reduzieren und den Geschmack zu intensivieren. Weiche den Frischkäse rechtzeitig auf Zimmertemperatur auf, damit er sich leichter mit den übrigen Zutaten vermischen lässt. Wenn du die Pilze in einer einzigen Schicht im Airfryer anordnest, erzielst du die gleichmäßigste Bräunung und das knusprigste Ergebnis.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Dieses Rezept lässt sich wunderbar abwandeln: Tausche den Spinat gegen fein gehackten Grünkohl oder Rucola aus, um eine neue Geschmacksnote zu erzielen. Für zusätzliche Tiefe kannst du gehackte getrocknete Tomaten oder gebratenen Speck unter die Füllung mischen. Wer es glutenfrei mag, lässt die Semmelbrösel einfach weg oder verwendet glutenfreie Alternativen. Die roten Pfefferflocken sind optional — wer es milder bevorzugt, kann sie ganz weglassen.
Serviervorschläge
Diese gefüllten Champignons schmecken am besten frisch und warm aus dem Airfryer. Reiche sie als elegante Vorspeise bei Partys oder Zusammenkünften, oder serviere sie als leichten Snack am Abend. Besonders gut harmonieren sie mit einem gekühlten Sauvignon Blanc oder einem leichten Pinot Grigio. Für eine festlichere Präsentation garniere die Pilze kurz vor dem Servieren mit frisch gehackter Petersilie.
Save
These Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese and Spinach prove that the best appetizers do not have to be complicated. With just 15 minutes of prep, a handful of simple ingredients, and 12 minutes in the air fryer, you have a platter of warm, golden, creamy bites ready to impress. At only 110 calories per serving, they are a smart and satisfying choice whether you are entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special. Make them once, and they are sure to become a staple in your appetizer rotation.
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Yes, kale or arugula are great alternatives that maintain a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → How do I ensure the mushrooms don’t get soggy?
Cooking the chopped stems with spinach before mixing removes excess moisture, helping the filling stay firm after air frying.
- → Are breadcrumbs necessary in the filling?
Breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the filling, but they can be omitted or replaced with gluten-free options if preferred.
- → What air fryer settings work best for this dish?
Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 10–12 minutes until mushrooms become tender and the topping turns golden brown.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed mushrooms ahead of time and refrigerate them, then air fry just before serving to maintain texture.