Pizza Stuffed Mushroom

An Italian-inspired appetizer featuring medium white or cremini mushrooms stuffed with pizza sauce, pepperoni, vegetables, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, cooked in an air fryer until the cheese is melted and golden.

Ingredients

• 16 medium white or cremini mushrooms
• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped pepperoni
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or soft brush. Remove the stems (discard or chop finely to add to filling). If caps are small or deep, gently scrape out a little of the inside to create room for filling. Pat mushrooms dry.
2. In a small bowl, combine pizza sauce, chopped pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add a small pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
3. Lightly brush the outside of each mushroom cap with olive oil.
4. Arrange the mushroom caps with the hollow side facing upward. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce filling into each mushroom.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella over each mushroom, followed by a small amount of Parmesan cheese. Add a tiny pinch of Italian seasoning on top.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes if required.
7. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each mushroom for air circulation.
8. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
9. At the 7-minute mark, check the mushrooms. The cheese should be melted, lightly golden, and bubbling. If a deeper brown is desired, increase temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 1–2 minutes.
10. Remove from air fryer and allow to cool for 2–3 minutes.
11. Finish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit pepperoni and add extra vegetables like olives, spinach, or tomatoes. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.