These Crispy Fried Mushrooms are golden brown, perfectly seasoned, and irresistibly crunchy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. Paired with a cool, tangy homemade ranch dip, they make an addicting appetizer, side dish, or party snack!

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Fried Mushrooms:

✔ 1 lb mushrooms (button, cremini, or oyster – cleaned & stems trimmed) 🍄
✔ 1 cup buttermilk (for tenderizing & extra crispiness!) 🥛
✔ 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a subtle kick!) 🧄
✔ ½ teaspoon paprika (for a mild smoky depth!) 🌶️
✔ 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the first coating!)
✔ 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (for extra crunch!) 🥖
✔ ½ cup cornstarch (for the crispiest texture!)
✔ 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat!🔥)
✔ Vegetable oil (for frying) 🛢️

For the Cool Ranch Dip:

✔ ½ cup mayonnaise
✔ ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt 🥛
✔ 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar 🍋
✔ ½ teaspoon dried dill 🌿
✔ ½ teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
✔ ½ teaspoon onion powder 🧅
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
✔ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
✔ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional) 🌱

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Mushrooms

• Clean mushrooms by wiping with a damp paper towel or lightly rinsing and patting dry.
• Trim stems if needed, but keep the mushrooms whole for extra juiciness.

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2️⃣ Soak in Buttermilk Mixture

1. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the mushrooms, making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Cover and let them soak for 30 minutes (this makes them extra juicy and helps the coating stick!).

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3️⃣ Prepare the Breading Station

1. In one shallow bowl, mix flour and cornstarch.
2. In another bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs (or panko), salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).

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4️⃣ Coat the Mushrooms for Extra Crispiness

1. Remove mushrooms from the buttermilk and shake off excess liquid.
2. Dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip back into the buttermilk.
4. Finally, coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place on a plate and let them sit for 5 minutes (helps the coating stick better!).

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5️⃣ Fry to Perfection

1. Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry mushrooms in small batches, cooking for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Sprinkle lightly with extra salt while still hot.

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6️⃣ Make the Cool Ranch Dip

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in chopped parsley or chives for extra freshness.
3. Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes for the best flavor.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✔ Serve hot with Cool Ranch Dip for an addicting crunch! 🥣
✔ Pair with honey mustard or spicy aioli for variety. 🌶️
✔ Add to a grazing board for an ultimate snack spread! 🧀🥒
✔ Toss in buffalo sauce for a spicy, wing-style alternative! 🔥

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🛠️ Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them back up!
• Freeze: Coat mushrooms, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen!

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💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Super Crispy & Flavorful – Light, crunchy coating with juicy mushrooms!
✔ Easy & Fun to Make – No fancy ingredients required!
✔ Crowd-Pleasing Snack – Perfect for parties, game nights, or appetizers!
✔ Cool, Tangy Ranch Dip – The perfect creamy complement!

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These Crispy Fried Mushrooms with Cool Ranch Dip will be your new go-to appetizer! 🍄🔥 Try them today and let me know how they turn out!

💬 Would you dip them in ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli? Comment below! ⬇️😋