Q&A for How to Dry Mushrooms

Yes. There is a wide range of commercial and industrial dehydrators that are not only excellent for drying mushrooms, but as well vegetables, spices, and meat.

Set the dehydrator to run and check back every hour. It normally takes around 2-4 hours before completely drying. Too much drying, though, can make them pretty crunchy.

I don't think the cheese will provide enough liquid to re-hydrate the mushrooms. Try re-hydrating the mushrooms in wine, stock or even water prior to adding them to pizza.

Crack the door open a bit; it will keep the temperature below that lowest setting of 170 degrees.

While you can dry shiitake and crimini mushrooms in a brown bag, it's not recommended to use the refrigerator for drying. The humidity inside the fridge could cause the mushrooms to retain moisture, which can lead to mold growth. Instead, place the mushrooms in a brown paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place with good airflow, like a pantry. The bag will help absorb moisture and allow air circulation for better drying. If you're concerned about space or moisture, using a dehydrator or oven would be more effective.

Freeze-dried mushrooms can have a shelf life ranging from 1 to 25 years, depending on storage conditions. For optimal longevity, store them in airtight packaging like vacuum-sealed or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid exposure to moisture and air to maintain their flavor and nutritional value.

An air fryer can help with drying mushrooms, but it’s not as effective as a dehydrator or freeze-drying method. Air fryers use circulating hot air to cook, which can remove moisture but may not dry mushrooms as thoroughly or evenly. To avoid cooking the mushrooms, use the air fryer's lowest temperature setting (around 120-130°F or 50-55°C) and check regularly. It will take longer than a dehydrator but can work for small batches.

No, the mushrooms likely won't dry effectively if the paper bag has a lining. The lining can trap moisture and prevent airflow, which is essential for drying. Use a plain paper bag with no lining to allow moisture to escape. Place the bag in a cool, dry area with good air circulation for the best results.

Freeze-drying mushrooms requires a freeze-dryer, as freezing alone won't efficiently remove moisture. The process usually takes about 24-48 hours, depending on the machine and the mushroom's size and moisture content. If you're just freezing fresh mushrooms, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 2-3 hours to prevent clumping, then transfer them to an airtight bag or container for longer storage.

To preserve very large mushrooms for room decorations, you can dry them using air drying, a dehydrator, or baking at a low temperature. Once dry, spray them with a clear acrylic sealer to maintain color and texture. Alternatively, you can use a glycerin and water solution (2:1 ratio) to retain moisture and prevent mold, then let them dry. Store them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

The freeze-drying directions are specifically for an actual freeze dryer. The machine freezes the mushrooms and uses a vacuum to sublimate the ice, leaving them dry. You do not need to bag the mushrooms first; they can go directly into the freeze dryer on trays. Once dried, store them in airtight bags or containers.