Air Fryer Mussels
Ready in about 22 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
Fresh mussels air fried with garlic butter, white wine and herbs until the shells open and the meat is plump. A quick, dramatic starter that fills the kitchen with aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 kg fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 40 g butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp dry white wine
- 1/4 tsp chilli flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Crusty bread, to serve
Method
- 1Discard any mussels that stay open when tapped.
- 2Toss the mussels with butter, garlic, wine and chilli flakes in an air fryer-safe dish.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F for 3 minutes.
- 4Air fry for 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway, until the shells open.
- 5Discard any that remain closed and scatter with parsley.
- 6Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky juices.
Tips for the best results
- Use a deep dish so the mussels and sauce stay together.
- Only cook mussels that are tightly closed or close when tapped before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer mussels?+
Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 min, toss halfway.