How many calories are in a deep fried mushroom?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

A single cup of generic fried, breaded mushrooms contains approximately 150 calories, while other battered variations can reach up to 293 calories per cup. The final calorie count of a deep fried mushroom depends heavily on factors like batter, oil, and portion size, making it a surprisingly variable treat.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the calorie and nutrition details for deep fried mushrooms. It explores how different batters, oils, and cooking techniques impact the final calorie count for this popular appetizer, offering a detailed overview.

Key Points

Calories vary significantly: A deep-fried mushroom's calorie count depends heavily on the batter and oil used, with values ranging from around 130 to over 290 calories per cup.
Oil and batter are the main culprits: The breading and the oil absorbed during frying contribute the majority of calories, not the mushroom itself.
Air-frying is a healthier alternative: Using an air fryer or oven to cook breaded mushrooms can drastically reduce the fat and calorie content compared to deep frying.
Check portion sizes: Restaurant servings are often larger and more caloric than standard nutritional serving sizes, so portion control is key.
Homemade options offer control: Making deep-fried mushrooms at home allows you to control the type of oil, amount of batter, and cooking method for a lower-calorie result.

Understanding the Calorie Breakdown

At its core, a raw mushroom is a low-calorie vegetable, mostly composed of water, fiber, and protein. The calorie content of deep-fried mushrooms comes almost entirely from the added fat and carbohydrates used in the cooking process. The deep-frying oil contributes a substantial amount of fat, while the batter or breading adds carbohydrates and more calories.

The Role of Ingredients

The Mushroom: A cup of raw mushrooms contains only about 15 calories, making it a very light base.
The Batter: This is where calories dramatically increase. A typical flour-based batter, along with binders like eggs, absorbs a significant amount of oil during frying. The thicker the batter and the more ingredients it contains, the higher the final calorie count will be.
The Oil: Deep frying involves submerging food in hot oil, which is then absorbed into the food and its coating. The type of oil used can also have a slight impact on the nutritional profile, but the sheer volume of oil absorbed is the primary concern for calorie content.

Factors Influencing the Final Calorie Count

Battering vs. Lightly Fried: A heavily battered, restaurant-style deep-fried mushroom will be far more caloric than one that is simply pan-fried in a small amount of oil.
Portion Size: A standard restaurant appetizer portion is often larger than the average nutritional data serving size (e.g., 100g or 1 cup). Be mindful of how much you are actually consuming.
Cooking Method: As detailed in the comparison table, the method of preparation is the single biggest determinant of the final calorie content.

Deep-Fried Mushroom Nutrition at a Glance

To give you a clearer picture, here is a general breakdown based on common recipes and nutritional databases. Please note that these are averages and the actual values can fluctuate widely based on the exact recipe.

Per 100g Serving of Deep Fried Mushrooms:

Calories: 157 kcal
Fat: 16.2g
Carbohydrates: 0.3g
Protein: 2.4g
Fiber: 1.5g

Per 1 Cup Serving (Generic Breaded):

Calories: 150 kcal
Fat: 7.7g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 5g

Calorie Comparison: Deep-Fried vs. Alternatives

For those who enjoy the flavor of mushrooms but want to reduce their calorie intake, several healthier alternatives exist. Here is a comparison to help you make an informed choice.


Cooking Method	Calories (per 100g)	Fat (per 100g)	Notes
Deep Fried (Battered)	~150-160	~16g	Calories are largely from oil and batter absorption.
Pan-Fried in Butter	~106	~11g	Less fat absorption than deep frying, but still high in saturated fat if using butter.
Air-Fried (Lightly breaded)	~130	~2.5g	Significantly lower fat and calorie count due to minimal oil usage. Results can vary.
Oven-Roasted (with spray oil)	< 50	< 1g	A much lighter, healthier option with the benefit of the mushroom's natural nutrients.
Raw Mushrooms	~15	< 1g	The lowest calorie option, providing all the mushroom's nutritional benefits without added fat.

Tips for Making Healthier Fried Mushrooms

If you want to enjoy the flavor and texture of fried mushrooms without the heavy calorie count, consider these tips for preparation:

Air-Fry Instead of Deep-Fry: An air-fryer circulates hot air to achieve a crispy texture with only a fraction of the oil used in deep frying. This is one of the most effective ways to slash calories and fat content.
Opt for a Lighter Breading: Instead of a heavy, flour-based batter, use a lighter coating like Panko breadcrumbs or a dusting of seasoned flour. This minimizes oil absorption.
Bake, Don't Fry: Roasting mushrooms in the oven with a little olive oil spray can achieve a delicious flavor profile with minimal calories.
Try a Different Cooking Oil: If you must fry, use a high-heat, low-saturated fat oil like avocado or peanut oil, though this won't change the absorbed oil's calorie contribution significantly.
Control Your Portions: Remember that even a healthier version can add up if you don't watch your portion size.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

While a deep-fried mushroom appetizer is undeniably delicious, it's important to recognize its high calorie density compared to its raw or healthier prepared counterparts. The primary calorie culprits are the oil and the batter, which overshadow the mushroom's inherently low-calorie nature. By understanding the nutritional impact and considering alternative preparation methods, you can make more informed decisions about how to enjoy this popular snack, whether as an occasional indulgence or a guilt-free side dish.

For more detailed nutritional information, visit the Nutritionix database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A restaurant serving can vary significantly in size and preparation. A generic 1-cup portion of breaded fried mushrooms contains around 150 calories, but a heavier, oilier appetizer could easily contain 250 calories or more.

Pan-fried mushrooms typically use less oil, resulting in a lower calorie count. For example, mushrooms fried in butter contain about 106 calories per 100g, compared to around 157 calories for deep-fried versions.

Deep-fried mushrooms, due to the high fat and calorie content from the oil and batter, are not considered a healthy snack. While mushrooms themselves are nutritious, the deep-frying process adds unhealthy fats that are best consumed in moderation.

Yes, you can. Switching from deep frying to air-frying or oven-baking is the most effective method. Using a lighter breading, a minimal amount of cooking spray instead of oil, and controlling your portion size are all ways to reduce the calorie count significantly.

The deep-frying oil and the batter are the main sources of calories. The oil is absorbed by the batter during the frying process, and because oil is calorie-dense, it substantially increases the final calorie total.

Air-frying drastically reduces calories because it requires very little oil. It cooks the food by circulating hot air, achieving a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with a fraction of the fat, making it a much lower-calorie option.

To get an accurate count, you would need to track the calories of all ingredients: the mushrooms, the batter (flour, eggs, etc.), and the oil. Estimate the oil absorbed during frying (usually a significant portion) to calculate the final value. Using a nutrition calculator app can simplify this process.

Calories in frozen breaded mushrooms can vary depending on the brand and preparation. Some commercial products are pre-fried, while others are designed for air-frying or baking. Always check the nutrition label on the packaging for the most accurate information.