Looking for a great vegetarian main dish? These Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms are easy to cook in the air fryer. They get toasty on the outside, but stay juicy and soft on the inside.
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Air fryer Portobello Mushrooms can be served as a main dish or a side dish that can be served anytime, because they go with so many different things. Serve them as a vegetarian main dish or sliced alongside some chicken and veggies.
I love portobellos because they’re meaty and savory; this recipe takes mushrooms to the next level in taste, texture and flavor. More importantly, you only need three simple ingredients.
Ingredients You Need
- Portobello mushrooms – You can go with large or small portobello mushrooms. Look for ones that are firm and dry.
- Extra Virgin olive oil – You can use any cooking oil you prefer, but olive oil gives these mushrooms a nice savory, slightly peppery flavor.
- Salt & pepper – Mushrooms need salt to build flavor, so don’t skimp!
- Italian seasoning – I like the blend of Italian herbs on mushrooms, but you can use any seasoning you like, or just stick with salt.
Equipment Information
- Air fryer: I use this 4-quart basket-style air fryer. It’s large enough to fit a meal for 4-6. But some things need more space in the air fryer basket, so they cook evenly.
- Kitchen tongs: It’s very easy to remove food from your air fryer with kitchen tongs. I use these kitchen tongs that are silicon coated so they don’t scratch the interior.
Why Use an Air Fryer
An air fryer is an incredibly easy way to cook just about anything. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and hot air rapidly circulates all around the food, making the food crisp – much like deep-frying, but without the oil. You can cook anything you’d make in the oven.
- I use a Ninja MaxXL air fryer (pictured left). If you don’t have an air fryer yet, check out these options to find one that fits your needs.
- See reviews and prices for air fryers on Amazon.
- Here’s a printable Air Fryer Cooking Times Cheat Sheet to get you started.
- Click to find more recipes to make in your Air Fryer.
- Learn how to make fun things in the air fryer, like potato wedges, pork belly bites, and chicken wings.
How to Prep the Mushrooms
Before using the mushrooms, it’s important to clean them properly. Take a damp cloth or paper towel and gently rub the entire surface of the mushrooms. Be careful not to break the skin. This will help remove any dirt or debris and ensure that the mushrooms are ready for use.
Due to their sponge-like texture, it’s best to avoid submerging mushrooms in water or holding them under running water for an extended period.
To remove the stem of the mushroom, gently pull it to one side, and it should easily come off. Don’t discard the stems; they can be diced up and added to various recipes for extra flavor. While we won’t be using them in this particular recipe, they can still be put to good use in other dishes.
How to Make Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
Clean and dry the mushrooms and remove the stems. Rub the mushrooms with the olive oil and sprinkle on the seasonings. For this I use a pastry brush. Just mix the seasonings into the oil and brush it onto both sides of the mushrooms. The oil will soak in pretty quickly.
Place each mushroom, cap side down, in the air fryer basket. Don’t overlap them or they won’t cook properly. I can fit two side by side in my air fryer. You might have to cook one at a time, depending on how they fit into your basket or tray.
Air fry at 400° F for 5 minutes. Flip the mushrooms over and air fry for an additional 4-7 minutes, until browned and tender. Since all air fryers are slightly different, your cook time might vary. If you like your mushrooms more or less cooked, that’s easy to adjust in the air fryer, just keep an eye on them and remove them when you’re ready.
How to Serve Them
You can serve Portobello mushrooms whole. They make a great vegetarian/vegan main dish or replacement for a steak for those of use trying to cut back on beef.
You can also slice them and serve them with some chimichurri, teriyaki sauce, or yum yum sauce, just as you would a protein like chicken or steak.
For a great meatless Monday meal, serve half of an air fryer Portobello mushroom alongside roasted potatoes and asparagus.
Ninja® Foodi®XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
- 2 independent XL air fryer baskets
- Integrated Foodi® Smart Thermometer
- Cook 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time
Tips and Notes
- Mushrooms require cleaning before use, but they should not be washed as excess water in the mushroom affects cooking. Instead, you can clean the mushroom with a damp cloth by gently rubbing the entire surface. Just try to avoid breaking the skin.
- The thickness of your mushrooms and your desired level of tenderness will determine the cooking time. If you like them to be more or less cooked, just keep an eye on them and take them out when you think they’re tender enough for you.
- You don’t need much oil when making Portobello mushrooms; little oil is needed to get the right taste and look. Since they tend to soak up oil when it’s poured on, resist the urge to add more.
Possible Substitutions
- Mushrooms need salt so don’t leave that out, but you can substitute other seasonings for the Italian seasoning. Try fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill.
- Large Portobello mushrooms can be quite large. You might try using baby bella mushrooms for a smaller version.
How to Store and Reheat
These air fryer Portobello mushrooms are best served immediately after cooking. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about four or five days. When they start to feel or look slimy, they should be thrown out.
Cooked or raw Portobello mushrooms can be frozen for up to 10 months in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat them add them back to the air fryer basket and cook at 350° F for 2-3 minutes. Check the temperature at that time. If they aren’t warm enough yet add another 1-1 minutes and check again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat the gills of mushrooms?
Yes, you can eat the gills of mushrooms. The gills are the thin strips under the mushroom cap. They have a soft texture that can get a bit crispy in the air fryer. They are completely edible.
How do I know when the mushroom is cooked?
It is difficult to overcook mushrooms, but if you overdo it, they will become darker and harder as the water starts to dissipate. You can cook them to your own preference, since mushrooms don’t need to be cooked to any particular degree to be “done”.
Is it necessary to peel Portobello mushrooms before cooking?
No. You don’t need to peel a Portobello mushroom.
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Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 portobello mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Extra Virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) Italian seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.25 g) ground black pepper
Instructions
- Clean and dry the mushrooms. Rub the mushrooms with the olive oil and sprinkle on the seasonings.
- Place each mushroom, cap side down, in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap.
- Air fry at 400° F for 5 minutes. Flip the mushrooms over and air fry an additional 4-7 minutes, until browned and tender. Since all air fryers are slightly different, your cook time might vary.
All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.
Nutrition
Laura is a passionate foodie and owner of Air Fry Anytime She is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes and helpful tips for using air fryers at home. With years of experience in the kitchen and a love for healthy, flavorful cooking, Laura has become an expert at using air fryers to create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious.
I made these for my girlfriend last night. She was impressed. Thanks!!
What is the best way to tell if they are done?
You are looking for the mushrooms to brown and soften. I always poke it with a knife to check for tenderness.
I’m hooked on these air fryer portobello mushrooms!
Thanks Owen, so are we!
Can I marinate the portobello mushrooms before air frying them like I would a steak?
Mushrooms act like sponges so they will soak up whatever you put on them. If you are going to marinate them I would suggest not totally submerging them in the marinade. They will get waterlogged and it will take longer for them to cook.
I have been trying to replace meat in my diet as much as possible. These mushrooms are a healthy and satisfying option.
Good recipe.
Thanks Shelley.
These were absolutely delicious!!!! I’m so glad I found this recipe.
So glad you liked them Cheryl!