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Even mushroom skeptics will come around once they try a bite of an air fryer portobello mushroom! This easy vegan and keto recipe is ready in just over 20 minutes.

Whether you’re trying to eat more vegetables or cut back on meat, mushrooms are always a great option. And if you’re looking for a super easy dish, you have to try air fryer portobello mushroom steaks!
They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and have just the right zing of lemon to really make the flavor pop. This healthy dish is also completely vegan, keto-friendly, and ready in just 22 minutes!
Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:
- How to make the best portobello mushrooms in the air fryer
- The easy way to prep a portobello mushroom cap for cooking
- What dishes to serve with fried portobello mushrooms
- How to reheat your leftovers so they taste just as good as when they were fresh
I’ve tried grilled portobello mushrooms in the past, but I find they can be difficult to get just right. When I use the air fryer, on the other hand, they turn out perfectly every time! They’re so “meaty” and delicious that they may even change the mind of the most stubborn mushroom skeptic.
I made this recipe using the 5.8 QT Cosori Air Fryer. Its square basket makes it the perfect size for our family of 4.

How to Make Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.
Remove the stem of the mushroom, then run your mushroom cap under slowly running water. Gently rub to remove any dirt from the outside and inside of the cap. Pat dry with paper towels.
STEP TWO: Zest your lemon with a zester or grater, then cut the lemon in half and juice it.
STEP THREE: Wash the herbs and pat them dry.
STEP FOUR: In a small food processor or blender, add your herbs, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
STEP FIVE: Using a basting brush, brush the mushrooms on the top and bottom until well-coated.
STEP SIX: Place the mushroom caps top-side down in the air fryer basket.

STEP SEVEN: Cook at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes, then flip the caps and cook for 2 more minutes.

How to Prep a Portobello Mushroom for Cooking
Start by carefully pulling the stem to one side of the cap. It should easily pop right out. By the way, you can save the stem! It’s great to chop up and throw in omelets, meatballs, homemade vegetable broth, and more.
Next, gently run the mushroom cap under cold water while rubbing to remove any dirt from the outside and inside of the cap. Once cleaned, pat the cap dry with paper towels.
Is it Safe to Eat the Gills of a Portobello Mushroom?
Absolutely! The gills, or fine strips on the underside of the mushroom cap, are completely edible.
For some dishes like stuffed mushrooms, it makes sense to remove them so you have more room for filling. But for these air fryer portobello mushrooms, you can leave them right where they are!

How Do You Know When a Portobello Mushroom is Cooked?
The nice thing about portobello mushrooms is that they are extremely hard to overcook. You just want them to be tender all the way through.
The easiest way to check is to press tongs into the center where the stem used to be. If it feels nice and soft, you’re probably good. If you’re not sure, go ahead and leave the mushrooms in a little longer. There’s no harm!
Is there a Difference Between Portobello and Portabella Mushrooms?
Nope! The two spellings can be used interchangeably. In Italian, portobello would be a masculine noun while portabella is a feminine noun, so if you’d rather think of your mushrooms as guys or gals, feel free to use the corresponding version!

What to Serve with Air Fried Portobello Mushrooms
- Baked Sweet Potato in the Air Fryer
- Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Mac and Cheese Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Simple Italian Pasta Salad with No Meat
- Tater Tot Casserole with No Meat
How to Store an Air Fryer Portobello Mushroom
If you have any extra mushroom steaks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within about 5 days.

How to Reheat Portobello Mushrooms in the Air Fryer
- Place the leftover mushroom caps in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through.
Other Meatless Recipes You’ll Love:
- 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Air Fryer Bok Choy
- Chili Lime Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
- 45 Easy Air Fryer Vegan Recipes
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Air Fryer Portobello Mushroom

For a hearty and satisfying meal, and ready in less than 30 minutes, give these super simple air fryer portobello mushroom steaks a try!
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 portobello mushroom caps
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup parsley, loosely packed
- ¼ cup oregano, loosely packed
- 2 tablespoons loosely packed thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degres.
- Remove the stem from your mushroom cap by carefully pulling the cap to the side and it will pop out.
- Hold your mushroom cap under slowly running water and gently rub to remove any dirt from the outside and inside of the cap. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Zest your lemon with a zester or grater. Then cut your lemon in half to juice it.
- Wash your herbs and pat them dry.
- In a small food processor or blender, place your herbs, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- Using a basting brush, brush the mushrooms on the top and bottom till they are covered.
- Place the mushroom caps top side down and cook at 350 degrees F (no need to preheat) for 10 minutes. Then flip the caps for an additional 2 minutes.
Notes
How to Reheat Portobello Mushrooms in the Air Fryer
- Place the leftover mushroom caps in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 159Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 46mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 4gSugar: 9gProtein: 3g
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.