If you love stuffed mushrooms but want an easier and faster way to cook them, these Creamy Air‑Fryer Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a game‑changer.
Filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat or cream cheese, these mushrooms turn golden and bubbly in the air fryer, making them perfect for appetizers, a light main dish, or a party snack.
This recipe became a favorite in our home because it’s so simple—no preheating the oven or long baking times. The air fryer crisps up the topping while keeping the mushrooms juicy and tender, all in less than 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Creamy Air‑Fryer Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are rich, savory, and quick to prepare. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the meaty mushrooms, while the air fryer gives them a perfect golden finish without needing much oil.
You can easily customize the filling—use crab meat for a seafood twist or cream cheese for a vegetarian option.
They make a crowd‑pleasing appetizer, side dish, or even a light entrée for weeknight dinners.
What You’ll Need
- 4 large portobello mushroom caps
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz lump crab meat (or 4 oz crab + 4 oz cream cheese for extra creaminess, OR 8 oz cream cheese for vegetarian option)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pro Tips
- Remove the mushroom gills for a cleaner flavor and more space for filling.
- Don’t overfill the caps—too much filling may spill over as they cook.
- Pre‑brush mushrooms with oil to prevent drying out in the air fryer.
- Add extra breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top for a crispy, golden crust.
- Cook in batches if needed—don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Basting brush
Substitutions and Variations
- Seafood swap: Use chopped shrimp instead of crab meat.
- Vegetarian version: Skip crab and use cream cheese with herbs and spinach.
- Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère instead of Parmesan.
- Low‑carb option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Make‑Ahead Tips
- Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
- Clean and prep mushroom caps ahead of time, storing them in a paper‑towel‑lined container.
- Assemble the mushrooms just before air frying for the best results.
How to Make Creamy Air‑Fryer Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
1. Prepare the Mushrooms
Clean mushroom caps with a damp cloth. Remove stems and gently scrape out gills if desired. Brush lightly with olive oil.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine crab meat (or cream cheese), mayonnaise, egg, garlic, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Mix gently until well combined.
3. Stuff the Mushrooms
Spoon the mixture evenly into each mushroom cap. Sprinkle with extra breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top for a golden crust.
4. Air Fry
Place stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the filling is hot and the top is golden brown.
5. Serve
Remove from the air fryer, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness.
Avoid freezing, as the creamy filling may separate when thawed.
Nutrition & Benefits
Portobello mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and fiber.
Crab meat provides lean protein and minerals like selenium and zinc, while cream cheese or Parmesan adds calcium and creaminess. This dish is flavorful, nutrient‑dense, and satisfying.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
2. Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, just drain it well before mixing. Fresh lump crab has the best flavor.
3. Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely—use cream cheese, spinach, and extra Parmesan instead of crab.
4. How do I prevent mushrooms from getting soggy?
Pre‑brush with oil and avoid overfilling. Air frying at a high temperature helps keep them firm.
5. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the mushrooms and refrigerate. Air fry just before serving for the best texture.
Easy, Creamy, and Perfectly Golden
These Creamy Air‑Fryer Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are rich, flavorful, and quick to make.
Whether you choose crab, cream cheese, or a mix of both, they’re an elegant appetizer or light main dish that’s sure to impress.