
Crispy Air Fryer Portobello Boats with Creamy Barley, Golden Provolone and Semi-Dried Tomato
An original Air Fryer recipe featuring portobello caps filled with creamy garlic barley, semi-dried tomato, spinach, and provolone, then air-fried until juicy inside and crisp on top.
Ingredients
- 4 units large portobello mushrooms (without stalk and limpios)
- 240 g cooked pearled barley (templada)
- 120 g shredded provolone cheese (divided)
- 60 g chopped spinach (fresh)
- 50 g chopped semi-dried tomatoes (escurridos si vienen en aceite)
- 40 g minced shallot
- 6 g minced garlic
- 30 g panko breadcrumbs
- 20 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 45 ml heavy cream
- 5 ml Dijon mustard
- 2 g fresh thyme (solo the leaves)
- 1 g black pepper
- 4 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g lemon zest
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F / 190 °C for 3 minutes.
- 2
2. Brush the portobello mushrooms on both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- 3
3. Place the portobellos in the basket, cavity side up, and air fry for 5 minutes at 375 °F / 190 °C. Remove them and carefully pour off any liquid collected inside.
- 4
4. Meanwhile, in a bowl combine the cooked pearled barley, spinach, semi-dried tomatoes, shallot, garlic, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, lemon zest, 60 g shredded provolone, 10 g Parmesan, 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil, the remaining salt, and the rest of the black pepper.
- 5
5. Fill each portobello with the barley mixture, pressing lightly so the filling stays in place.
- 6
6. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 60 g provolone, the remaining 10 g Parmesan, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.
- 7
7. Sprinkle the panko-cheese topping evenly over the filled portobellos.
- 8
8. Air fry again at 375 °F / 190 °C for 10 to 13 minutes, until the cheese is golden, the topping is crisp, and the mushrooms are tender.
- 9
9. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving so the filling can settle.
- 10
10. Serve hot for the contrast of crisp topping and creamy center.
Chef tips
If your portobellos are extra large, add 2 to 3 minutes to the second cook. For a more even crust, gently press the panko topping onto the filling before air frying.
Substitutions
You can replace the barley with cooked rice or cooked quinoa, though the texture will change. Provolone can be swapped for low-moisture mozzarella or fontina. Shallot may be replaced with finely chopped white onion.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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