These juicy Air Fryer Zucchini Boats bring a healthy twist to comfort food in just 25 minutes. Packed with 36g of protein and only 421 calories per serving, they’re perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious weeknight dinner.
The air fryer creates perfectly tender zucchini while maintaining that satisfying crisp-tender texture. Plus, with only 24g of carbs and 6g of fiber, these boats fit seamlessly into most dietary plans without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- Zucchini: 4 medium-sized, fresh for the best results
- Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
- Vegetables: 1 cup diced onion and 1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- Protein: 1 pound of your choice (ground beef, turkey, sausage, or meat alternative)
- Seasonings: 1 tablespoon each of Italian seasoning and paprika
- Garlic: 1 teaspoon minced, for extra flavor
- Tomatoes: 1½ cups fresh diced
- Toppings: ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs and 1 cup mozzarella (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini: Slice zucchini lengthwise and gently scoop out centers
- Sauté Base: Heat oil and cook onions and peppers until tender
- Cook Protein: Add your chosen protein and brown it thoroughly
- Season: Mix in Italian seasoning, paprika, and minced garlic
- Add Tomatoes: Incorporate diced tomatoes and stir well
- Mix Filling: Combine with breadcrumbs and ½ cup mozzarella
- Fill and Place: Stuff zucchini boats with mixture and arrange in air fryer
- First Cook: Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes
- Final Touch: Top with remaining cheese and air fry 2 more minutes until melted
Cooking Techniques
The best way to scoop out your zucchini is to use a spoon with a slight edge – a grapefruit spoon works wonderfully! When sautéing your veggies, give them time to develop a nice golden color for extra flavor. For the perfect zucchini texture, make sure your air fryer is fully preheated before adding the boats. The two-stage cooking process (first without cheese, then with) helps create that amazing crispy top while keeping the zucchini tender.
Mix & Match Options
These zucchini boats are super flexible! Switch up the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor, or use ground turkey for a lighter meal. Vegetarian? Try crumbled tempeh or your favorite plant-based ground. The cheese options are endless too – try sharp cheddar, pepper jack for some heat, or a mix of Italian cheeses. You can even swap the panko for regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives.
Serving Ideas
These boats make a fantastic main dish! Serve them with a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread on the side. Want to dress them up? Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top, a drizzle of hot sauce if you like heat, or a side of warm marinara for dipping. They’re perfect for family dinner or when having friends over!
Storage & Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your zucchini boats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll taste almost as good as fresh! The cheese will get melty and bubbly again, and the topping will crisp right up. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Air Fryer Zucchini Boats
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 cup bell pepper diced, any color
- 1 pound protein ground beef, turkey sausage, or beyond meat alternative
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes diced
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup mozzarella divided into ½-cup portions
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini in half longways. Scoop out the centers and discard.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Then, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
- Add your chosen protein and cook until browned.
- Next, add the spices and minced garlic.
- Then, add the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add the panko breadcrumbs and ½ cup mozzarella cheese to the skillet.
- Evenly distribute the skillet mixture into the zucchini boats. Place the zucchini boats into the air fryer basket or on an air fryer tray.
- Air fry at 350 degrees F/176 degrees C for 8 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and air fry another 2 minutes.
