These crispy, cheesy air fryer zucchini boats deliver all the satisfaction of comfort food while keeping your meal keto-friendly. With just 25g of carbs and packed with 30g of protein, this 25-minute recipe transforms garden-fresh zucchini into a mouthwatering main dish.

The air fryer creates the perfect golden-brown top while maintaining the tender, flavorful filling. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply seeking a nutritious dinner option, these boats prove that healthy eating can be both delicious and fun.

Ingredients for Keto Zucchini Boats

Zucchini: 4 medium-sized, fresh and firm
Oil: 2 tablespoons, any cooking oil works well
Onion: 1 cup diced, preferably fresh
Bell Pepper: 1 cup diced, any color works great
Ground Protein: 1 pound, choice of beef, chicken, or vegetarian option
Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon for authentic flavor
Minced Garlic: 1 teaspoon, fresh or pre-minced
Fresh Tomatoes: 1.5 cups diced, ripe and juicy
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, freshly shredded for best melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Zucchini: Slice zucchini lengthwise and hollow out the centers
Optional Softening: Microwave zucchini for 3-4 minutes if they’re thick
Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil and cook onions and peppers until tender
Cook Protein: Add your chosen protein and brown it thoroughly
Season: Add Italian seasoning and garlic for flavoring
Add Tomatoes: Mix in diced tomatoes until well combined
Fill Boats: Distribute mixture evenly into zucchini boats
First Air Fry: Cook at 350°F for 8 minutes in air fryer
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle with mozzarella and air fry 2 more minutes until melted

Cooking Techniques

Want to make perfect zucchini boats? Here’s a handy tip: microwaving the zucchini first really helps soften them up, especially when using larger ones. This quick step makes the final texture just right! And if you’re new to air frying, don’t worry – the two-stage cooking process (first the filling, then adding cheese) creates that amazing melty top we all love.

Variations

These boats are super flexible! While the recipe works great with ground beef, try switching it up with ground turkey for a lighter option, or plant-based crumbles to make it vegetarian. Love spice? Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. You can also play around with different cheeses – sharp cheddar or pepper jack add amazing flavor!

Storage Tips

Made too many boats? No problem! These tasty bites keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to warm them up and get that cheese melty again. The zucchini might release a bit of water when reheating – just pat them dry with a paper towel before eating.

Serving Ideas

These zucchini boats make a fantastic main dish! Pair them with a simple green salad or some cauliflower rice to keep things keto-friendly. For a fun presentation, sprinkle some fresh basil on top and add a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for both casual family dinners and when you have friends over!