Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Boats Recipe

Picture this: crispy, golden zucchini boats filled with melted cheese, savory herbs, and your favorite protein, all cooked to perfection in just 15 minutes. These air fryer zucchini boats are about to become your new weeknight dinner hero!

I discovered this recipe during my quest to use up an abundance of garden zucchini last summer. My neighbor had gifted me a basket full of these green beauties, and I was running out of creative ways to prepare them. That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s stuffed zucchini boats, but with a modern twist – the air fryer.

What makes these air fryer zucchini boats so special? They’re incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy edges while keeping the filling bubbling hot and delicious. Plus, they’re naturally low-carb and packed with nutrients.

What Are Air Fryer Zucchini Boats?

Ever wonder why we call them “boats”? Well, take a look at a halved zucchini, and you’ll see it resembles a tiny green canoe ready to set sail! These clever little vessels are basically zucchini cut lengthwise, hollowed out, and filled with delicious ingredients before being air-fried to perfection.

The name might sound fancy, but don’t let that intimidate you. These boats are as simple as they come – just scoop, stuff, and cook! My kids love helping me make them because they feel like they’re creating little edible boats for their dinner table adventure.

You know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these zucchini boats definitely prove that point. They’re hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites while being healthy enough to make everyone feel good about their meal choice. Ready to set sail on this culinary adventure?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Zucchini Boats Recipe

The Perfect Crispy-Tender Texture

The air fryer works magic on these zucchini boats, creating perfectly crispy edges while keeping the flesh tender and the filling bubbly. Unlike oven-baked versions that can turn mushy, air fryer zucchini boats maintain their shape and develop a beautiful golden color that’s simply irresistible.

Budget-Friendly Family Meal

Making air fryer zucchini boats at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay for stuffed vegetables at a restaurant. Zucchini is incredibly affordable, especially during peak season, and you can customize the filling based on what you have in your pantry. A single large zucchini can easily feed two people as a main course or four as a side dish.

Endless Flavor Possibilities

The beauty of these boats lies in their versatility. Load them up with Italian herbs and mozzarella for a Mediterranean vibe, or go Mexican-style with black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese. The mild flavor of zucchini pairs beautifully with virtually any cuisine, making it the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

If you enjoyed our popular air fryer stuffed mushrooms, you’ll love how these zucchini boats offer even more room for creative fillings. Why not give them a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy vegetables?

How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Boats

Quick Overview

These air fryer zucchini boats are incredibly easy to make and deliver restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy edges while keeping the filling hot and bubbly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 12-15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini Boats

2 large zucchini (about 8-10 inches long)
1 cup cooked ground turkey or chicken
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of zucchini wall to create a boat shape. Chop the scooped flesh and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and chopped zucchini flesh, cooking for another 2 minutes. Stir in the cooked ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Stuff the Boats

Brush the zucchini boats with the remaining olive oil. Divide the filling mixture evenly among the four zucchini boats. Top each boat with mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the boats from the air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your perfectly crispy air fryer zucchini boats!

What to Serve Air Fryer Zucchini Boats With

These versatile boats pair beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Serve them alongside a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens for a complete meal.

For a heartier dinner, pair them with garlic bread or dinner rolls. The boats also work wonderfully as a side dish with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or lean pork chops.

Consider serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on the side. A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the fresh flavors perfectly.

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Zucchini Boats

Choose the Right Zucchini

Select firm, medium to large zucchini that are about 8-10 inches long. Avoid overly large zucchini as they tend to be seedy and watery. The zucchini should feel heavy for its size and have unblemished skin.

Don’t Skip the Pre-Cooking Step

Pre-cooking the filling ensures everything is heated through and the flavors meld together. Raw vegetables in the filling may not cook completely in the air fryer time frame.

Avoid Overstuffing

While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, overstuffed boats may not cook evenly. Keep the filling level with the zucchini edges for best results.

Check for Doneness

The zucchini should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be golden and bubbly. If the cheese browns too quickly, cover with foil for the remaining cooking time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover air fryer zucchini boats in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.

To reheat, place the boats back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

For longer storage, these boats freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap each boat individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating from frozen, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the air fryer time. The boats are ready when the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different vegetables in the filling?

Absolutely! Try diced mushrooms, corn, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to cook any raw vegetables before stuffing the boats.

What if my zucchini boats are too big for my air fryer?

Cut them in half crosswise to create shorter boats, or cook them in batches. You can also use smaller zucchini and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the boats completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.