These Air Fryer Zucchini Boats are a quick and easy weeknight meal with tons of fresh flavor! Great for vegetarians with keto and low-carb options, too!
Recipe Overview
These Air Fryer Zucchini Boats are a great low-carb way to get a bunch of flavor stuffed in without a bun or shell!
These are packed with onion, bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, and a host of seasonings. They make a great weeknight dinner in a flash or an awesome party recipe to mix it up every time you make it!
Wanna make it keto? Lose the breadcrumbs and swap them for pork rinds!
If you’re like me and on a huge zucchini kick, you’ll love these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips with a great crunch!
How to make them
- Once your zucchini is halved and scooped out, warm your oil in a skillet and add the onions and bell peppers. Then, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Gather up your seasonings: Paprika, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. We’ll add this later.
- Brown whatever protein you’re using — I chose ground beef for this recipe! Once browned, add your seasonings!
- Now, measure out half of your mozzarella cheese and the panko breadcrumbs and mix into the skillet.
- Time for the boats! Stuff an even amount into each zucchini and place it into your air fryer basket or onto your air fryer tray.
- Air fry at 350 degrees F/176 degrees C for 8 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and air fry for another 2 minutes.
How to Serve Zucchini Boats
These gluten-free zucchini boats are a great low-carb alternative for pizza, tacos, and whatever other flavor combinations you can create!
With this Italian spin, I like to serve it with a little marinara dipping sauce, which you could also drizzle on top after cooking.
How to make ahead of time
This is a great dish for a party, and I LOVE to make most party recipes ahead of time to have less stress.
Cut and scoop your zucchini and mix up your filling. Stuff the zucchini boats and refrigerate until time to start cooking!
The cooking times in this recipe should work — just make sure the filling and zucchini boats are warmed through before adding the final bit of mozzarella.
Air Fryer Zucchini Boats
Equipment
- Knife
- 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, beyond meat alternative
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes diced
- ⅔ 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I am new to the air fryer. I have a Secura and love it so far, but need good recipes that are quick and fairly low cal. Look forward to more of your recipes.
Beverly in Mississippi
Thanks so much Beverly! Great to have you here. Are you part of our email newsletters? That may be very helpful for you! 🙂 Thanks for being part of our community!