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!
Zucchini is one of my favorite veggies, and I'm always looking for new ways to use it year-round.
These Air Fryer Zucchini Boats are a great low-carb way to get a bunch of flavor stuffed in without a bun or shell!
Packed with onion, bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, a host of seasonings, and any protein you choose, it's a great weeknight dinner in a flash or 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 AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI BOATS
- Once your zucchini are halved and scooped out, warm your oil in a skillet and add the onions and bell peppers. Then, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Next, gather up your seasonings: Paprika, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. We'll add this later.
- Then, 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 into your air fryer basket or onto your air fryer tray.
- After stuffed zucchini boats have cooked about 8 minutes in the air fryer, top with the rest of your mozzarella and cook another 2 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Make Ahead
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 zucchinis 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.
How to Serve
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.
Other Amazing Vegetarian Recipes
If you love vegetarian food like we do, we have some special recipes for you to try!
Be sure to check out our Zucchini Cakes, Air Fryer Mushroom Tacos, Parmesan Zucchini Fries, Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers, Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms and Instant Pot Ramen
Pro Tips
- Use Any Air Fryer: This recipe can be made in an air fryer unit with a basket or an air fryer oven. If you're using an air fryer oven, place your food on the middle rack and select the "air fry" function.
- Check your food as it cooks! Since each air fryer runs differently, sometimes air frying is a trial and error-process. When cooking a new recipe, be sure to check on your food often. This will help you avoid over or undercooking, and help you learn your air fryer's specific ways!
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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
Air Fryers can vary greatly. Please take the time to learn your specific air fryer. You may need to adjust times and temperatures based upon your air fryer. All though this website attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, the information should only be considered an estimate. Varying factors such as different product types, different brands, etc. can change nutritional information. It is your responsibility as a consumer to read all labels to make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs as well as calculate your own nutritional information as a double check.
