We love trying new, fun recipes, and nothing beats a simple and healthy twist on a classic dish, with zucchini (a summer squash low in calories and high in water content) lending a light base ideal for vegetable-forward fillings. Let's talk about air fryer zucchini boats, halved zucchinis filled with savory fillings and crisped in the air fryer.
Yes, zucchini boats!
They're super easy to make and ridiculously tasty.
We tried these the other day and were absolutely hooked. You get that crispy texture without all the guilt.
The kids, who usually turn their noses up at zucchini, actually asked for seconds.
Seriously, it's that good. Plus, they're so versatile.
Whether you're stuffing them with ground turkey, cheese, or just veggies, they come out perfect every time.
So, why not give it a go? Let's get those air fryers ready!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Zucchini Boats
You'll need the following ingredients to create these tasty zucchini boats:
- Zucchini: Medium-sized, halved and hollowed.
- Ground Turkey: Lean and healthy protein.
- Bell Peppers: Chopped, for added crunch and flavor.
- Onion: Diced, for savoriness.
- Garlic: Minced, for depth of flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Your favorite brand.
- Italian Seasoning: For a pop of herbs.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for topping.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Zucchini Boats
Ensure tasty zucchini boats with these handy tips:
- Even Cook: Hollow zucchini evenly for a consistent cook, leaving about ¼-1/2 inch of flesh so the boats hold their shape.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Guarantees zucchini is perfectly tender yet slightly crisp; preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for best texture, and for other easy mains try air fryer chicken wings for easy entertaining, or pair with zucchini fries for crispy sides.
- Avoid Overloading: Cook zucchini in batches if required to prevent overcrowding, leaving at least ½ inch between pieces for proper air circulation and even browning.
- Sauce Control: Avoid adding too much sauce to prevent sogginess.
Variations and Add-Ons
Make your Air Fryer Zucchini Boats your own by trying these variations:
- Spicy: Add chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick (try 1 small jalapeño or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes).
- Cheesy: Sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for more gooey goodness.
- Vegetarian: Substitute ground turkey with a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for added umami.
Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Boats
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon (for hollowing zucchini)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis halved and hollowed
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in chopped bell peppers, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Spoon the turkey mixture into the hollowed zucchini halves.
- Arrange the filled zucchini boats in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the zucchini boats and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Ensure zucchini boats are evenly cooked by not overlapping them in the air fryer basket.
- Leftover zucchini boats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
For a fritter-style zucchini snack that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, see zucchini fritters for a crispy snack. To expand air fryer skills with simple, approachable recipes, explore air fryer recipes for beginners.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
