Air Fryer Zucchini Boats

Looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your zucchini? Look no further than air fryer zucchini boats! This easy recipe is perfect for busy cooks and can be customized with your favorite toppings. So why wait? Give this tasty dish a try today!

This is one of my favorite air fryer zucchini recipes, and it’s so good; if you love zucchini, check out my recipe for air fryer zucchini fries, air fryer zucchini fritters, and air fryer zucchini brownies.

Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Looking for a delicious, low-carb dinner or a simple side dish? Look no further than this perfect zucchini boats in air fryer recipe!

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a tasty, healthy meal that everyone will love. This recipe is super easy to follow – perfect for busy cooks! Give this dish a try tonight – you won’t be disappointed. It only takes a couple of minutes to prepare. 

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Zucchini Boats

If you love zucchini boats, you will love this simple recipe. It’s a quick and easy way to make them, and the results are delicious. The best part is that you only need a few fresh ingredients. So read on for the recipe, then get started cooking!

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information. 

• Chicken: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Cooked and Shredded
• Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or Sriracha sauce
• Butter: Unsalted, melted butter
• Zucchini: Choose three medium zucchini or four small zucchini.
• Seasonings: Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper
• Celery: Adds some crunch and a lot of flavors.
• Ranch Dressing: Optional, but a drizzle works well!
• Blue Cheese Crumbles
• Air Fryer: Use a Ninja Foodi or a basket Style, 6-quart air fryer basket model.

How To Make Stuffed Zucchini Boats Air Fryer

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious alternative to your regular weeknight meal, air fryer zucchini boats are the way to go! These tasty little vessels take just minutes of preparation time and give your dinner a little extra kick that will make it extraordinary. Utilizing the power of an Air Fryer, each boat is filled with gooey cheese and flavorful ingredients – all cooked to perfection in no time.

With simple instructions and minimal effort required on your part, this is sure to be a dish everyone in the family loves!

Step One: Prepare The Zucchini

Wash and dry the zucchini. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Take a spoon and carefully hollow out the flesh of the zucchini. Sprinkle salt on top of the zucchini to remove excess moisture, and leave for a few minutes. Then use a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to wipe the zucchini.

Step Two: Prepare The Filling For The Zucchini Boats

Combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, and melted butter in a large bowl. Stir until combined and the chicken is coated in buffalo sauce. Add buffalo chicken to each zucchini boat.

Step Three: Air Fry Zucchini Boats

Place the zucchini boats into the air fryer basket, single layer. Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and cooking time for 8-10 minutes. Once it’s finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and sprinkle the boats with blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy stuffed air fryer zucchini, look no further than your air fryer! This easy recipe is perfect for summer when zucchini is in season. Follow these tips to make the best air fryer stuffed zucchini.

• Zucchini Or Summer Squash: You can also use summer squash. 
• Size: Look for equal size zucchini that are smaller and tender. They will cook more quickly than larger ones!
• Remove The Seeds: Use a spoon and hollow out the middle of the zucchini, leaving you with a great space to stuff your zucchini!
• Chicken: You can replace the chicken with ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground turkey.
• Crowding: For best results, do not crowd the basket of the air fryer. Leave enough room between your zucchini so the hot air can circulate freely around the zucchini. Depending on how large your air fryer is, you may need to cook in batches.

Variations On Zucchini Boats In Air Fryer

• Vegetarian Zucchini Boats: Add your favorite vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, peppers, onions, and maybe some cooked tofu. Serve with tomato sauce, sour cream, marinara sauce, or parmesan cheese. 
• Mexican Zucchini Boats: Add some cooked taco meat, or cook ground beef with taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, and your favorite toppings! 
• Breakfast Zucchini Boats: Add some cooked eggs, bacon, sausage, yellow bell pepper, and cheese. 
• Air Fryer Zucchini Pizza Boats: Who doesn’t love pizza zucchini boats? Add some pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.

Air Fryer Zucchini Boats Recipe Faq’s

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini for this recipe? Yes, you can use other vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplants, or large mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as different vegetables may require different cooking times.

How long should I cook zucchini boats in the air fryer? Typically, zucchini boats should be cooked at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the zucchini and the amount of filling.

Do I need to pre-cook the zucchini before filling them? No, it’s not necessary to pre-cook the zucchini. The air fryer will cook both the zucchini and the filling evenly. However, if you prefer a softer zucchini, you can pre-cook them for a few minutes before adding the filling.

How do I prevent the zucchini boats from becoming too watery? Scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh from the zucchini to create a deeper cavity for the filling. Salting the zucchini lightly and letting them sit for a few minutes before patting them dry can also help reduce excess moisture.

What types of fillings work best for zucchini boats? Popular fillings include ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken), quinoa, rice, vegetables, cheese, and marinara sauce. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste.

Can I make zucchini boats ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the zucchini boats and their fillings ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before cooking. This ensures they stay fresh and don’t become soggy.

How do I store and reheat leftover zucchini boats? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.

Can I use cheese in the filling? Yes, cheese can be mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top. Cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan work well and add a deliciously melty and savory element.

Are there vegetarian filling options for zucchini boats? Absolutely! Vegetarian fillings can include a mixture of quinoa or rice, beans, corn, tomatoes, spinach, and cheese. You can also use a tofu or lentil-based filling for added protein.

How do I ensure the filling is cooked through? Pre-cook any raw meats or harder vegetables before filling the zucchini. This ensures that everything is cooked through by the time the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies
• Air Fryer Zucchini Pie

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