Zucchini Boats: Air Fryer Magic In 15 Minutes

Air Fryer Zucchini Boats are a quick and easy meal packed with flavour. They are a great low-carb option and can be made keto-friendly by swapping breadcrumbs for pork rinds. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit vegetarian, vegan and meaty diets. The zucchini boats can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, from meat sauce to Mexican-style fillings, spinach and feta, or Asian-inspired flavours. They are simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and an air fryer.

How to Make Zucchini Boats in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right zucchini

• Size and Shape: Opt for zucchini that are straight and uniform in size. This ensures even cooking, so all your zucchini boats are cooked consistently.
• Firmness: Look for zucchini that are firm to the touch. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes, as these may affect the texture and taste of your dish.
• Freshness: Choose zucchini that are fresh and in season. Summer is the prime time for zucchini, but you can find them year-round.
• Colour: Go for zucchini with vibrant, deep green skin. This indicates freshness and a higher concentration of nutrients.
• Texture: The ideal zucchini should have a smooth, unblemished outer skin. Avoid any with wrinkles or deep grooves, as these may affect the presentation of your zucchini boats.
• Weight: A good zucchini should feel substantial for its size. It should feel solid and not overly light, which could indicate dryness or an immature zucchini.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to select the perfect zucchini for your air fryer zucchini boats, ensuring a delicious and visually appealing dish.

Preparing the zucchini boats

After scooping out the zucchini, you can choose to chop the flesh into small pieces and add it to your filling mixture. If you are using only vegetables for the filling, cut them into small pieces and set them aside. For fillings that include lentils, beans, soy flakes, tempeh, tofu, paneer, or minced meat, cook the filling beforehand and let it cool before stuffing the zucchini boats.

Now it's time to fill the zucchini boats! Brush the inside of the boats with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you are using a protein-based filling, fill the boats with your desired mixture, such as ground beef, turkey, or tofu. Top the filling with lots of grated cheese, such as parmesan, processed cheese, or vegan cheese if you prefer.

Once your zucchini boats are filled, they are ready for the air fryer! Place them carefully into the air fryer basket, making sure they are secure and not overlapping. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, typically between 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-14 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted.

And that's it! You now have delicious zucchini boats ready to be enjoyed as a healthy and tasty meal or snack.

Filling options

There are many different ways to fill zucchini boats, and they can be tailored to suit dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, and keto.

Vegetarian

For a vegetarian option, you can fill zucchini boats with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as onion, carrot, and garlic, mixed with cooked ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork. You can also add in tomato sauce and seasonings like basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Vegan

For a vegan option, fill the zucchini boats with a mixture of cooked lentils, beans, diced tofu, or tempeh, along with sautéed vegetables such as onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Season with spices like Cajun spice, peri-peri spice, or sauces like harissa, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce. Top with vegan cheese.

Keto

For a keto-friendly option, fill the zucchini boats with ground beef or turkey, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce. Top with Parmesan or another favourite cheese. Alternatively, you can make zucchini pizza boats by filling the boats with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and toppings such as pepperoni or Italian sausage.

Other options

You can also experiment with different fillings such as spinach and feta, feta and eggs, or Mexican-style fillings.

Cooking methods

To make zucchini boats in an air fryer, you will need to first prepare the zucchini by cutting it in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds. You can also scoop out the flesh with a spoon, being careful to leave a shell about a quarter of an inch thick. If the flesh is tender, you can use it in the stuffing, otherwise, you can discard it.

Pat the inside of the zucchini dry with a paper towel and lightly mist with oil. You can also brush the zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place the zucchini in the air fryer basket and cook at 350–380˚F/160–190˚C for 8–10 minutes until cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your zucchini and your desired level of doneness. Check on the zucchini after 5 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once the zucchini is tender, you can add your desired stuffing. For a meaty option, you can fill the zucchini with a mixture of ground beef or turkey, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. For a vegetarian option, you can fill the zucchini with a mixture of sautéed onions, zucchini flesh, carrots, garlic, and ground beef or a mix of beef and pork. You can also add tomato sauce, basil, salt, and pepper to this mixture.

After filling the zucchini boats, sprinkle with cheese and place back in the air fryer for an additional 2–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. You can use mozzarella, parmesan, or a mix of both.

You can also make zucchini boats in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lay the scooped-out zucchini boats on an oven-proof dish. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the stuffing and top with cheese before baking for 25–30 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Zucchini boats are a tasty and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or appetiser. They are also a great low-carb option for those watching their carbohydrate intake. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

• As a Main Course: Zucchini boats can be served as a delicious and satisfying main course. Pair them with a side salad, sliced tomatoes, or crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve them with chicken parmesan or chicken parmesan meatballs.
• As an Appetiser: These boats also make a great appetiser or starter. Cut them into smaller sections or bite-sized pieces to serve as zucchini pizza bites. You can also serve them with a dip of your choice, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
• For a Hearty Breakfast: Zucchini boats can be a tasty and filling option for breakfast. Pair them with other breakfast favourites like eggs, bacon, or sausage.
• For a Healthy Snack: These boats are a nutritious and satisfying snack option. Enjoy them on their own or with a dip like hummus or tzatziki.
• For a Party: Zucchini boats are a great dish to serve at a party. Make them ahead of time and simply warm them up before serving. They can be customised to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• With a Drink: Serve zucchini boats with a glass of wine for a relaxing evening. They also go well with other beverages like iced tea or lemonade.

Frequently asked questions