Air Fryer Zucchini Boats are stuffed with veggies and seasonings and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Such a fast and easy meal idea. These are perfect for meatless Mondays!
WHAT ARE ZUCCHINI BOATS?
If you have never heard of or tried zucchini boats you have missed out! Zucchini boats are basically zucchini that has been peeled (optional) and cut in half.
The halves are then hollowed out to resemble a canoe or small boat.
The hollowed-out area can be stuffed with all kinds of ingredients. Then they are cooked and it is a ONE-BOAT meal, LOL. This is a great way to use up all those garden zucchini.
INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI BOATS
This is a “meatless” air fryer zucchini boat recipe. Such a simple and LOW-CALORIE lunch or dinner.
- Zucchini
- Roma tomato
- Jalapeno
- Red bell pepper
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Shredded cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
EASY SUBSTITUTIONS FOR STUFFED ZUCCHINI
There are so many variations and substitutions you can make for these stuffed zucchini.
I love making Taco Zucchini Boats that incorporate black beans, corn, ground turkey and more.
This specific recipe is meat-free. But if you like meat and want to add some cooked ground beef, turkey or chicken that would be delicious.
Feel free to change up the diced veggies in this recipe to use what you already have in the refrigerator. Try to keep the amounts the same so you don't end up with tons of extra filling! Here are some more ideas:
- If you have leftover filling, save it in the refrigerator and make more zucchini boats in a few days. You could also use it in burritos.
- Some other veggies that would be good in these air fryer zucchini boats are corn, carrots (chopped very small so they get tender), cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers or almost any veggie you like!
- If you want to add some extra fiber try adding some cooked brown rice or quinoa.
HOW TO MAKE ZUCCHINI BOATS IN THE AIR FRYER
Zucchini boats are easy to make in the oven, but I think they turn out even better in the air fryer. Plus you don't have to heat up the whole kitchen!
STEP ONE: PREPARE ZUCCHINI
Start off by washing the zucchini. Then slice each zucchini in half lengthwise down the center.
Scoop out the center of the zucchini with a spoon and remove all the seeds. Leave about a 1/2 inch border so the zucchini can be stuffed.
The zucchini halves should resemble canoes or boats.
STEP TWO: MAKE FILLING
Prepare the veggies for the filling by chopping the Roma tomatoes into small pieces. Dice the jalapeno, removing the seeds if you want a milder kick. The red bell pepper should be diced into small pieces also.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped Roma tomatoes, diced jalapeno, diced red bell pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cheese, and salt and pepper.
Stir gently to mix the veggies and spices together.
STEP THREE: STUFF ZUCCHINI BOATS
Spoon the vegetable mixture into the zucchini halves so there is an equal amount in each boat.
If you like lots of cheese, you can add some extra cheese on top. Be sure to press the extra cheese down so it adheres to the veggie mixture and doesn't blow around in the air fryer.
STEP FOUR: AIR FRY
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (if you air fryer requires preheating).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Remember to not use aerosol sprays in the air fryer.
Place the zucchini boats in the air fryer basket and leave a little room around each one. If you have a small air fryer you may have to cook these in 2 batches.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until zucchini is cooked to your liking!
Remove zucchini from the air fryer basket and top with your choice of toppings or eat as is.
These are not that great as leftovers!!
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS
If you are doing the Weight Watchers program this is a WONDERFUL and LOW-POINT lunch or dinner recipe. It is an easy way to increase your vegetable intake for the day.
The serving size is one zucchini boat. There is only 1 point per boat on the green, blue and purple plans.
Remember if you add any optional toppings or add extra cheese, that will increase the points!
On the current WeightWatchers Program (2023) it is 2 points per boat.
AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI BOATS RECIPE
You can print the complete ingredients and instructions for this Air Fryer Zucchini Boat recipe via the printable recipe card below.
If you make this recipe and love it…it would mean a LOT to me if you left me a 5 star rating!
These veggie stuffed Air Fryer Zucchini Boats are delicous and low-calorie. A great way to use up extra zucchini.
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 Roma tomato chopped
- 1 jalapeno diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican style cheese extra if you want to add more to the top
- olive oil to spray air fryer basket
- Salsa optional as a topping
- Sour cream optional as a topping
- Guacamole optional as a topping
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Wash zucchini and slice lengthwise down the center.
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Using a spoon, scoop out the center of the zucchini removing all seeds.
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In a medium bowl combine the tomatoes, red pepper, jalapeno, seasonings, and cheese.
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Mix until well incorporated.
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Then spoon mixture into the center of each zucchini.
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Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
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Place in an Air Fryer basket/tray and spray or brush with olive oil.
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Cook at 390 for about 10-12 minutes.
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Serve hot with toppings of choice, if desired: salsa, sour cream, avocado, etc.
The serving size is 1 zucchini boat.
Weight Watchers points is only 1 point per serving for blue, green and purple plans.
Adding optional toppings or extra cheese will increase points.
On the current WeightWatchers Program (2023) it is 2 points per boat.
If you loved this air fryer vegetable recipe, be sure to check these out:
- Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Eggplant Chips
- Yummy Air Fryer Potatoes and Green Beans
- Air Fryer Cajun Zucchini Chips
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