If you are looking for a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, you came to the right place!
Check out these air fryer zucchini boats! This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of tender zucchini, savory sausage, and gooey cheese.
And the best part? It’s cooked to perfection in an air fryer, which means it’s so much healthier than traditional frying methods.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a tasty dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
And with the simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up these zucchini boats in no time.
So, what are you waiting for? try my zucchini boats air fryer recipe and enjoy!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Healthy and Nutritious: Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy and nutritious vegetable.
By cooking it in an air fryer instead of deep-frying it, you can cut down on calories and unhealthy fats, making it a healthier meal option.
Easy and Convenient: This zucchini boats in air fryer recipe is so simple and easy to follow, making it a great choice for busy weeknights when you want a quick and satisfying meal.
With only a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a tasty and healthy meal on the table in no time.
Delicious and Satisfying: The combination of tender zucchini, savory sausage, and gooey cheese is simply amazing. Each bite is packed with flavor!
👨🍳 Air Fryer Zucchini Boats Ingredients
For this zucchini boats in air fryer recipe you will need these ingredients:
- 2 Zucchini
- 1/2 cup Grated Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella)
- 1/2 pound (220g) Sausage Meat (uncooked)
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs (unseasoned)
- 3 tablespoons Parsley (chopped)
- Your Favorite Sauce (you can use tomato or pizza sauce)
✨ Zucchini Boats Air Fryer Recipe
Easily make this perfect air fryer stuffed zucchini. Follow these steps:
Step 1
Start by halving and coring the zucchini. Then, spray it with cooking oil (I use olive oil) on both sides.
Step 2
Stuff the center of the zucchini with the sausage. Then, top with breadcrumbs and cheese. Spray with more cooking oil.
Step 3
Place the zucchini boats in the air fryer.
Step 4
Air fry at 350F for 12-15 minutes. The sausage should be cooked thoroughly.
Step 5
Add your favorite sauce on top (tomato sauce, pizza sauce, or any sauce), as well as parsley. That’s it! Enjoy these tasty air fryer zucchini boats!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked this zucchini boats in air fryer recipe, make sure to also check out these easy recipes:
- Air Fryer Monkey Bread
- Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
💡 Tips
1. Try Different Seasonings
One way to make your air fryer zucchini boats even more flavorful is to add seasonings to the sausage meat before stuffing it into the zucchini.
You can add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or any other spice you like.
2. Try Different Types Of Cheese
While cheddar and mozzarella cheese are the recommended types for this recipe, you can also use other types of cheese as well.
For example – parmesan cheese for a stronger, sharper flavor or Swiss cheese for a milder taste. You can also mix different types of cheese.
3. Add a Crunchy Topping For Texture
To add some extra texture to your zucchini boats, you can add a crunchy topping on top of the cheese.
You can use crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips. The topping will add a crispy texture that contrasts with the soft zucchini and sausage filling.
4. Serve with a Side Salad or Garlic Bread
While the airfryer zucchini boats are delicious on their own, you can make this meal even better by serving them with a side salad or garlic bread.
A simple salad of mixed greens and vegetables, dressed with a vinaigrette, will complement the flavors of the zucchini boats. Garlic bread will add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
5. Add Some Heat With Jalapeno Peppers
You can add some diced jalapeno peppers to the sausage filling. The heat from the peppers will add a kick to the air fried zucchini boats and make them even more flavorful.
To add the jalapeno peppers, simply dice them finely and mix them with the sausage meat before stuffing the zucchini.
You can also sprinkle some diced peppers on top of the cheese before air frying the boats for an extra burst of heat.
6. Use Different Sauces For Variety
Tomato or pizza sauce are the recommended sauces for this stuffed zucchini air fryer recipe, but you can also try different sauces for variety.
Pesto sauce, alfredo sauce, or even barbecue sauce can add a unique flavor to the air fryer stuffed zucchini.
✔️ Variations
Greek Style Zucchini Boats: Instead of sausage meat, use ground lamb or beef seasoned with oregano, garlic, and lemon zest.
Top the meat with crumbled feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, and Kalamata olives before air frying. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for the perfect meal.
Tex-Mex Zucchini Boats: Use ground turkey or chicken seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. After air frying, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with a side of salsa.
Caprese Zucchini Boats: Use fresh basil leaves, sliced cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese as toppings for the zucchini boats before air frying them.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper once cooked.
Philly Cheesesteak Zucchini Boats: Use thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese as toppings for the zucchini boats before air frying. You can serve with a side of creamy horseradish sauce.
Spinach and Artichoke Zucchini Boats: Mix cooked spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese together and use as the stuffing for the zucchini boats.
Top with additional Parmesan cheese before air frying. Serve with a side of garlic bread.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Sausage Meat – If you don’t eat pork, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or beef. You can also use vegetarian sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegan version.
Breadcrumbs – If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use almond flour or ground oats for a healthier option.
Parsley – If you don’t have parsley, you can use other herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. You can also skip it altogether if you don’t have any herbs on hand.
👪 FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of ground meat of your preference. Just make sure it’s uncooked and seasoned with your preferred spices.
Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute if you prefer.
How do I know if the zucchini boats are cooked enough?
You can test if the zucchini is cooked by simply inserting a fork or knife into the flesh. It should be soft and tender but not mushy.
How can I store leftovers of this recipe?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry for 5-7 minutes at 350F or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Pizza Sauce For The Zucchini Boats
Making a pizza sauce for the zucchini boats is incredibly easy, and you can use either canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes as a base.
Ingredients:
1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned.
Add the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, along with the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring all the time, until it has thickened.
Once the sauce is done, let it cool slightly before using it to top your zucchini boats.
I hope you liked my air fryer zucchini boats recipe. This dish is so tasty, satisfying, and easy to make that you’ll want to make it all the time!
Try this recipe and let me know how you like it. Do you have a favorite way to make zucchini boats? let me know in the comments!
Make sure to check out other great air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Zucchini Boats
- 2 Zucchini
- 1/2 cup Grated Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella)
- 1/2 pound Sausage Meat (220g) (uncooked)
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs (unseasoned)
- 3 tablespoons Parsley (chopped)
- Your Favorite Sauce (you can use tomato or pizza sauce)
- Start by halving and coring the zucchini. Then, spray it with cooking oil (I use olive oil) on both sides.
- Stuff the center of the zucchini with the sausage. Then, top with breadcrumbs and cheese. Spray with more cooking oil.
- Place the zucchini boats in the air fryer.
- Air fry at 350F for 12-15 minutes. The sausage should be cooked thoroughly.
- Add your favorite sauce on top (tomato sauce, pizza sauce, or any sauce), as well as parsley. That’s it! Enjoy these tasty air fryer zucchini boats!
