Air Fryer Zucchini Boats

These air fryer zucchini boats are one of my favorite ways to use up zucchini. They come out tender, cheesy, and loaded with a savory Italian sausage filling.

The air fryer does an amazing job here. It cooks the zucchini perfectly while giving the melted mozzarella on top those golden, bubbly spots you want.

The filling is simple but packed with flavor – Italian sausage, marinara, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic all come together really nicely.

Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner or just a fun way to eat more veggies, these zucchini boats are a solid choice.

They’re easy to put together and ready in under 30 minutes. Let me show you how to make them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sun-Dried Tomatoes Add a Flavor Punch – They bring a sweet and tangy depth that takes the sausage filling from good to seriously crave-worthy.

Low-Carb Without Feeling Like It – Zucchini replaces bread or pasta as the base so you get a filling meal that is naturally lighter on carbs.

Zero Waste Recipe – The scooped-out zucchini flesh goes right into the sausage filling so nothing gets thrown away.

Ingredients

For the Zucchini

• 4 Medium Zucchini
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/4 tsp Salt

For the Filling

• 1/2 lb Italian Sausage, casings removed
• 1/3 cup Yellow Onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
• 1/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 2 tbsp Fresh Basil, chopped

How To Make

Step 1

Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the center flesh to create a shallow well in each half, leaving about a 1/4-inch border of flesh around the edges and bottom. Roughly chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set it aside for the filling.

Step 2

Brush the zucchini boats lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Set them aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 3

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, and chopped reserved zucchini flesh. Cook for another 3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the marinara sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5

Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Spoon the filling generously into each zucchini boat, mounding it slightly.

Step 6

Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top of each boat. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

Step 8

Carefully remove the zucchini boats from the air fryer. Top with fresh basil and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips

Don’t Scoop Too Much Flesh Out

When you’re hollowing out the zucchini, leave a solid 1/4 inch of flesh on the bottom and sides. If you go too thin, the boats will get flimsy and collapse in the air fryer, and you’ll have a mess instead of a neat stuffed boat.

A melon baller or a regular teaspoon works better than a tablespoon here. It gives you more control so you don’t accidentally punch through the bottom.

Squeeze the Moisture Out of the Zucchini Flesh

Before you add the chopped zucchini flesh to the skillet with the sausage, give it a good squeeze with your hands or press it in a paper towel. Zucchini holds a lot of water, and if you skip this step, the filling will be watery and soggy.

This also helps the filling stick together better inside the boats instead of being loose and runny. It makes a bigger difference than you’d think.

Pat the Zucchini Boats Dry Before Oiling

After you scoop out the flesh, the inside of each boat will be wet. Use a paper towel to blot the insides dry before you brush on the olive oil and salt.

If there’s too much moisture sitting in the well, it steams during cooking and makes the bottom of the filling soggy. A quick pat-down takes five seconds and keeps everything nice and firm.

Related Recipes

• Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Stuffed Peppers
• Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries
• Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Chips
• Air Fryer Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Boats

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely. Turkey or chicken sausage works great here and cuts down on the fat quite a bit. Just make sure you pick a variety that has Italian-style seasoning already in it so you don’t lose that flavor.

If you can only find plain turkey or chicken sausage, just add an extra pinch of Italian seasoning, a little fennel seed, and a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling to make up for it.