Air Fryer Zucchini Boats
Air Fryer Zucchini Boats are my go-to when I want hearty comfort food that's actually good for you and ready fast. Tender zucchini halves get stuffed with seasoned ground beef and marinara, then topped with melted mozzarella that turns golden and bubbly. They're perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or using up all that summer zucchini from the garden. They stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Lightly coat a large baking dish with cooking spray.Cooking spray
- Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and trim off the stems. Use a spoon to scoop out the center flesh, leaving about ¼ inch around the edges to form a shell.4 medium zucchini
- Place the zucchini halves in the baking dish that fits your air fryer and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bake in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to soften slightly.½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, Salt and pepper
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, crumbling it as it browns.2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 pound ground beef
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.½ cup onion, 1 teaspoon garlic, 2 cups marinara sauce
- Remove the zucchini from the air fryer. Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly into each zucchini boat. Sprinkle the tops with mozzarella cheese.¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Return to the air fryer and bake again for 15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!Fresh parsley
Notes
Here are my best tips for making perfect Air Fryer Zucchini Boats every time.
Don't skip the pre-cook step: Air frying the hollowed zucchini for 5 minutes before stuffing helps soften them just enough so they finish cooking at the same time as the cheese melts.
Save the scooped flesh: You can chop up the zucchini flesh you scooped out and stir it into the beef mixture for extra vegetables and to stretch the filling further.
Drain excess grease: After browning the ground beef, tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess grease before adding the onions so the filling doesn't turn greasy.
Watch for drips: Place a piece of parchment paper, foil, or an air fryer liner in the bottom of your air fryer basket before adding the zucchini boats to catch any marinara or cheese that might drip during cooking and make cleanup easier.
Let them rest: Allow the zucchini boats to sit for 3–4 minutes after air frying so the cheese sets slightly and they're easier to transfer to plates without falling apart.
Flash-freeze for meal prep: Freeze the stuffed boats on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to containers so they don't stick together. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the air fryer or oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 805mgPotassium: 1233mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1069IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 185mgIron: 4mg
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