Keto Stuffed Zucchini Boats in Air Fryer – Easy, Cheesy & Low-Carb
I stumbled upon these keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer one busy evening when I needed something quick, healthy, and low-carb. With just a couple of zucchinis, leftover ground beef, and some shredded cheese, I decided to try something new in my air fryer and the result blew me away.
The crispy yet tender zucchini, cheesy filling, and rich flavor made this one of my go-to keto air fryer recipes. Not only are these stuffed zucchini boats low-carb, but they’re also satisfying, super easy to make, and totally customizable. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect keto stuffed zucchini boats in an air fryer, answer the most common questions, and share filling tips that will make this recipe a staple in your meal rotation.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Keto Stuffed Zucchini Boats in Air Fryer?
A Low-Carb Classic Made Better
If you’re following a keto lifestyle, keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer are a game changer. Zucchini is naturally low in carbs, and when you stuff it with a cheesy, protein-rich filling, it becomes the perfect guilt-free comfort food.
Why Use the Air Fryer?
Cooking these boats in an air fryer gives you a crisp top and tender zucchini in under 15 minutes faster than baking. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. You’ll love how the air fryer enhances the texture and flavor.
For a full keto dinner, try pairing them with these tasty keto air fryer beef meatballs or crunchy air fryer zucchini chips.
Keto-Friendly and Satisfying
Packed with fat, protein, and flavor, keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer make sticking to your goals easy and delicious. Want more ideas? Explore the best air fryer vegetable recipes for more low-carb inspiration.
Keto Stuffed Zucchini Boats in Air Fryer
Ingredients
Zucchini Boats
- 2 medium zucchinis halved and scooped
Filling
- 1/2 lb ground beef cooked
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tbsp cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and halve zucchinis lengthwise. Scoop out seeds to form boats.
- In a pan, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Stir in cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar until melted.
- Fill zucchini halves with the beef mixture. Top with remaining cheddar.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and zucchini is tender.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for the Perfect Keto Zucchini Boats
Choosing the Right Zucchini
For the best keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer, size matters. Choose medium-sized zucchinis that are firm with no soft spots. Too small, and you won’t have room for filling; too large, and they may turn mushy. Fresh, organic zucchini will give you the best flavor and texture.
Keto-Friendly Filling Options
A great zucchini boat starts with a rich, low-carb filling. Here are some of the best keto-approved options:
| Ingredient | Keto-Friendly? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | ✅ Yes | High in protein and fat |
| Ground turkey | ✅ Yes | Leaner option |
| Cream cheese | ✅ Yes | Adds creaminess |
| Cheddar/Mozzarella | ✅ Yes | Melts perfectly in air fryer |
| Cauliflower rice | ✅ Yes | Adds bulk without carbs |
| Mushrooms | ✅ Yes | Earthy flavor, low-carb filler |
Want a twist? Add some spicy taco seasoning, or go Italian with herbs, garlic, and marinara.
For more veggie-friendly fillings, you can also explore ideas like those in these air fryer stuffed bell peppers similar concept, just a different base.
Don’t Forget the Cheese
No keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer are complete without cheese. Whether you prefer shredded cheddar, melty mozzarella, or even parmesan on top for a crispy crust, cheese not only boosts flavor but also fat content making it perfect for keto.
And if you need a quick low-carb side dish to serve with your boats, try these easy air fryer green beans a great way to round out the meal.
How to Prepare Keto Stuffed Zucchini Boats in Air Fryer
Step-by-Step Zucchini Prep
To make the perfect keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer, start by prepping your zucchini the right way. First, wash and dry them thoroughly. Cut each zucchini lengthwise, then use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds, creating a “boat” shape.
Don’t discard the scooped-out flesh you can chop it and add it to your filling for extra fiber and flavor.
Building the Filling
In a pan, cook your chosen protein (ground beef, turkey, or sausage) with a bit of olive oil. Add in onions, garlic, and any extras like chopped mushrooms or spinach. Stir in cream cheese or shredded cheese until everything melts into a thick, savory mix.
Want a different take? Check out how cheesy fillings work in this similar recipe for garlic flatbread in air fryer it’s a great example of how cheese changes texture in hot air cooking.
Stuffing and Air Frying
Spoon the filling into each zucchini half. Top with a generous sprinkle of cheese, then preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the boats in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
For tips on crisping your cheese toppings and more, don’t miss our guide on air fryer tips and hacks to level up your technique.
Best Air Fryer Settings for Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ideal Time and Temperature
To cook keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer perfectly, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the zucchini softens without turning mushy, while the cheese browns and bubbles beautifully on top.
Air fry the boats for 10 to 12 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your zucchinis, so check around the 9-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is golden and the zucchini is fork-tender.
Looking for more veggie-based air fryer recipes? You’ll find inspiration in these best air fryer vegetable recipes perfect for rounding out your keto meals.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Overcrowding the basket: Always space the boats apart to allow hot air to circulate. This avoids sogginess.
- Undercooking the filling: Make sure your protein filling is fully cooked before stuffing the zucchini. The air fryer will melt the cheese and finish the bake, not cook raw meat.
- Skipping preheat: Preheating ensures even cooking and crispier results.
Want a pro tip? For extra browning, spray the tops lightly with olive oil before air frying. This works great in other cheesy air fryer recipes like air fryer cheesy tortilla garlic bread crispy, golden, and loaded with flavor.
Best Fillings for Keto Zucchini Boats
Classic Cheesy Ground Beef
The go-to filling for keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer is seasoned ground beef with garlic, onion, and shredded cheese. It’s hearty, keto-friendly, and cooks fast. Add cream cheese for an extra creamy texture, or top with mozzarella for a stretchy finish.
Looking for extra crunch? Stir in some chopped zucchini flesh or mushrooms before stuffing.
Creative Low-Carb Options
There are endless keto filling combos. Try these:
- Buffalo chicken with ranch and cheddar
- Italian sausage with marinara and parmesan
- Spinach and feta with herbs
- Taco-style beef with a dash of chili powder
Want more variety? These air fryer stuffed bell peppers use many of the same fillings perfect for switching things up while keeping it low-carb.
No matter the combo, the key is keeping it high-fat, moderate-protein, and under 5g net carbs per boat.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying low-carb meal, keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer check every box. They’re simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and deliver big flavor without the carbs.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers the perfect mix of comfort and clean eating. From cheesy fillings to crispy air-fried texture, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Don’t miss our air fryer tips and hacks to help you get perfect results every time.
Try it once and we promise, it’ll become one of your go-to keto dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are stuffed zucchini boats low carb?
Yes! Keto stuffed zucchini boats in air fryer are naturally low in carbs. Zucchini is a non-starchy vegetable, and when filled with keto-friendly ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and low-sugar sauces, each serving typically contains less than 5g net carbs perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Can I make stuffed zucchini boats in an air fryer?
Absolutely. The air fryer is one of the best ways to make stuffed zucchini boats. It gives them a crispy cheese topping while keeping the zucchini tender and juicy. It’s also faster than oven baking, with less cleanup involved.
What’s the best filling for keto zucchini boats?
The most popular filling is a mix of ground beef, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. But you can also try spicy buffalo chicken, Italian sausage with marinara, or even vegetarian options like spinach and feta. Just make sure all ingredients are low-carb and high-fat to stay keto-friendly.
How long do I air fry zucchini boats?
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. The boats are ready when the cheese is melted and golden, and the zucchini is fork-tender. Avoid overcooking to keep the texture just right.
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