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- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish When making air fryer stuffed zucchini boats, the right ingredients matter. You start with medium zucchinis. These serve as the base. The cooked quinoa gives the filling a nice texture. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Next, you want a bell pepper. It brings crunch and flavor to the mix. Black beans add protein and fiber, making the dish hearty. Corn kernels add a pop of sweetness, which makes it fun to eat. For seasoning, cumin and smoked paprika give a warm, smoky taste. Garlic powder enhances the flavor even more. Shredded cheese is a must. It melts and creates a wonderful topping. Olive oil helps keep the zucchini moist and adds richness. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, fresh cilantro brightens the dish and adds a fresh note. With these ingredients, you can create a meal that is colorful, tasty, and full of good nutrition. First, take your medium zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh. This creates your zucchini boats. You want to leave a good amount of the sides intact. Save the scooped-out flesh for later. This will add flavor to your filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped bell pepper, and rinsed black beans. Add half a cup of corn and the reserved zucchini flesh, chopped into small pieces. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cumin, a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well until blended. The colors and textures will be beautiful. Drizzle the hollowed zucchini boats with two tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt inside each boat to enhance the flavor. Now, stuff each zucchini boat generously with your filling mixture. Top them off with one cup of shredded cheese. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Your zucchini should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. To make your filling shine, adjust the flavors as you like. For more heat, add chili powder or diced jalapeños. If you want a milder taste, skip the spices. You can also swap out ingredients for dietary needs. Use brown rice instead of quinoa or add ground turkey for protein. If you're vegan, leave out the cheese or use a plant-based option. For even cooking, preheat your air fryer before adding the zucchini boats. Arrange them in a single layer, not touching. This helps all sides cook well. To prevent soggy zucchini boats, don't overstuff them. Leave a little space at the top. Also, if possible, pat the zucchini dry before adding the filling to remove excess moisture. Serve your stuffed zucchini boats with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. A dollop of yogurt or guacamole makes a nice dip. For presentation, place the boats on a colorful plate and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. You can also drizzle with olive oil for a glossy finish. {{image_2}} You can change the filling to suit your taste. Want to add protein? Try cooked chicken or turkey. These meats add a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan meal, skip the meat. Use more beans or lentils for protein. You can also add nuts for crunch and flavor. Not just any zucchini will do! You can use other squash, like yellow squash or pattypan squash. Each type adds its own flavor. Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies too. Bell peppers, corn, and spinach work well. They will brighten up your dish and add nutrients. Cheese lovers rejoice! You can stick with mozzarella or cheddar. But what if you want dairy-free options? Try cashew cheese or vegan cheese blends. These can melt nicely and still taste great. For a twist, consider flavored cheeses like pepper jack or feta. These add a fun kick to your zucchini boats. To store your leftover stuffed zucchini boats, place them in a sealed container. This keeps them fresh. They will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps avoid excess moisture. If you want to freeze your zucchini boats, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For the best results, freeze them before cooking. When you are ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. You can use the air fryer to reheat your zucchini boats. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for about 5 to 8 minutes. This makes them warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soft. If using the oven, heat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. You can tell when zucchini boats are done by checking for a few signs. First, look for a tender texture. The zucchini should be soft but not mushy. The cheese on top should be melted and bubbly. If the cheese starts to brown, that’s a great sign too. Use a fork to poke the zucchini. If it goes in easily, they are ready. Yes, you can make these boats ahead of time! Prepare the filling and stuff the zucchini. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. This way, you will save time on busy days. Just pop them in the air fryer when you are ready to eat. To boost the flavor, you can add many tasty ingredients. Consider cooked ground meat like chicken or turkey for protein. You can also mix in chopped mushrooms or spinach for more veggies. If you like spice, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For herbs, try fresh basil, oregano, or parsley. These will take your filling to a new level! You learned how to make tasty air fryer stuffed zucchini boats. We covered key ingredients like zucchini, quinoa, and spices. I shared tips on preparing, cooking, and serving these boats. You can even customize them with different fillings or cheese options. Remember, storage is easy, whether in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy experimenting and sharing this dish. With the right techniques, you can create amazing meals that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini Boats! This easy recipe combines fresh veggies, protein-packed quinoa, and melted cheese for a healthy and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a vibrant dinner, these stuffed zucchini boats are not just tasty but also visually appealing. Dive into this recipe and learn how to whip up a delightful dish that your family will love. Click through to explore all the details and start cooking!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchinis: Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and flesh using a spoon, creating boats. Reserve the flesh for the filling.

    Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, black beans, corn, reserved zucchini flesh (chopped into small pieces), cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

      Stuff the Zucchini: Drizzle the hollowed zucchini boats with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt inside. Stuff each zucchini boat generously with the filling mixture. Top each with shredded cheese.

        Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

          Serve: Remove the zucchini boats from the air fryer, allowing them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4