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- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish When I plan to make air fryer stuffed zucchini boats, I gather these ingredients. The zucchinis are the stars of the show. They hold all the tasty filling and add a fresh crunch. I use cooked quinoa as a base. It gives a nice nutty flavor. The cherry tomatoes add juiciness. Black beans offer protein and fiber. Corn brings a sweet crunch. Lastly, mozzarella gives that gooey, melty goodness. For seasoning, I use olive oil to help everything stick together. Ground cumin and smoked paprika give the dish a warm, spicy kick. I finish it off with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a splash of color and freshness. With this mix of ingredients, you can create a dish that is both healthy and packed with flavor. Each bite offers a balanced taste of vegetables, grains, and cheese. It's a perfect meal for any time of the day. - Wash and slice zucchinis. - Scoop out seeds to create hollow boats. First, wash the zucchinis under cold water. This step is key to remove any dirt. Next, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. You want to create two long pieces. Then, use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds. Make sure to leave enough flesh to hold the filling. This creates your perfect hollow boats. - Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, corn, and seasonings. - Stir until evenly mixed. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn. The quinoa adds protein, while the beans and corn bring texture. Add seasonings like ground cumin and smoked paprika for flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients blend nicely together. - Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). - Stuff zucchini boats with filling and add cheese. - Air fry for 10-12 minutes until tender. Now, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the zucchini evenly. Drizzle the hollow zucchinis with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stuff each boat with the quinoa mixture. Press lightly to pack the filling. Top each boat with shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey finish. Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air to circulate. Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes. They are done when the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is golden. - Always season your zucchinis well. Use salt and pepper for flavor. - Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This helps them cook evenly. - Present the zucchini boats on a rustic wooden board. It looks great! - Drizzle with balsamic reduction or lime juice for added zest. - If you want to swap quinoa, use rice or couscous instead. - For cheese, try goat cheese or a dairy-free option. - You can mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They add color and taste. {{image_4}} You can easily make the filling even more colorful and tasty. Add more vegetables to the mixture. Some great options include diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Each adds a new layer of flavor and nutrition. Using different types of beans or lentils also works well. Try chickpeas or kidney beans for a change. Lentils add protein and a different texture. This way, you can make each batch unique and exciting. If you want more protein, consider adding ground meat or tofu. Ground turkey or beef gives a rich flavor. For a plant-based choice, crumbled tofu works great. You can also switch up the cheese. Instead of mozzarella, try feta or goat cheese. This adds a tangy twist to your zucchini boats. Experiment with herbs and spices to brighten the dish. Fresh basil or oregano can enhance the taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you love spice, try adding jalapeños. They give a kick that pairs well with the other flavors. This allows you to customize the dish to your liking. To store your leftover stuffed zucchini boats, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Make sure the boats are cool before sealing them. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. The air fryer is the best way to reheat stuffed zucchini boats. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and tasty. If you use a microwave, place the boats on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Check that they are warm all the way through. To freeze stuffed zucchini boats, let them cool completely first. Wrap each boat in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped boats in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave as mentioned above. You can easily swap quinoa for rice or couscous. Both options work great in this dish. Rice adds a nice chewy texture, while couscous cooks quickly. Choose what you like best, or use what you have on hand. Check if the zucchini is tender with a fork. It should pierce easily but not fall apart. A good sign is when the cheese is melted and bubbly. If it's too firm, give it another minute or two in the air fryer. Yes, you can prep these boats ahead of time. Stuff the zucchinis and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply air fry them until heated through. This makes meal prep easy and quick! Stuffed zucchini boats make a tasty and healthy meal. We covered main ingredients, seasonings, and a step-by-step guide. I shared tips for cooking and serving, plus fun variations to mix things up. You can store leftovers easily and even freeze them for later. Whether you choose to add protein or extra veggies, feel free to experiment. Enjoy this simple, delicious dish any night of the week!

Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Make mealtime exciting with Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini Boats! These delicious and healthy zucchini boats are filled with a savory mix of quinoa, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a light dinner or a fun side dish, they come together in just 25 minutes. Ready to elevate your cooking? Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips for a stunning presentation!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned)

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by thoroughly washing the zucchinis under cold water. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise, then use a teaspoon to carefully scoop out the seeds, creating hollow boats for the filling.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

      Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for cooking.

        Drizzle the hollowed zucchinis with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

          Taking a generous amount of the quinoa mixture, stuff each zucchini boat until they are well-filled, pressing lightly to ensure the filling adheres.

            Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini for a gooey finish.

              Arrange the stuffed zucchini boats in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. Air fry for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted with a lovely golden hue.

                Once cooked, use tongs to carefully remove the zucchini boats from the air fryer basket, placing them on a serving platter.

                  Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: For a vibrant display, serve the zucchini boats on a rustic wooden board, drizzled with a balsamic reduction or a squeeze of lime for extra flair. Enjoy!