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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 cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish To make delicious air fryer stuffed zucchini boats, gather these ingredients first. Zucchinis are key for this dish. They hold the stuffing well and add a fresh taste. Quinoa provides a healthy base, packed with protein. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color to the mix. Black beans give extra fiber and depth, while corn adds a fun crunch. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on top, making each bite creamy. Olive oil adds richness and helps with cooking. Cumin and smoked paprika enhance flavors and give a warm spice. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste; they bring everything together. Finally, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a pop of color and freshness. Once you have these ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking! First, wash the zucchinis under cool water. This step helps remove dirt and pesticides. Next, cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh. Make sure to leave enough zucchini on the edges to form a sturdy boat. Set these hollowed zucchinis aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. This blend gives the stuffing its rich flavor. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Now, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, drizzle olive oil over the hollow zucchinis. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Next, stuff each zucchini boat with the quinoa mixture. Pack it lightly to keep it together. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini. Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. You want the zucchinis to be tender and the cheese to melt and turn golden. After cooking, carefully take the zucchini boats out of the air fryer. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. This adds a nice touch of color and flavor. To make sure your zucchinis cook evenly, choose medium-sized ones. They should be firm and not too big. Cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds gently, creating a nice boat shape. For a flavorful stuffing, mix different ingredients. Use cooked quinoa as a base. Add halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Season with cumin and smoked paprika. This combo gives great taste. Don't forget to salt and pepper the mix! One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave space between the zucchini boats. This helps them cook well. Another mistake is undercooking the zucchini. You want them tender, not crunchy. Cook them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Check for tenderness before serving. If they need more time, cook in small batches. {{image_2}} You can easily change the grains or proteins in your stuffed zucchini boats. For a different base, try using couscous, rice, or farro instead of quinoa. Each grain brings its own flavor and texture. For proteins, consider using chickpeas or lentils as a great swap for black beans. You can also mix up the veggies and cheese. Instead of cherry tomatoes, try bell peppers or spinach. You can even add mushrooms for an earthy taste. For cheese options, use feta, goat cheese, or even a dairy-free cheese. This lets you play with flavors and find what you love most. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, these boats can easily fit your needs. Simply skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. For the stuffing, you can add extra veggies or nuts to keep it hearty and satisfying. For gluten-free options, ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice. Just double-check any packaged items, like the black beans and corn, to avoid gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal that suits their diet. To keep your stuffed zucchini boats fresh, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. If you plan to eat them within three days, store them in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each zucchini boat in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to keep track. To reheat the stuffed zucchini boats, you have a few options. The best way is to use the air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini boats in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them warm and crisp again. You can also use a microwave. Place the boats on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes. Check if they are hot all the way through before eating. Zucchini boats take about 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. Cook them at 350°F (175°C). Check for tenderness and a golden cheese top. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Cheddar, feta, or even goat cheese work well. Each adds its own flavor and texture. The zucchini is done when it's tender and the cheese is melted. You can test it with a fork. If it goes in easily, it’s ready. Stuffed zucchini boats pair well with a salad or rice. You can also serve them with bread or a light dip. Yes, you can prepare the zucchini boats in advance. Just store them in the fridge. Cook them when you're ready to eat. Stuffed zucchini boats are simple and fun to make. You learned how to prepare them with fresh ingredients and flavorful spices. From prepping the zucchini to cooking them in the air fryer, each step matters. Remember, you can change the recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs. Avoid common mistakes for the best results. Finally, store leftovers properly and reheat them for a tasty meal. Enjoy your delicious and healthy creation!

Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Savor the flavors of health with these delicious Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini Boats! Packed with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and topped with melted mozzarella, these colorful boats are perfect for a quick and wholesome meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, they make a great side or main dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how easy it is to create this healthy delight at home!
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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 cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by washing the zucchinis. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon, creating hollow boats.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the ingredients evenly.

      Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

        Drizzle olive oil onto the hollowed zucchinis and season with salt and pepper.

          Stuff each zucchini boat generously with the quinoa mixture, packing it lightly to hold everything in place.

            Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini.

              Place the stuffed zucchini boats in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.

                Once cooked, carefully remove the zucchini boats from the air fryer.

                  Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

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