How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?

Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.

How do I know the zucchinis is done?

Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

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Vegetarian

Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Name: Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Juice of half a lemon

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Mar 31, 2026 · Updated Jun 16, 2026

Mediterranean 25 mins air-fryer-friendlyvegetariangluten-freehealthyeasycrispfamily-friendlyweeknight-dinner30-minutes-or-lesslow-carbsavoryv2

Discover a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe with these Air Fryer Stuffed Zucchini Boats. Filled with a savory blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and tangy cheeses, this crispy, low-carb, gluten-free dish is perfect for a healthy, quick, and family-friendly weeknight dinner.

Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Prep 10 min

Cook 15 min

Total 25 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Ingredients

Servings 4

4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of half a lemon

Ingredients for Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh from each zucchini half to create boats, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the scooped zucchini flesh and chop it finely.
Brush the zucchini boats lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh and cook for another 4 minutes until softened.
Add the quartered cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and basil.
Transfer the vegetable mixture into a medium bowl and fold in the crumbled feta and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Fill each zucchini boat generously with the prepared mixture, pressing down lightly to pack the filling.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the stuffed zucchini boats for a delicious, crisp topping.
Place zucchini boats carefully into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden and crisp on top.
Remove carefully and let cool for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats cooking in the air fryer

Tips

Air Fryer Model Notes

Cook Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.

Crispiness Control

Pat the zucchinis dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.

Doneness Cues

Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats ahead of time?: You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?: Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
How do I know the zucchinis is done?: Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

Ingredient Replacements

Customize your Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats recipe with these ingredient substitutions to suit dietary needs or availability:

Zucchini: Substitute yellow squash or halved eggplant for comparable texture and flavor.
Feta Cheese: Use goat cheese or ricotta for milder taste. For dairy-free or vegan diets, try crumbled firm tofu or plant-based cheese alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast provides cheesy flavor for vegan or dairy-free options.
Olive Oil: Avocado oil or melted coconut oil maintain healthy fats and work well.
Cherry Tomatoes: Replace with diced red bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are unavailable.
Onion and Garlic: Shallots or garlic-infused oil offer milder flavors or alternatives for those avoiding fresh alliums.

These replacements preserve the recipe's air-fryer-friendly, gluten-free, low-carb profile while accommodating vegan, dairy-free, and other dietary preferences.

Storage

Store leftover Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.

Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Air Fryer Mediterranean Herb and Garlic Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions