22-Minute Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats – Irresistible!

Let me tell you about my new obsession – these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats that have saved my weeknight dinners more times than I can count! Picture this: it’s 6pm, the kids are hangry, and I’ve got zero energy for complicated cooking. That’s when these little flavor-packed boats come to the rescue. They’re ready in under 30 minutes (yes, really!), packed with protein from the chicken, and low-carb thanks to the zucchini base. The best part? That spicy buffalo sauce mixed with melty cheese creates this magical combo that makes you forget you’re eating vegetables. Trust me, even my picky eater asks for seconds!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – just a handful of ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch! You’ll need:

• 2 medium zucchinis (look for firm ones – they hold their shape better)
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (I use rotisserie chicken when I’m really in a hurry)
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to)
• 1/4 cup packed shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better!)
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (don’t skip this – it makes the magic happen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect golden crisp)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

See? Nothing crazy – just honest ingredients that work together like a dream. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t let the fancy name fool you – these zucchini boats are ridiculously easy to make. I’ve made this recipe so many times I could probably do it with my eyes closed (though I don’t recommend that with sharp knives involved!).

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

First things first – grab those zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Now here’s my pro tip: use a spoon to scoop out the centers, but leave about a 1/4-inch border all around. Any thinner and your boats might sink (trust me, I learned this the hard way!). You want them sturdy enough to hold all that buffalo chicken goodness.

Step 2: Season and Fill the Boats

Now, take that olive oil and brush it all over your zucchini boats – this is what gives them that gorgeous golden color. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper like you’re seasoning your favorite steak. Mix your shredded chicken with that glorious buffalo sauce (I usually go for a 2:1 ratio, but adjust to your spice preference). Pile that mixture high into your zucchini boats – don’t be shy!

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Top with both cheeses (this is non-negotiable in my house) and pop them into your preheated air fryer at 375°F. In about 10-12 minutes, you’ll have melty, bubbly cheese and tender zucchini that still has a bit of bite to it. The smell? Absolutely intoxicating!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Let me count the ways these little boats will steal your heart (and your dinner routine)!

• Lightning fast – Ready in under 22 minutes from fridge to table (perfect for those “I forgot to plan dinner” nights)
• Low-carb magic – All the buffalo chicken flavor you crave without the carb crash
• Spice it your way – Add more buffalo sauce for heat lovers, less for the kiddos
• Rotisserie chicken hack – Uses pre-cooked chicken for zero-stress prep
• Cheese pull perfection – That melty cheddar-blue cheese combo is downright addictive

Seriously – these are the weeknight heroes you didn’t know you needed!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

After making these at least a dozen times (okay, maybe two dozen), I’ve learned some tricks to make them perfect every time! First – pat those zucchini halves dry with a paper towel before stuffing them. Zucchinis hold lots of water, and this little step prevents sogginess. Second, don’t be afraid to adjust the buffalo sauce to your taste (my husband douses his in extra hot sauce – yikes!). And here’s my golden rule: always preheat your air fryer! Those few extra minutes make all the difference for even cooking and that perfect cheese melt. Oh, and one more thing – let them rest for 2 minutes after cooking. It’s hard to wait, but it helps the flavors settle beautifully!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch things up! If blue cheese isn’t your thing (I get it – that tang isn’t for everyone), try ranch dressing instead. Swap the cheddar for mozzarella if you want more stretchy cheese pulls. Feeling extra hungry? Mix in some cauliflower rice with the chicken for bigger portions. Vegetarian? Use chickpeas instead of chicken – just mash them slightly so they hold together. The possibilities are endless, which is why this recipe never gets old in my kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve these spicy little boats! For the full buffalo wing experience, I always put out extra celery sticks and a small bowl of that glorious buffalo sauce for dipping. A simple side salad with ranch dressing cools everything down perfectly. Some nights when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a pile of crisp carrot sticks too – because why not double down on the veggie goodness? The leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) make a killer lunch the next day!

Storage and Reheating

Now let’s talk about leftovers – because let’s be honest, you might want to double this recipe once you taste these! Store any extra boats in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, skip the microwave (trust me, it makes them soggy) and pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. The cheese will get all melty again, and the zucchini keeps that perfect texture – almost like you just made them fresh!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these delicious zucchini boats! (Remember, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts might vary depending on your ingredients.) Each stuffed zucchini half comes in at about 210 calories, packing 18g of protein to keep you full. You’re looking at 12g of fat (4g saturated), 8g carbs with 2g fiber, and just 3g of sugar. With 580mg sodium from that tasty buffalo sauce, these make a satisfying meal that won’t wreck your diet. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these if I don’t have an air fryer? Absolutely! Just pop them in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes. You won’t get quite the same crispness, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh? Oh honey, don’t do it! Frozen zucchini turns into a watery mess – trust me, I learned this the hard way one desperate winter night. Fresh is definitely the way to go here.

How can I kick up the heat? Want more fire? Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to your buffalo chicken mixture or splash in some extra hot sauce. My brother-in-law likes to add sliced jalapeños on top before baking – now that’s living dangerously!

Alright, my fellow food adventurers – it’s your turn to take these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats for a spin! I can’t wait to hear how they turn out in your kitchen. Did you go extra spicy? Try a crazy cheese combo? Maybe you discovered the perfect side dish pairing? Drop your creations and clever twists in the comments below – I read every single one (and might just steal your brilliant ideas for my next batch!). Now get cooking and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner!

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