These air fryer courgettes with grated mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes make a healthy, bite-sized snack that’s nutritious and delicious. Courgettes are low in calories, high in antioxidants, and packed with fibre. Making them a great choice for anyone looking to eat a wholesome snack. I’ve found that smaller courgettes with darker skin tend to have more flavour and nutrients, making them perfect for this recipe.
Not only are courgettes packed with nutrition, but they also provide a wonderful base for a variety of fillings. Making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving them at your next gathering or enjoying them as a quick and healthy snack, these air-fryer stuffed courgettes are sure to be a hit. The combination of creamy mozzarella and tangy sundried tomatoes in the tender courgette boats creates a flavour explosion. The mozzarella melts beautifully, providing a rich and gooey contrast to the slightly savoury courgette. While the sundried tomatoes add a delightful tanginess.
These stuffed courgettes are incredibly easy to prepare, making them the perfect option when you’re looking for a quick snack or appetizer. The air fryer ensures a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavourful, and with the added benefit of using less oil, they’re a healthier option compared to traditional frying methods.
These stuffed courgettes are ideal for a variety of occasions. They make an excellent appetizer for dinner parties, a nutritious snack for kids, or even a light lunch option. Their vibrant colours and appealing presentation are sure to impress your guests, making them a favourite in your household. With their fantastic taste and health benefits, these air fryer stuffed courgettes are a must-try!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 8 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and paper towel.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Courgettes
2 Courgettes, sliced
Sun dried tomatoes, finely chopped
Grated Mozzarella
Gem Lettuce leaves
Olive oil or a light vegetable oil spray
Red chilli, finely sliced
Method
To start, I took a couple of fresh courgettes and sliced them in half widthways. Then cut each half lengthways to create four even pieces. This shape makes them perfect for stuffing later. Once they were cut, I used a paper towel to gently pat them dry, removing any excess moisture. This step is important to help them crisp up nicely during air frying.
Next, using a small spoon, I carefully scooped out the soft, seeded centre of each courgette piece. This left me with little hollowed-out courgette “boats” that were ready for filling. I didn’t want to waste the scooped-out insides, so I set them aside to use in a courgette soup I’m planning to make later. Perfect for minimising waste and adding flavour to another dish.
So for the filling, I finely chopped a handful of sun-dried tomatoes. These add a rich, tangy depth of flavour, and grated some fresh mozzarella for that satisfying melt. I spooned the mixture into each courgette boat. Pack it down gently to make sure they were generously filled.
To help everything crisp up in the air fryer, I gave the stuffed courgettes a light spray of vegetable oil before placing them into the air fryer drawer. I set the temperature to 180°C and cooked them for around 8 minutes, giving them a quick check halfway through to ensure they were cooking evenly and the cheese was melting just right.
Once done, I served them straight away on a plate alongside some crisp little gem lettuce leaves, a few slices of red chilli for a bit of heat, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a fresh finish. They were delicious – light, flavourful, and so easy to make.
Tips for Air Fryer Courgettes
1. Choose firm, medium courgettes
Look for courgettes (zucchini) that are firm and similar in size so that they will cook evenly. Avoid ones that are overly large or soft as they can become too watery during cooking.
2. Scoop carefully
Halve the courgettes lengthways and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the centre, leaving a border. Don’t dig too deep, but just enough to create a well for the filling while keeping the structure intact.
3. Use the flesh in your filling
Don’t throw away the scooped-out courgette flesh! Chop it finely and mix it into your stuffing as it adds moisture and reduces waste.
4. Pre-cook your filling
If you’re using ingredients like mince, rice, or lentils, cook them beforehand. This ensures everything is fully cooked and avoids soggy courgettes.
5. Add flavour boosters
Incorporate garlic, herbs, spices, tomato paste, or crumbled feta into your filling for a punch of flavour. You can even add breadcrumbs and cheese on top for a crispy, golden finish.
6. Preheat the air fryer
If you have time then it is always a good idea to preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for about 2 or 3 minutes. A hot air fryer will help start the roasting process immediately, giving the courgettes a slightly crisped edge.
7. Don’t overcrowd
Arrange courgette boats in a single layer so the hot air can circulate. Cook them in batches if needed for best results.
8. Check doneness
Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the courgette is tender and the top is golden. Thicker fillings may need a couple of extra minutes.
Stuffed courgettes are endlessly customisable so try them with Mediterranean veg, cheesy rice, or spicy sausage!
Similar recipes
If you love these healthy air fryer courgette, you may like my easy air fryer courgette kebabs, the air fryer stuffed tomato or my air fryer aubergine recipe.
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