Air Fryer Crispy Cottage Cheese Pizza Zucchini Boats
A high-protein, low-carb fusion dish using hollowed zucchini halves as vessels for a creamy cottage cheese mixture, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. Air frying ensures a tender vegetable base with golden, bubbly cheese in under 25 minutes, making it a fast and nutritious weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 medium zucchini, 1 cup low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Slice zucchini in half lengthwise
Scoop out centers to create hollows
Pat zucchini boats dry with paper towels
Whisk cottage cheese with Italian seasoning and garlic powder
Spoon the mixture into each zucchini boat
Spread 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each boat
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (180°C) for 3 minutes
Place boats in air fryer basket in a single layer
Air fry for 12-15 minutes until bubbly and golden
Notes
Choose firm zucchini to maintain structure during cooking
Ensure marinara is low sugar for optimal flavor balance
Let cheese slightly set before serving to avoid spillage
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini half
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg