Air Fryer Zucchini Boats with Smoky Corn, Cotija, and Lime Crema
♨️ Air Fryer
Easy

Air Fryer Zucchini Boats with Smoky Corn, Cotija, and Lime Crema

An original recipe featuring tender zucchini cooked in the air fryer and filled with a vibrant mixture of corn, red onion, smoked paprika, and cotija cheese, finished with a fresh lime crema and cilantro. They turn out golden, juicy, and full of creamy-crisp contrast.

20 minPrep
16 minCook
36 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 4 approx. 800 g medium zucchini (cut a lo largo)
  • 180 g corn kernels (fresh or descongelados)
  • 80 g crumbled cotija cheese (divided)
  • 60 g red onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (chopped finely)
  • 120 ml sour cream (for the cream of lima)
  • 30 ml mayonnaise (for the cream of lima)
  • 1 1 unit lime (2 tbsp de jugo, divididos)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 4 g smoked paprika
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 5 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 10 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 30 g panko breadcrumbs (for acabado crujiente)

Nutrition facts

per serving

220 kcal
Calories
7 g
Protein
16 g
Carbs
15 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
13 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyEggs

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

  2. 2

    Slice the zucchini lengthwise and, using a spoon, scoop out some of the flesh to form boats. Finely chop the scooped zucchini flesh.

  3. 3

    In a bowl, combine the chopped zucchini flesh with the corn kernels, red onion, garlic, 40 g cotija cheese, smoked paprika, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice, 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt, and 1/4 tsp (1 g) black pepper.

  4. 4

    Brush the zucchini boats with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season them with the remaining salt and black pepper.

  5. 5

    Fill each zucchini boat with the corn mixture. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining cotija cheese over the top.

  6. 6

    Arrange the filled zucchini in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the tops are golden.

  7. 7

    While they cook, make the lime crema by mixing the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest, and the remaining tablespoon of lime juice until smooth.

  8. 8

    When the boats come out of the air fryer, let them rest for 2 minutes. Finish with the lime crema and chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Chef tips

If your zucchini are very large, increase the cooking time by 2 to 4 minutes. For a deeper golden finish, add 1 to 2 extra minutes in the air fryer and watch closely.

Substitutions

You can swap cotija for feta if preferred. Cilantro can be replaced with parsley, and the panko can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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