Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

These Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins are packed with that perfect chocolate flavor and are super moist and rich. They take just a few minutes to put together, and are made in your humble Air Fryer.

The versatile zucchini blends perfectly with the intense flavors of the chocolate, and together they make for an incredible healthy snack or dessert. You can think of these as zucchini bread muffins, because their textures just turn out similar to zucchini bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Use Up Veggies: I’m a big hoarder when it comes to fresh produce, and these zucchini muffins were the perfect way to use up all of those extra zucchinis I had at hand.
• Sweet & Healthy: My favorite part about this recipe is the fact that while it is a sweet treat, it actually manages to pack in a healthy veggie too, which makes it a great choice for kids too.
• Tasty: These muffins are a level up on the classic zucchini bread recipe which you would usually turn to when you’ve got some extra zucchini to work with.

Recipe Ingredients

To make these zucchini muffins, here’s what you’ll need.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the main structure for the muffins.
• Cocoa powder: Imparts a rich, chocolatey flavor and dark color.
• Sugar: Sweetens the muffins, enhancing their overall taste.
• Baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise properly, resulting in a soft and spongy texture.
• Egg: Adds moisture and richness to the muffins.
• Salted butter: Infuses the muffins with a creamy richness.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors, adding a hint of aromatic sweetness.
• Whole milk: Helps combine the ingredients into a smooth batter.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Provide delightful bursts of melted chocolate in each bite.
• Zucchini: Forms part of the muffin base, adding structure and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

Once you have all your ingredients ready, here’s what you’ll need to do to make these healthy chocolate chip zucchini muffins.

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

Mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Mix.

Step 3: Combine Both Mixtures

Slowly add the dry mixture to the liquid and mix until fully incorporated. 

Step 4: Add Shredded Zucchini to the Mixture

Peel and shred the zucchini using a fine cheese grater. Add shredded zucchini to the batter and fold it in.

Step 5: Preheat Air Fryer

Pre-heat the air fryer at 350°f

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips.

Step 7: Pour Muffin Batter into Prepared Muffin Cups

Spray jumbo muffin liners and fill 3/4 way full. Top batter with 4-5 chocolate chips and place in the air fryer basket. 

Step 8: Bake Until Toothpick Inserted Comes out Clean

Cook at 350°f for 12 minutes or until fully cooked. Use a toothpick to stick in the middle of a muffin. If you have batter on it when you pull it out continue to cook and test every minute until the zucchini chocolate chip muffins are fully cooked. 

Step 9: Let Cool on a Wire Rack

Remove and let cool before removing from muffin liners.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Enjoy and store on the counter for 5 days, or the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 

Expert Tips

Ready to try out these zuchinni chocolate chip muffins? Here are some more tips and tricks you might want to note down.

• I used all purpose flour for this recipe, but you could use whole wheat flour instead if you want the muffins to be healthier.
• If you have any leftover batter, you can also use the batter made using whole wheat flour and use it to make zucchini bread.
• I used butter, but if you’re looking for make a vegan version of this zucchini muffin recipe, you can use olive oil, coconut oil or any vegetable oil of your choice as a substitute.
• To substitute the egg, you can use some unsweetened applesauce.
• For the whole milk that the recipe calls for, you can use almond milk or any dairy free milk of your choice. Orange juice is also another great option.
• If you’re using baking soda for the recipe, remember to check the proportion as baking soda and baking powder aren’t the perfect swap for each other proportion-wise.
• I would recommend removing the excess water from the grated zucchini before you add it into the muffin mixture.
• Also remember to grease the muffin cup well or just use paper liners or cupcake liners to make these zucchini muffins.
• You can also choose to bake these in the oven as opposed to your Air Fryer. Just remember to grease your muffin pan or muffin tin well before you pour in the mixture.

Variations

• You could also add some chopped walnuts into the zucchini mixture to bring a bit of texture to these muffins.
• Dark chocolate chips are another fantastic addition- you can use them instead of regular chocolate chips to bring some more intense flavors to these zucchini chocolate chip muffins.
• In fact, you can also top the zucchini bread mixture with some mini chocolate chips if you want to.

storage Instructions

• Fridge: Since these zucchini muffins are made using shredded zucchini, you may want to store them in the refrigerator or freeze them to keep them fresh. Simply remove the zucchini chocolate chip muffins from the muffin pan and transfer them to an airtight container before you refrigerate them. Store for 2-3 days.
• Freeze: Yes! This zucchini muffin recipe is freezer friendly too! Simply remove the zucchini chocolate chip muffins from the muffin pan and transfer them to an airtight container before you refrigerate them. Freeze for up to 4 months.

What To Serve With This Recipe?

• Fresh Fruit: Serve the muffins with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and moist zucchini.
• Yogurt or Whipped Cream: Enjoy the muffins with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a creamy and indulgent addition.
• Nut Butter: Spread almond butter or peanut butter on the muffins for a protein-rich option that adds a nutty flavor complementing the chocolate chips.
• Instant Pot Hot Chocolate: Pair the muffins with a comforting cup of homemade instant pot hot chocolate for a warm and indulgent treat.
• Cheese: Serve the muffins alongside a cheese platter with varieties like mild cheddar or creamy brie for a savory contrast to the sweet muffins.

FAQ’S

Best Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

If you enjoyed these zucchini chocolate chip muffins and are inspired to try some more tasty recipes, why not try some Maple Sugar Cookies or make some Vegan Marshmallows to go in your mug of hot cocoa? That would go perfect with cookies or muffins!

More Healthy Recipes

• Mediterranean Green Bean Salad
• Best Vegan Waffles With Pumpkin
• Avocado Salad
• Pistachio Bundt Cake