Sometimes, one is the perfect number—especially when the craving hits and you want something hot, fresh, and all your own.
The air fryer makes it easy to whip up solo meals without turning on the oven or washing a sink full of pans.
Whether you’re cooking for one by choice or by chance, these recipes are fast, flavor-packed, and designed with zero waste in mind. From crispy bites to cozy bowls, every dish is just the right size and full of satisfying joy.
1. Crispy Chicken Thigh With Garlic Butter
Juicy, bone-in chicken thigh gets coated in garlic butter and air-fried until the skin turns crackly and golden. The inside stays moist, with every bite rich and savory.
Good for a no-fuss dinner that feels indulgent. Serve with a small salad or roasted veggies on the side.
2. Air Fryer Salmon With Lemon And Dill
A fillet of salmon cooks to tender perfection in minutes, finished with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon. The edges caramelize while the center stays silky.
It’s light, fresh, and elegant enough to feel like a treat. Great for a weeknight or when you want something clean.
3. BBQ Cauliflower Bites
Tossed in smoky barbecue sauce and crisped up until tender inside with a slight char, these cauliflower bites are snacky and bold. They hit that sweet-spicy balance just right.
One bowl, one bite at a time—it’s plant-based comfort with a kick. Dunk in ranch or serve with crisp celery.
4. Mini Personal Pan Pizza
A small round of dough gets layered with marinara, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. The air fryer turns the crust golden and the cheese bubbly in no time.
It’s pizza night without leftovers. Built for one, but good enough to make again tomorrow.
5. Breaded Shrimp With Spicy Mayo
Crunchy panko-coated shrimp crisp up quickly and taste like they came straight from a beach shack. A dollop of sriracha mayo adds heat and creaminess.
Seafood with flair that doesn’t need a crowd. Make it a solo surf night, and don’t skip the squeeze of lime.
6. Stuffed Portobello Mushroom
A giant mushroom cap becomes the base for melty cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, and herbs. The edges roast while the center turns warm and flavorful.
It’s earthy, satisfying, and surprisingly filling. Ideal for a low-carb dinner that still feels hearty.
7. Air Fryer Veggie Quesadilla
A tortilla packed with peppers, onions, and melted cheese crisps up into a golden triangle of comfort. It’s fast, melty, and perfectly foldable.
Cut into wedges or keep it whole. Dip it in salsa or sour cream—either way, it’s snack-meal gold.
8. Single-Serve Breakfast Frittata
Eggs, veggies, and a little cheese bake into a fluffy, golden round that pops right out of a ramekin. It’s quick, customizable, and makes mornings feel special.
Eat it with toast or fresh fruit. Who says you can’t have brunch for one?
9. Baked Potato With Crispy Skin
The outside turns beautifully crisp while the inside stays fluffy and soft. Just add butter, sour cream, or cheese, and it becomes a full-blown treat.
It’s simple and satisfying, especially on a cool evening. One potato, one fork, no regrets.
10. Falafel Patties With Yogurt Dip
Golden on the outside, tender and herb-packed inside, these chickpea patties are perfect with a dollop of lemony yogurt. No deep-frying required.
Crisp and flavorful with just the right spice, they’re perfect tucked into pita or eaten on their own.
11. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup Cup
A melty grilled cheese crisps up perfectly while a little mug of tomato soup warms on the side. It’s the best kind of comfort food pairing—downsized.
Cozy and nostalgic, this combo hits just right on rainy afternoons. Dip, crunch, smile.
12. Sweet Potato Fries With Avocado Dip
Sweet potato strips roast to crisp edges with a dash of paprika and salt. Creamy mashed avocado with lime makes the perfect cool companion.
A snack that’s just the right mix of salty and sweet. Great when you want fries but not the fuss.
13. Cheesy Eggplant Parmesan Stack
Thick slices of eggplant layer with marinara and melty mozzarella until they’re bubbling and golden. It’s rich, saucy, and full of Italian flavor.
All the taste of classic Parm—just right for one. Add a fork and a sprinkle of basil.
14. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Tender bites of chicken coated in spicy Buffalo sauce get wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a fiery, finger-friendly dish. A drizzle of ranch cools things down.
Great for low-carb lunches or quick dinners with a kick. Bold, clean, and ready in under 15 minutes.
15. Air-Fried Turkey Meatballs
Juicy turkey meatballs brown up beautifully and stay tender inside. Add a touch of garlic and herbs, and they shine with or without sauce.
Serve with a side of pasta or eat them solo with a little marinara for dipping. Protein-packed and totally portable.
16. Crispy Tofu With Honey Soy Glaze
Tofu cubes crisp up until golden, then get tossed in a sticky-sweet soy glaze with just a hint of garlic. The outside has crunch, the inside stays tender.
Excellent over rice or salad—or eaten right off the fork. Fast, flavorful, and meat-free.
17. Mini Chicken Pot Pie
Flaky puff pastry tops a bubbling cup of chicken, peas, and creamy sauce. The crust bakes golden while the filling turns warm and comforting.
It’s cozy, classic, and all yours. No sharing, just digging in.
18. Fried Rice Bowl With Veggies And Egg
Leftover rice meets quick-sautéed veggies and a fried egg, all crisped up in the air fryer. Soy sauce and sesame oil add depth and flavor.
Fast, filling, and better than takeout. Great for using what’s in the fridge without making a mess.
19. Cinnamon Apple Slices With Oat Crumble
Hollowed zucchini halves get filled with marinara, spices, and a hidden chunk of melty mozzarella inside. The top bubbles and browns while the zucchini softens just enough.
It’s cheesy, saucy, and low-carb without feeling like a compromise. A fork-and-knife kind of snack.