20 Air Fryer Recipes Made For Single Servings
Cooking for one should feel easy, quick, and still completely delicious. With an air fryer, you can make craveable meals without leftovers taking over your fridge.
These single-serve ideas are fast, flexible, and perfect for nights when you want real flavor without a big cleanup. Grab your favorite seasonings and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting.
1. Single-Serve Chicken Tenders
Make a tiny batch of crunchy tenders that tastes like game-day takeout. Toss a few chicken strips in seasoned flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko for extra crunch.
Spray lightly with oil, air fry until the crumbs turn golden and the chicken is juicy.
Pull them hot and dunk right away in ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo. You get that satisfying crisp without a greasy mess or a giant tray.
Add carrot sticks or a pickle if you want freshness.
It is perfectly portioned. Cleanup is quick, and you get your crispy fix.
2. One Chicken Breast With Garlic Parmesan
This is the simple, protein-heavy dinner you can trust on a busy night. Pat a single chicken breast dry, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a drizzle of oil.
Air fry until juicy, then shower with fresh grated Parmesan while it is still hot.
The cheese melts slightly and clings to the garlicky crust. Add a squeeze of lemon and a handful of greens or leftover rice.
It tastes effortless yet complete.
If the breast is thick, butterfly it for even cooking. You will love how fast it lands on the plate, no drama, just dinner.
3. Salmon Filet With Lemon and Dill
One filet is all you need for a tender, feel-good dinner. Pat it dry, brush with a little oil, season with salt, pepper, and dill.
Lay lemon slices on top and air fry until the edges lightly caramelize and the center flakes easily.
The flavor feels bright and clean, like a restaurant moment at home. Serve with quick greens or microwave rice if you want a fuller plate.
It is minimal effort with maximum payoff.
Swap dill for parsley, Cajun seasoning, or garlic butter if that is your mood. Either way, it stays juicy and satisfying.
4. Shrimp With Cajun Seasoning
When you want dinner in minutes, shrimp always delivers. Toss a handful with oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and a pinch of brown sugar for caramelized edges.
Air fry just until pink and curled, then hit with lemon or lime.
Slide them into tacos, throw over a salad, or pile onto rice. The heat is friendly, not overwhelming, and you control every spice.
It is fast, juicy, and a little smoky.
Keep a bag of frozen shrimp on hand for emergencies. Thaw under cool water, pat dry, and you are basically there.
5. Single-Serve Steak Bites
Craving steak without the skillet mess. Cube a small steak portion, pat dry, and season boldly with salt, pepper, and garlic.
Air fry hot and fast until browned outside and blush inside.
Toss with a pat of butter and a dash of Worcestershire or soy for glossy flavor. Eat straight from the bowl or add to a quick salad.
The bites feel indulgent yet portioned just for you.
They reheat poorly, so this single batch is perfect. Finish with flaky salt and a squeeze of lemon for pop.
6. One Pork Chop
A single pork chop in the air fryer can be shockingly juicy. Rub with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and a whisper of brown sugar.
Air fry until the crust sets and the center hits your preferred temp.
Let it rest a few minutes to keep all the juices locked in. Add quick-sautéed apples or a spoon of mustard for balance.
It is weeknight-friendly and satisfying.
Bone-in or boneless works, just adjust time. You will get a savory, subtly sweet bite that feels like comfort with almost zero cleanup involved.
7. One Turkey Burger
Form one turkey patty with salt, pepper, garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire. Air fry until cooked through, then top with cheese for a final melty minute.
The patty stays moist without babysitting a skillet.
Slide onto a toasted bun with pickles and a swipe of mayo or mustard. Add avocado if you want creamy richness without extra fuss.
It tastes like a diner moment at home.
Turkey takes seasoning well, so do not be shy. You will love how neatly it cooks and how little cleanup follows.
8. One Sausage and Peppers Bowl
Slice one sausage link with peppers and onions for a colorful, quick bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Air fry until the sausage browns and the veggies soften with charred edges.
Eat it straight, spoon over rice, or tuck into a roll. The mix tastes hearty without feeling heavy, perfect for a solo dinner.
A little red wine vinegar or balsamic brightens everything.
Use chicken sausage for lighter vibes or spicy for extra kick. Either way, it is a fast win with minimal chopping and amazing aroma.
9. Mini Meatloaf (Personal Size)
Make comfort food without a week of leftovers. Mix a small portion of ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, and ketchup.
Shape into a mini loaf or a thick patty and air fry until browned and cooked through.
Glaze with ketchup or barbecue sauce for that classic, glossy top. The edges caramelize beautifully in the basket.
Serve with quick mashed potatoes or a handful of greens.
It is everything you want from meatloaf, just sized for tonight. You will appreciate the speed and how tender it stays.
10. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese (Single Sandwich)
Air frying makes grilled cheese practically hands-off. Butter two slices, layer your favorite cheese, and secure the sandwich with toothpicks if needed.
Air fry until the bread is golden and the middle is melty and stretchy.
Add tomato slices or a thin layer of ham to turn it into dinner. Dunk in tomato soup if you want peak comfort vibes.
It is crisp outside, gooey inside, and requires no flipping.
Choose sturdy bread so it stays neat. You get diner results while you tidy the counter or pour a drink.
11. Single Quesadilla Wedges
One tortilla, some cheese, and a few leftovers can become a perfect snack plate. Fold or top the tortilla, add shredded cheese and cooked meat or veggies.
Air fry until crisp and melty, then cut into wedges.
Serve with salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce. Every bite feels balanced and satisfying thanks to the crispy shell and stretchy middle.
It is quick, tidy, and endlessly customizable.
Use a burrito tortilla for bigger wedges, or a street-size for minis. Either way, it is done before you finish scrolling your feed.
12. One Personal Pizza (Tortilla or Flatbread)
Scratch the pizza itch fast with a tortilla or small flatbread. Spread sauce, scatter mozzarella, and add a few favorite toppings.
Air fry until the cheese bubbles and the edges turn crisp.
It is light, quick, and ideal when delivery feels excessive. Keep toppings minimal so it stays sturdy.
A fresh basil leaf or chili flakes on top makes it sing.
Try pesto, white sauce, or barbecue chicken if you are playful. The portion is perfect for one, leaving room for a small salad.
13. Single-Serve Nachos
Build a mini mountain of chips so every layer gets love. Scatter cheese between chips, then add beans, jalapenos, and leftover meat if you have it.
Air fry until the cheese fully melts and edges get toasty.
Finish with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. The portion stays crisp and balanced, not soggy or overwhelming.
It is snacky but still feels like dinner.
Use a small dish or foil boat for easy lifting. You get all the fun of bar nachos, customized and perfectly sized.
14. One Stuffed Bell Pepper
Make a full meal in one tidy package. Hollow a bell pepper and stuff it with a quick mix of cooked rice, ground meat or beans, spices, and cheese.
Air fry until the pepper softens and the top browns.
The result is cozy and complete without a sink full of dishes. Add a spoon of salsa or marinara for saucy vibes.
It reheats decently, but this size is made to vanish tonight.
Use quinoa or cauliflower rice if that fits your plan. It is hearty, colorful, and easy to tweak weekly.
15. One Baked Potato With Crispy Skin
Microwave a russet until mostly tender, then transfer to the air fryer. The skin goes shatter-level crisp while the inside stays fluffy.
Split it open and add butter, salt, pepper, and anything else you love.
Sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, or broccoli make it dinner-worthy. You get steakhouse vibes from a solo spud.
It is cheap, filling, and wildly satisfying.
Pierce the potato first so steam escapes safely. This method nails texture and saves time, making baked potatoes weeknight-friendly again.
16. One Sweet Potato (Crispy Outside, Soft Inside)
Sweet potatoes love the air fryer. Par-cook in the microwave, then crisp the skin in the basket.
The inside turns custardy while the outside develops caramel notes.
Top with cinnamon, chili, or a dab of Greek yogurt and hot honey. It walks the line between sweet and savory beautifully.
Add black beans or pulled chicken to turn it into a full meal.
It is comforting, nutrient-dense, and budget-friendly. Plus, cleanup is tiny, so you can relax after the last bite.
17. Single-Serve Brussels Sprouts
A handful of sprouts turns into restaurant-level crispness. Halve them, toss with oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic.
Air fry until the edges char and the centers stay tender.
Finish with lemon, Parmesan, or a drizzle of balsamic. The balance of tangy and savory keeps you reaching for more.
It is a quick way to make veggies feel exciting.
Add a few chopped almonds or bacon bits if you want crunch. Either way, this small batch disappears fast and pairs with anything.
18. Small Batch Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli gets gorgeous in the air fryer. Toss a handful of florets with oil, garlic salt, and pepper.
Air fry until the tips turn deeply browned and the stems stay crisp-tender.
Squeeze lemon over the top and maybe add red pepper flakes. The flavor is nutty, bright, and way more exciting than steamed.
It turns into a snack if you are not careful.
Use the leftover wedge of lemon from earlier recipes. This tiny batch slots next to any protein or stands alone as a crunchy bite.
19. One Dessert: Air Fryer Apple “Crumble”
Slice one apple, toss with cinnamon, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon. Mix quick oats with a bit of butter and brown sugar for topping.
Air fry until the fruit softens and the top turns toasty.
The aroma is peak cozy and the portion is perfect. Add a tiny scoop of vanilla if you want drama.
You get dessert without committing to a full pie.
Granny Smith brings tang, but any apple works. This is the kind of quick sweet that makes weeknights feel special.
20. One Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake Cup
Make a tiny lava cake that feels restaurant-fancy. Whisk a small amount of butter, chocolate, sugar, egg, and flour.
Pour into a greased ramekin and air fry just until the edges set and the middle stays molten.
Turn it out or eat straight from the cup. It is rich, warm, and perfect for solo dessert cravings.
A pinch of espresso powder deepens the chocolate beautifully.
Add flaky salt or a spoon of whipped cream. You will not miss bakery treats when this is minutes away.
