20 Delicious Air Fryer Recipes Perfect For One Person
Cooking for yourself doesn’t mean settling for boring meals or dealing with tons of leftovers. With an air fryer, you can whip up quick, crispy, and healthy dishes sized just right for one person.
I’ve gathered 20 mouthwatering recipes that are perfect when you’re flying solo in the kitchen but still want something special on your plate.
1. Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Coins
Sliced zucchini transforms into addictive little morsels with just a sprinkle of parmesan and a quick trip through the air fryer. I discovered this recipe during my single days when I needed to use up a lonely zucchini.
The coins get wonderfully crunchy on the outside while staying tender inside. Simply coat them in a bit of olive oil, dust with parmesan and Italian herbs, then air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes.
2. Personal Pepperoni Pizza
Nothing beats a personal pizza with a perfectly crispy crust and bubbling cheese on top. Using a small tortilla or naan bread as your base makes this a 5-minute wonder meal.
Spread on some marinara sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella and add a handful of pepperoni slices. Air fry at 370°F for just 4 minutes and watch the cheese turn golden and bubbly while the edges crisp up beautifully.
3. Stuffed Breakfast Potato
Mornings got a whole lot tastier with this protein-packed potato delight. Pierce a small russet potato several times, rub with oil and salt, then air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes.
My weekday routine changed forever when I discovered I could prep these potatoes ahead of time! Once cooked, slice open the potato, stuff with scrambled egg, cheese, and bacon bits, then pop back in for 2 minutes to melt everything together. Morning magic in minutes!
4. Honey Garlic Salmon Fillet
A single salmon fillet becomes restaurant-worthy with this sticky-sweet glaze. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, then brush over your salmon.
Air fry at 390°F for just 7-9 minutes depending on thickness. The honey caramelizes slightly while the fish stays perfectly moist inside.
Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
5. Crunchy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Vegetarian bar food that packs a punch! Toss cauliflower florets in a light batter made from flour, milk, and spices, then air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes.
I accidentally discovered these when trying to satisfy a wing craving during a meat-free Monday. After the initial cooking, brush with buffalo sauce and cook for 5 more minutes.
The result? Crispy, spicy, utterly addictive bites that won’t leave you with days of leftovers.
6. Juicy Turkey Burger
Skip the grill and still enjoy a perfectly cooked turkey burger for one. Season ground turkey with garlic powder, onion flakes, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, then form into a patty.
Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer seals in juices while still giving you those crispy edges.
Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a burger that’s actually sized for one person without dealing with extra patties.
7. Crispy Chickpea Snack Bowl
Transform a small portion of chickpeas into an addictive, protein-packed snack. Rinse and thoroughly dry half a can of chickpeas, then toss with olive oil and your favorite spice blend.
Air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. The chickpeas turn wonderfully crunchy! Last week I made a batch with smoked paprika and cumin that disappeared embarrassingly fast while I was binge-watching my favorite show.
8. Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Cap
A giant mushroom becomes a perfect vessel for a satisfying meal. Remove the stem from a large portobello cap, brush with olive oil, and air fry for 4 minutes at 370°F to pre-cook.
Fill with a mixture of cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and parmesan, then cook for another 6 minutes. The mushroom gets tender while the filling turns hot and bubbly.
This elegant meal requires just one mushroom cap but delivers big on flavor.
9. Apple Cinnamon Dessert For One
Satisfy your sweet tooth without baking an entire pie. Core a single apple and slice it into rings, then toss with cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Air fry at 350°F for just 7 minutes until tender but not mushy. The sugars caramelize beautifully! Serve warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a perfect portion-controlled dessert that tastes like apple pie without all the fuss.
10. Coconut Shrimp With Dipping Sauce
Restaurant-quality coconut shrimp without the deep fryer! Dip 8-10 large shrimp in beaten egg, then coat in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
Air fry at 390°F for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. The coconut toasts perfectly without burning. Mix sweet chili sauce with a squeeze of lime for a quick dipping sauce that complements the sweet coconut coating brilliantly.
11. Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Turn a handful of Brussels sprouts into a caramelized side dish or snack. Trim and halve about 8 sprouts, toss with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt.
Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway. The outer leaves get wonderfully crispy while the centers become tender.
I used to hate Brussels sprouts until I tried them this way – now I make them weekly as a solo side dish that doesn’t leave me with leftovers!
12. Crispy Tofu Cubes
Perfectly crispy tofu without using a whole block! Cut about 1/3 of a tofu block into cubes, press between paper towels to remove moisture, then toss with cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway. These crispy cubes are perfect for tossing into a stir-fry or salad.
Once, when I was super hungry after a workout, I ate them straight from the basket with a drizzle of sriracha – no regrets!
13. Homemade Potato Chips
Skip the bag and make just enough potato chips for yourself. Slice half a potato very thinly (use a mandoline if you have one), soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then pat completely dry.
Toss with a teaspoon of oil and your favorite seasonings. Air fry at 360°F for 15-20 minutes, checking and shaking frequently to prevent burning.
The result is a small batch of perfectly crispy chips with far less oil than store-bought versions.
14. Hasselback Sweet Potato
Elevate a humble sweet potato into something special with the hasselback technique. Make thin slices most of the way through a small sweet potato, brush with butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Air fry at 380°F for 35 minutes until tender. The butter and sugar create a wonderful caramelized glaze between the slices. My apartment smells like Thanksgiving whenever I make this single-serving treat, even in the middle of summer!
15. Crispy Falafel Patties
Whip up a small batch of falafel without deep frying or using the oven. Mix 1/2 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) with minced garlic, parsley, cumin, and a tablespoon of flour.
Form into 3-4 small patties and air fry at 370°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. They develop a wonderfully crispy exterior while staying moist inside.
Serve with a dollop of yogurt sauce for a protein-packed meal that’s perfectly portioned for one.
16. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Create restaurant-worthy shrimp tacos at home with minimal effort. Coat 8-10 peeled shrimp in a light dusting of cornstarch seasoned with paprika and garlic powder.
Air fry at 400°F for just 6 minutes until crispy. While they cook, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for the bang bang sauce.
Load up two small tortillas with the crispy shrimp, drizzle with sauce, and top with shredded cabbage for a dinner that feels special even when eating solo.
17. Stuffed Bell Pepper
One bell pepper makes the perfect edible bowl for a complete meal. Cut the top off a pepper, remove seeds, and stuff with a mixture of cooked rice, browned ground turkey, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes until the pepper softens and the cheese melts. The pepper gets tender while maintaining its shape, and the filling heats through perfectly.
I started making these during my meal prep days – one pepper is exactly right for dinner with no leftovers to manage.
18. Chocolate Lava Cake For One
Satisfy chocolate cravings with a perfectly portioned molten cake. Mix 3 tablespoons each of flour, sugar, and cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of milk, and a splash of vanilla.
Pour into a small ramekin and place a piece of chocolate in the center. Air fry at 320°F for just 7-8 minutes. The cake will be set around the edges but gloriously gooey in the middle.
Last Valentine’s Day, I made this for myself and honestly didn’t miss having a date!
19. Mediterranean Chicken Thigh
A single chicken thigh becomes a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Rub the thigh with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and lemon zest, then air fry at 380°F for 15 minutes.
In the last 5 minutes, add a handful of cherry tomatoes and olives to the basket. The chicken skin gets wonderfully crispy while the tomatoes burst, creating a natural sauce.
Serve with a sprinkle of feta cheese for a simple yet sophisticated solo dinner.
20. Avocado Fries
Turn half an avocado into a crunchy-creamy treat. Slice a firm avocado into wedges, dip in beaten egg, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of Parmesan.
Air fry at 370°F for just 7 minutes until golden and crispy outside. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the creamy avocado inside is mind-blowing!
During my low-carb phase, these became my go-to replacement for regular fries – they’re that good.