43 Air Fryer Recipes for Two
Scaled for two people, no leftovers and no wasted energy.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Illustration generated to show a typical finished result. It is not a photograph of a specific batch we cooked.
A standard 4-5 litre basket is almost exactly the right size for two people, which makes this the portion an air fryer is best at. Everything below is scaled for two without leftovers, and cooks in one basket with no batching.
All 43 air fryer recipes for two
Air Fryer Apple Chips
150°C · 15-20 min
Naturally sweet, crisp apple chips with a dusting of cinnamon. A wholesome snack with no added sugar. Cooks at 150°C / 300°F for 15-20 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Artichokes
190°C · 12-16 min
Tender, lemony artichokes with crisped, golden leaves ready for dipping. The air fryer finishes steamed artichokes with a lovely char, making an impressive starter that is far simpler than it looks. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Baked Oats
160°C · 12-16 min
Soft, cake-like baked oats that feel like dessert for breakfast. Easy to customise with banana, berries or chocolate chips. Cooks at 160°C / 320°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Breakfast Sandwich
180°C · 6-9 min
A hot breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and your choice of bacon or sausage, all made quickly in the air fryer. Cooks at 180°C / 350°F for 6-9 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Burrito
190°C · 8-10 min
A stuffed tortilla packed with beans, rice, cheese and beef, crisped in the air fryer for a shatteringly crunchy shell. No soggy wraps here, just a golden crust around a warm, melty filling. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
200°C · 15-18 min
Thick slabs of cauliflower roasted until the edges caramelise and the centre turns tender and sweet. The air fryer chars them like a griddle without heating the oven, making a striking meat-free centrepiece in under twenty minutes. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 15-18 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Chimichanga
200°C · 8-10 min
A deep-fried burrito reborn: a chicken and cheese filled tortilla air fried to blistered, crackling perfection with barely any oil. All the crunch of the restaurant classic without the grease. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Cod
190°C · 10-12 min
Flaky, tender cod with a lightly seasoned top and almost no cleanup. This is one of the easiest air fryer fish dinners and works for weeknights, bowls and tacos. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Cornish Hen
190°C · 30-38 min
A whole little Cornish hen roasts to golden, crisp-skinned perfection, ideal for an elegant dinner for two. The compact air fryer cooks it faster than the oven while keeping the delicate meat succulent and full of flavour. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 30-38 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Crab Legs
190°C · 6-8 min
Sweet, succulent crab legs steamed in their own shells and brushed with garlic butter. The air fryer heats them through gently and evenly for a restaurant-style treat at home. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Duck Breast
180°C · 12-16 min
Rich duck breast with rendered crisp skin and a rosy pink centre, restaurant quality at home. The air fryer renders the fat efficiently for that signature crackly skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Cooks at 180°C / 360°F for 12-16 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Duck Legs
175°C · 35-45 min
Meltingly tender duck legs with shatteringly crisp skin, an easy alternative to slow confit. The air fryer renders the fat gently then crisps the skin to golden perfection, giving you a rich, indulgent dinner for two. Cooks at 175°C / 350°F for 35-45 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Filet Mignon
200°C · 9-13 min
Filet mignon is prized for its buttery tenderness, and the air fryer makes it foolproof. Even heat builds a lovely crust while keeping the lean centre blushing pink, so this restaurant cut becomes an easy midweek treat. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 9-13 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza
180°C · 6-8 min
Crisp flatbread pizza with bubbling cheese and a quick cook time. Perfect when you want pizza flavour with almost no effort. Cooks at 180°C / 350°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Gammon Steak
190°C · 8-11 min
Gammon steaks cook to juicy, golden perfection in the air fryer, an ideal quick supper with egg or pineapple. The dry heat caramelises the edges of the cured pork while keeping the middle tender. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-11 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Haddock
190°C · 10-12 min
Flaky haddock with a lightly crisped top and delicate texture. Quick, clean and ideal with vegetables, chips or salad. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Ham Steak
190°C · 7-10 min
Hot, caramelised ham steak with crisped edges in under 10 minutes. Ideal for a speedy meal with eggs, potatoes or vegetables. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 7-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
190°C · 8-10 min
Flaky salmon with a glossy honey garlic glaze and a lightly caramelised finish. Simple ingredients, big flavour and almost no cleanup. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Hot Pockets
190°C · 10-13 min
Frozen filled pockets turn crisp and golden in the air fryer, with none of the microwave sogginess. The result is a shatteringly crisp crust and a piping-hot, melty centre every time. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-13 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Lava Cakes
180°C · 8-10 min
Rich chocolate lava cakes with a gooey centre and tender outer sponge. An easy impressive dessert for date night or dinner parties. Cooks at 180°C / 350°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Lobster Tail
190°C · 6-8 min
Butterflied lobster tails brushed with lemon garlic butter and air fried until the meat is sweet, tender and just opaque. An impressive date-night dish that is genuinely simple. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Naan Pizza
180°C · 6-8 min
Fast naan pizzas with crisp edges, chewy middles and bubbling cheese. One of the quickest meals you can make in the air fryer. Cooks at 180°C / 350°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Omelette
175°C · 8-10 min
A fluffy, fuss-free omelette cooked in a small tin in the air fryer, so there is no pan to babysit and no flipping. The circulating heat sets the eggs evenly while the cheese melts and the fillings warm through. Cooks at 175°C / 350°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Pear Chips
150°C · 15-20 min
Naturally sweet pear chips with crisp edges and delicate fruit flavour. A lovely snack that feels a bit different from apple chips. Cooks at 150°C / 300°F for 15-20 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Pizza
180°C · 7-10 min
Crisp-base personal pizza with bubbly cheese and fast weeknight appeal. Air fryer pizza is brilliant for flatbreads, naan pizzas and small homemade dough rounds. Cooks at 180°C / 350°F for 7-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Quesadillas
180°C · 6-8 min
Crisp tortillas with gooey melted cheese and endless filling options. An ultra-fast lunch, snack or lazy dinner. Cooks at 180°C / 350°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
200°C · 10-14 min
A well-marbled ribeye turns out beautifully in the air fryer, with a deep crust and juicy pink centre. The rapid circulating heat sears the fat and locks in flavour without a smoking hot pan or a splattered hob. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 10-14 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Scallops
200°C · 5-7 min
Tender scallops with lightly golden tops in just minutes. One of the fastest elegant dinners you can make in the air fryer. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 5-7 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs
150°C · 7-9 min
Soft, creamy scrambled eggs made hands-off in the air fryer. You simply stir once or twice partway through, and the gentle heat gives you tender curds without constant stirring at the hob. Cooks at 150°C / 300°F for 7-9 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Sirloin Steak
200°C · 8-12 min
Sirloin is a great-value steak with proper beefy flavour, and the air fryer gives it a fast, even sear. In barely ten minutes you get a caramelised crust and a tender, juicy middle with almost no fuss or mess. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 8-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
190°C · 8-10 min
Tender salmon glazed with a sticky teriyaki sauce and finished with a lightly caramelised top. A fast, flavour-packed dinner. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tilapia
190°C · 8-10 min
Light, flaky tilapia with a gentle seasoning and fast cook time. A great budget-friendly fish dinner for busy nights. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 8-10 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Toad in the Hole
200°C · 18-22 min
Sausages baked in a puffy, golden Yorkshire batter, a British classic made surprisingly well in the air fryer. The hot circulating air helps the batter rise tall around the browned sausages. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 18-22 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tonkatsu
200°C · 10-13 min
Japanese tonkatsu relies on a crunchy panko crust, and the air fryer delivers that shattering coat with barely any oil. Serve sliced over rice with shredded cabbage and tangy tonkatsu sauce. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 10-13 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Trout
190°C · 10-12 min
Delicate trout fillets with lemon, butter and herbs, cooked gently in the air fryer until they flake at the touch of a fork. A wholesome, fast midweek supper. Cooks at 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tuna Melt
180°C · 6-8 min
Creamy tuna mayo piled onto bread and topped with bubbling cheese, toasted open-faced until golden. The air fryer melts the cheese while crisping the base for a diner-style melt at home. Cooks at 180°C / 360°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
200°C · 6-8 min
Firm, meaty tuna steaks with a lightly seared outside and tender centre. Ideal for quick salads, rice bowls and healthy dinners. Cooks at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Air Fryer Turkey Legs
180°C · 30-40 min
Big, juicy turkey legs with crisp seasoned skin, just like the ones from the fairground. The air fryer renders the skin golden while keeping the dark meat moist and tender, a fun festive treat any time of year. Cooks at 180°C / 360°F for 30-40 min. Ingredients, method, and starting-point times for a domestic air fryer.
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Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
190°C · 18-22 min
Cook chicken breast in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 74°C / 165°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Grilled Cheese in the Air Fryer
180°C · 6-8 min
Cook a grilled cheese in an air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Poached Eggs in the Air Fryer
180°C · 6-8 min
Cook poached-style eggs in an air fryer at 180°C / 360°F for 6-8 minutes in greased cups with a spoon of water, until the whites are set. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Salmon in the Air Fryer
190°C · 8-12 min
Cook salmon in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for 8-12 minutes, skin-side down, until the thickest part reaches 63°C / 145°F. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
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Steak in the Air Fryer
200°C · 8-14 min
Cook a 2.5 cm steak in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 8-14 minutes, flipping halfway, and pull it at 54°C / 130°F for medium-rare. Ingredients, method and starting times for a domestic air fryer.
Read moreWhy two portions is the sweet spot
Two servings of most things sit in a single layer in a 4-5L basket with room for air to move. That is the condition every air fryer recipe depends on, and it is the reason two-person cooking rarely needs batching.
Push to four portions and you are either crowding the basket or running two rounds. Neither is a disaster, but two is where you get the best result with the least fuss.
Cooking a main and a side for two
Two protein portions take up about half the basket, which leaves room for a side alongside if they share a temperature. Two salmon fillets and a handful of asparagus at 200°C / 400°F is a complete meal in 10 minutes.
Keep them in separate halves rather than mixed, and put quick-cooking vegetables in partway through so both finish at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size air fryer is best for two people?
4-5 litres. That holds two portions of most things in a single layer, which is the condition every recipe assumes, and it fits a main plus a small side together.
Can you cook a main and a side together for two?
Yes, if they share a temperature. Two portions of protein use about half the basket - keep the side in the other half, and add quick-cooking vegetables partway through.
How do you halve an air fryer recipe?
Keep the temperature identical and reduce the time by roughly 10-20%, then check early. Air fryer times depend on how full the basket is, not just on quantity, so a half batch cooks a little faster.
Is an air fryer worth it for two people?
It is arguably most worth it at this size. Heating a full oven for two portions wastes most of the energy, while a basket this size reaches temperature in about two minutes.