Air fryer recipes for two: 5 Low-Oil, Low-Fuss Meals
Air fryer recipes for two make weeknights simple. These low-oil, low-fuss meals are built for small portions, gentle digestion, and minimal cleanup.
Below you’ll find five quick dinner ideas plus one fully detailed, soft-textured main recipe you can cook in about 20 minutes for one or two people.
Cooking for one or two should feel easy. Air fryers cut oil and time, and they give you tidy pans and quick meals that don’t waste food. Each idea here keeps portions small, uses common ingredients, and offers gentle textures or simple swaps to make the dish easier to chew or lighter on the stomach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 small salmon fillets (about 10–12 oz total) or 1 large fillet split
- 8–10 oz fresh green beans, trimmed (or 1 cup frozen, thawed)
- 1 small lemon (zest + 1 tbsp juice)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp olive oil (or spray)
- 1/2 tsp dried dill or 1 tsp chopped fresh dill
- Pinch black pepper, 1/8–1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- Optional: 6–8 small baby potatoes halved or 1/2 cup cooked rice to serve
You can serve this lemony salmon with a small side of rice, mashed potatoes, or soft bread for easier chewing and extra comfort.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Pat salmon dry. Lightly season with lemon zest, garlic, dill, pepper, and a tiny pinch of salt if you use it.
- Toss green beans with 1/2 tsp oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a little pepper. If you prefer very soft beans, steam for 3–4 minutes before air frying.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket. Arrange green beans to one side or use a small rack to separate them.
- Air fry 10–12 minutes, checking at 8 minutes. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and is tender. Green beans should be bright and tender. If adding halved baby potatoes, give them a 12–15 minute cook time and start them 3 minutes earlier.
- Remove, squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything, and let salmon rest 2 minutes before flaking with a fork for very soft bites.
Tips and Easy Variations
Texture & Softening
- Flake the salmon into large pieces before serving to make bites easier to chew.
- Steam vegetables 3–4 minutes first for a very soft texture.
- After air frying, gently steam the fish 1–2 minutes to soften further if needed.
Low-Oil & Gentle on Digestion
- Use an oil spritzer or brush a scant amount on vegetables only to reduce fat.
- Skip added salt and boost flavor with lemon, garlic, and dill instead.
- Serve with plain steamed rice or mashed cauliflower to lighten each bite.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap salmon for cod or tilapia and reduce cook time to 8–10 minutes.
- Try air-fried chickpea patties for a plant-forward option using the same green-bean sides.
- For a one-pan finish, roast baby potatoes with the fish for a simple sheet-pan version.
Quick serving ideas
- Serve with 1/2 cup cooked rice or soft mashed potatoes for gentler bites.
- Add extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs for brightness without salt.
- Cut beans into short lengths to make forkfuls easier to manage.
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Cool leftovers and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 48 hours.
Freezer
Wrap cooked salmon tightly and freeze up to 1 month for best quality; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes or in the microwave covered for 30–60 seconds with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Conclusion
Try this lemon-herb salmon tonight and enjoy one of the simple air fryer recipes for two. It’s quick, low-oil, and gentle on digestion — perfect for small portions and easy cleanup.
These ideas are built to reduce waste and make weeknights easier. Use the swaps and tips to adapt textures and flavors to your needs.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?▶
Yes. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. Pat dry before seasoning and add 1–2 extra minutes to the cook time if needed.
Can I double the recipe?▶
You can, but avoid crowding the basket. Cook in two batches or use a larger air fryer so pieces don’t steam each other.
