Fancy a cosy, romantic night in without the stress of cooking or a pile of washing up? Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, date night, or a quiet evening just because, you can whip up a delicious dinner for two using only your trusty air fryer.
This post shares a complete three-course meal that’s:
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Quick to prepare ⏱️
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Budget-friendly 💷
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Air fryer-only (no hob or oven!) 🍽️
Let’s get cooking!
🧀Garlic & Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 8-10 mins
Cost: ~£2.50
Ingredients:
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4 large flat mushrooms
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2 tbsp soft cheese (e.g., Boursin or cream cheese)
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1 garlic clove, crushed
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1 tsp mixed herbs
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Olive oil spray
Instructions:
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Mix soft cheese, garlic, and herbs.
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Stuff each mushroom with the mixture.
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Spray lightly with olive oil.
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Air fry at 180°C for 8-0 mins.
Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a couple of seeded crackers.
🥩Air Fryer Steak with Crispy Baby Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15-18 mins
Cost: ~£10.00
Ingredients:
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2 sirloin or rump steaks
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250g baby potatoes, halved
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150g asparagus (optional)
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Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic granules
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Optional: butter and rosemary for topping
Instructions:
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Toss potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic granules.
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Air fry potatoes at 190°C for 10 mins.
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Lightly oil and season steaks; add to the air fryer and cook for 6-8 mins (turn halfway for medium-rare).
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Add asparagus in the final 4 mins with a touch of oil and salt.
Serving Tip: Top steak with a knob of garlic butter or a rosemary sprig for restaurant-style flair.
🍓Air Fryer Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 3 mins (just for melting)
Cost: ~£3.50
Ingredients:
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200g strawberries
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100g dark or milk chocolate
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Optional toppings: crushed nuts, desiccated coconut
Instructions:
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Place chocolate in a ramekin and melt in air fryer at 150°C for 2–3 mins.
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Dip strawberries in melted chocolate, then into your choice of topping.
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Chill for 10–15 mins in the fridge to set.
Serving Tip: Serve on a small plate with a glass of bubbly or espresso martini.
🍤Air Fryer Prawn Cocktail Cups
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Cost: ~£4.00
Ingredients:
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150g cooked king prawns
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2 tbsp mayo + 1 tbsp ketchup (for Marie Rose sauce)
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Dash of Worcestershire sauce
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Baby gem lettuce leaves
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Paprika & lemon juice
Instructions:
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Mix sauce ingredients, season with lemon and paprika.
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Air fry prawns for 4–5 mins at 180°C to warm slightly.
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Fill lettuce leaves with prawns and sauce.
Serving Tip: Garnish with a lemon wedge and a pinch of cayenne.
🍗Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mozzarella & Sun-Dried Tomato
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Cost: ~£6.00
Ingredients:
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2 chicken breasts
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2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
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2 tbsp grated mozzarella
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Salt, pepper, Italian herbs
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Cocktail sticks or butcher’s string
Instructions:
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Butterfly the chicken and stuff with tomatoes and cheese.
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Secure with cocktail sticks, season.
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Air fry at 180°C for 18-20 mins, flipping halfway.
Serving Tip: Serve with a light side salad or couscous.
🐟Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Crust
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Cost: ~£7.00
Ingredients:
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2 salmon fillets
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper
Instructions:
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Mix zest, dill, oil and seasoning; spread over salmon.
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Air fry at 200°C for 8-10 mins.
Serving Tip: Pair with green beans or herby new potatoes.
🍷 Bonus Tips for the Perfect Night
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Pair with wine: Try a Malbec for the steak or Prosecco with dessert.
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Set the mood: Candles, soft music, and cloth napkins go a long way.
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Keep it simple: All recipes use ingredients from UK supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, or Sainsbury’s.
Romantic meals don’t have to mean complex cooking or restaurant bills. With just your air fryer and a few thoughtful ingredients, you can create a night to remember at home.