Budget Butter Chicken for One – Easy Air Fryer Meal in 30 Minutes
A Story Behind My Go-To Quick And Easy Butter Chicken
There’s nothing more frustrating than craving a comforting dish like butter chicken… but only cooking for yourself. Leftovers get wasted, and takeout costs a fortune. That’s exactly why I developed this budget butter chicken in air fryer for one a creamy, flavorful dish that’s ready in 30 minutes, uses everyday ingredients, and won’t break the bank.
This recipe came to life on a Tuesday night. I was tired, hungry, and had a single chicken thigh left in the fridge. Inspired by my mom’s classic butter chicken, I decided to scale it down, simplify it, and make it air-fryer-friendly. The result? A no-fuss solo meal I now make almost weekly.
Cooking for yourself? Learn more about Easy Air Fryer Dinners for One fast meals with zero waste.
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Table of Contents
Why This Budget Butter Chicken Works
– Designed for One (or Two)
No more excess sauce or leftovers you won’t eat. This is truly small batch butter chicken, perfect for solo eaters or small households.
– Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Using basic pantry items like yogurt, tomato paste, and common spices, this recipe comes in under $3 per serving.
– Made in the Air Fryer
No babysitting, no splatter, no heating up the kitchen. The air fryer crisps the chicken perfectly while you prep a quick sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need (for One Serving)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thigh or breast | 1 large (about 200g) |
| Plain yogurt | 2 tbsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Ginger (grated) | ½ tsp |
| Butter or ghee | 1 tbsp |
| Garam masala | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | ¼ tsp |
| Ground cumin | ¼ tsp |
| Chili powder (optional) | Pinch |
Want a spicy version? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bold kick.
Budget Butter Chicken for One – Easy Air Fryer Meal in 30 Minutes
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts boneless, skinless, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or canned tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee
Spices
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, tomato paste, garlic, ginger, and all spices to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- While chicken cooks, melt butter in a pan and optionally stir in leftover marinade for a creamy sauce (cook until simmering).
- Serve hot with rice, naan, or vegetables.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step: How to Make Butter Chicken for One in the Air Fryer
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, and all spices. Add chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for 15 minutes (or overnight if planning ahead).
2. Cook the Chicken in Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the Quick Sauce
In a small pan, melt butter. Stir in tomato paste and leftover marinade. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add a splash of water or milk if too thick.
4. Combine and Serve
Slice the cooked chicken and toss it into the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Serve hot over basmati rice, with naan, or alongside steamed veggies.
Looking for an easy side? Don’t miss our Healthy Air Fryer Cauliflower
Why It’s Perfect for Solo Cooking
– No Waste
This butter chicken recipe is portioned perfectly no leftovers taking up fridge space.
– Fast & Minimal Cleanup
Prep and cook in under 30 minutes. Cleanup? One bowl, one pan, and an air fryer basket.
– Customizable
Adjust spice, creaminess, or richness to match your taste. Add coconut milk or use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan twist.
Cost Breakdown: budget butter chicken for One
| Ingredient | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Chicken (200g) | $1.40 |
| Yogurt | $0.30 |
| Tomato paste | $0.20 |
| Spices & garlic | $0.25 |
| Butter | $0.30 |
| Total | ≈ $2.45 per serving |
Craving cheap meals for one? Check out Easy Budget-Friendly Air Fryer Recipes
Storage & Reheat Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in a sealed container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes OR microwave with a splash of water.
This recipe also scales easily if you need to cook for two. Simply double all ingredients and follow the same steps.
FAQs – Budget Butter Chicken in Air Fryer
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just reduce air fryer time to 5–7 minutes for reheating, then toss in the sauce.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut yogurt and coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It’s just as rich.
Can I meal prep this for the week?
Yes! You can prep the marinade and sauce ahead. Cook the chicken fresh for best texture.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Rice, naan, or roasted veggies like Air Fryer Broccoli pair beautifully.
Conclusion: Comfort Food Without the Cost
This budget butter chicken for one in air fryer proves that you don’t need a ton of money, time, or ingredients to make a delicious, home-cooked meal. It’s warm, rich, simple, and perfect for weeknights when you want something special just for you.
Want more meals for one? Explore Solo Air Fryer Recipes That Actually Satisfy
