Sometimes the best kind of Thanksgiving is a quiet one — no hours of prep, no pile of dishes, and no giant turkey staring back at you from the oven. This easy Thanksgiving Dinner for One is proof that you can make a mini Thanksgiving meal for one or two people in less than 30 minutes. You don't need to wait until Thanksgiving to make this every year either. Sometimes I crave, turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy once a month.
This Thanksgiving Meal for One is made with air fryer turkey tenderloins, instant mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce, the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. You might even like this Air Fryer Recipes for One post where I share a bunch of air fryer meals for one person.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This meal gives you all the flavor of a traditional Thanksgiving feast without the stress or waste. Air fryer turkey tenderloins come out tender and juicy, instant mashed potatoes are creamy and satisfying, and green bean casserole adds that nostalgic holiday touch. Between Aldi and Dollar Tree this meal has you covered!
A spoonful of cranberry sauce ties everything together with the right amount of sweetness. It’s budget-friendly, comforting, and ideal for anyone cooking solo this holiday season — or any time you’re craving a mini Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 seasoned turkey tenderloin (about 1 lb) – Look for a pre-marinated version at Aldi or your local grocery store for extra flavor and zero prep. See this recipe for Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
- 1 package instant mashed potatoes – I love the buttery kind, but any flavor works.
- 1 can green beans (14.5 oz) – Drain well before mixing.
- ½ can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz) – The base for your quick green bean casserole.
- ½ cup French fried onions – For that classic crispy topping. I got these at Dollar Tree
- Cranberry sauce – Canned or homemade, whichever you prefer. Check out this recipe for Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
- Other Side options - Boxed Mac and Cheese or Homemade Brown Gravy from Scratch
(Optional: a splash of milk or butter for creamier potatoes.)
How to Make Thanksgiving Dinner for One
Step 1 Cook the turkey tenderloin:
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the turkey tenderloin in the basket and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. The air fryer gives it that perfect golden crust without drying it out.
Step 2 Make the green bean casserole:
In a small baking dish or oven-safe pan, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the French fried onions. Air fry (or bake in a toaster oven) at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining onions on top and cook another 2–3 minutes until crispy.
Step 3 Prepare the mashed potatoes:
While everything cooks, boil water and make your instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions. Stir in a pat of butter or a splash of milk for extra creaminess. Add some extra cheese (optional)
Step 4 Add the finishing touches:
Slice the turkey and serve it with mashed potatoes, a scoop of green bean casserole, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side.
Substitution Tips
- Protein: Swap the turkey tenderloin for rotisserie chicken or air fryer chicken breasts if you can’t find turkey.
- Green bean casserole: Use cream of chicken soup or even a light sour cream if you want a twist on the classic.
- Cranberries: If canned sauce isn’t your favorite, simmer frozen cranberries with a splash of orange juice and sugar for a quick homemade version.
Pro Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure your turkey hits 165°F for the best texture and food safety.
- Divide leftovers into small containers — this meal reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
- Add a little gravy if you like extra moisture — even a packet mix works perfectly here.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cozy meal with a simple dessert like pumpkin yogurt parfaits, apple crisp, or even a store-bought slice of pie. Light a candle, pour yourself a sparkling water or wine spritzer, and enjoy your own peaceful holiday dinner.
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Thanksgiving Dinner for One
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
1 seasoned turkey tenderloin (about 1 lb) – Look for a pre-marinated version at Aldi or your local grocery store for extra flavor and zero prep.
-
1 package instant mashed potatoes
-
1 can green beans (14.5 oz)
-
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
-
½ cup French fried onions
-
1 can of Cranberry sauce
Instructions
-
Cook the turkey tenderloin:
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the turkey tenderloin in the basket and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. The air fryer gives it that perfect golden crust without drying it out. -
Make the green bean casserole:
In a small baking dish or oven-safe pan, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and half of the French fried onions. Air fry (or bake in a toaster oven) at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining onions on top and cook another 2–3 minutes until crispy. -
Prepare the mashed potatoes:
While everything cooks, boil water and make your instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions. Stir in a pat of butter or a splash of milk for extra creaminess. -
Add the finishing touches:
Slice the turkey and serve it with mashed potatoes, a scoop of green bean casserole, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to make sure your turkey hits 165°F for the best texture and food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 45g
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