Valentine’s Fakeaway: A Simple Date Night In Menu

1) Your Valentine’s fakeaway game plan

• Choose dishes that are easy to cook but feel different to everyday meals.
• Pick one main and keep sides quick and flexible.
• Plan the cooking order so everything is ready at the same time.

2) Tapas-style starters

A small selection of tapas-style dishes works well as a starter and avoids the need for a formal first course. These options are easy to share and suit both meat-free and mixed menus.

• Crispy halloumi bites served with sweet chilli or honey
• Patatas bravas-style potatoes with paprika seasoning and dip
• Garlic bread or flatbread slices for sharing

Cooking smaller dishes like these is straightforward in a dual basket air fryer such as the Vortx Vizion 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer (T17104), which allows you to prepare more than one item at the same time.

3) Valentine’s fakeaway mains 

For the main course, choose something that feels a step up from a standard weeknight meal but is still manageable at home. These options work well for a relaxed Valentine’s dinner without complicated prep.

• Steak night fakeaway
  A straightforward option that works well for Valentine’s Day. Serve sliced steak with seasoned fries or roasted vegetables. Sides can be cooked in an air fryer, while vegetables or flatbreads can be prepared in a Precision 28cm Non-Stick Grill Pan.
• Crispy chicken Parmesan
  Breaded chicken cooked until golden, topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, then served with fries or salad. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for breaded aubergine or halloumi. This dish suits the Vortx 11 Litre Dual Layer Air Fryer (T17190).
• Creamy mushroom and spinach pasta
  A reliable vegetarian option that feels like a restaurant-style dish without being heavy. Mushrooms and spinach come together quickly with pasta and a simple creamy sauce. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

4) Simple sides

• Seasoned fries or sweet potato wedges
• Green salad with a light dressing
• Roasted vegetables with olive oil and herbs

A dual basket air fryer such as the Vortx Vizion 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer can help keep sides and mains cooking at the same time.

5) Drinks and desserts 

Keep the end of the meal simple by pairing one drink with one dessert. These drinks work well as alcohol-free options, or can be easily adapted with a small splash of alcohol if you prefer.

• Strawberry frozen mocktail
  Serve as-is, or add a splash of prosecco or vodka for an easy cocktail-style drink.
  Pair with: chocolate-dipped strawberries or shortbread.
• Frozen berry lemonade
  Refreshingly sharp on its own or add gin or vodka for a simple frozen cocktail.
  Pair with: mini no-bake cheesecake pots.
• Chocolate dessert-style frozen drink
  Rich and indulgent as a mocktail, or add a small splash of coffee liqueur, rum or Irish cream for an after-dinner option.
  Pair with: warm cookie cups or brownies.

The Slushie 2.6 Litre 5-in-1 Frozen Drinks Maker (T19058) makes it easy to prepare frozen drinks at home, whether you keep them alcohol-free or add a small measure of spirits to suit the occasion.

A Valentine’s fakeaway made simple

A good Valentine’s meal at home doesn’t need to be complicated. With a clear plan and a few well-chosen dishes, it’s easy to put together a fakeaway for a relaxed evening at home.