• Ag-doped TiO2 synthesized via solution combustion exhibits enhanced electrochemical sensing performance for nitrite and phosphate detection.
• Doping with Ag refines particle size, increasing specific surface area and electron transfer efficiency, as confirmed by EIS.
• The sensor shows high sensitivity (2 µA·µM–1·mm–2 for nitrite, 2.1 µA·µM–1·mm–2 for phosphate) and low detection limits (0.0052 mM and 0.0045 mM, respectively).
• The material holds promise for practical sensing devices to monitor nitrite and phosphate levels, addressing food safety and health concerns.