These Crispy Air Fryer Tuna Patties offer a quick, versatile, and budget-friendly meal option, providing a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods while allowing for customization to suit individual tastes and preferences.
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
8-10 min
Calories
840
Servings
4
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe
Healthy Alternative: These tuna patties are air-fried, eliminating the need for excessive oil while still achieving a delicious crispy texture. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods, making it suitable for those looking to cut down on calories and fats.
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer, this recipe is quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: These tuna patties can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them as a protein-packed main dish with your favorite dipping sauce or atop a salad for a light and nutritious meal. You can also use them to make sandwiches or wraps for a satisfying lunch option.
Budget-Friendly: Canned tuna is an affordable and pantry-staple ingredient, making this recipe budget-friendly. It’s a great way to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customizable: You can easily customize these tuna patties to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite herbs and spices, adjust the seasoning level, or incorporate additional ingredients like chopped vegetables or grated cheese for extra flavor and nutrition. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your liking.
More Air Fryer Tips & Tricks
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Ingredients
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, chopped celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form Patties: Divide the tuna mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, pressing firmly to ensure they hold together.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Spray Patties: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the tuna patties in the basket, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
Air Fry: Air fry the tuna patties at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Once done, remove the tuna patties from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or atop a salad.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish the tuna patties with additional grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra flavor.
Equipment to make Crispy Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Tips and tricks for making Crispy Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Drain Tuna Thoroughly: Ensure that you drain the canned tuna thoroughly before using it in the recipe. Excess moisture can lead to soggy patties, so use a fine mesh sieve or press the tuna firmly with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.
Use Panko Bread Crumbs: For extra crispiness, use Panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. Panko crumbs have a larger and lighter texture, which helps create a crispier coating on the tuna patties.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer before cooking helps to create a hot cooking environment, resulting in crispier patties. Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at the recommended temperature before adding the patties.
Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure that you leave enough space between the tuna patties in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy patties. Cook the patties in batches if necessary.
Spray Patties with Cooking Oil: Lightly spray the tuna patties with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer. This helps to promote browning and crispiness on the exterior of the patties. Use a cooking spray suitable for high temperatures to prevent sticking.
Nutrition breakdown ( per serving )
Calories: 210 kcal
Protein: 23 g
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
*Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient brands and specific measurements used in the recipe. Additionally, if you adjust the serving size or make modifications to the recipe, the nutritional values may change accordingly.