Air-Fryer Tuna Melts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Tuna melts are a delicious, quick and easy meal to make, and they can be made even better by using an air fryer. Air fryers are great for achieving a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil, making this a healthier alternative to a classic tuna melt. You can make a tuna melt in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, and it's a simple process. First, make your tuna salad, then prepare your bread with butter or mayonnaise, and add your cheese and tuna. Place the sandwich in the air fryer and cook at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5–9 minutes, and you're done!

Choosing the right bread

Sourdough, rye, and whole grain breads are excellent choices as they have a dense texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the tuna and cheese. Sourdough, in particular, is known for its crispy crust and airy interior, making it ideal for toasting and grilling. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can go for an English muffin, which also works well with the other ingredients.

For a more filling option, crusty rolls like ciabatta can be a great choice. They provide a hearty base for the tuna melt and are perfect for a satisfying dinner option. If you're serving a larger group, consider using thicker slices of bread, as they can hold more toppings and provide a more substantial bite.

Additionally, if you're looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, you can opt for low-carb bread or even use a wrap as your base. Pita bread is another versatile option, allowing you to create a tuna melt pizza by spreading the tuna filling over a larger surface.

Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on your personal preference and the overall experience you want to create. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find the one that suits your taste and complements the other ingredients in your tuna melt.

Tuna salad ingredients

Tuna salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, such as on toast, crackers, a bed of greens, grilled as a tuna melt, in a sandwich, wrap, lettuce cups, or stuffed in avocado or tomato halves. It is also a simple dish to make, requiring just a few essential ingredients and a few minutes to prepare. Here is a list of ingredients that you can use to make a delicious tuna salad:

• Tuna: Use canned tuna, preferably packed in water with a dolphin-safe label. You can also use oil-packed tuna, but you may want to decrease the amount of mayonnaise used. For two servings, use two 5-ounce cans of tuna.
• Mayonnaise: This acts as a binder and adds creaminess to the salad. Start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste, or use plain yogurt or whipped silken tofu instead.
• Celery: Finely chop or dice one stalk of celery to add a fresh crunch to the salad.
• Onion: Red onions, minced or finely diced, provide a savory balance to the salad. You can also use scallions or chives for a milder onion flavor.
• Relish: Sweet pickle relish adds sweetness and tanginess to the salad. You can also use dill relish or minced dill pickles.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the salad.
• Garlic: Mince one clove of garlic to enhance the flavor of the salad.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard adds tanginess and depth to the salad.
• Salt and pepper: Season the salad to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives add flavor and brightness to the salad.
• Other mix-ins: For extra crunch, you can add chopped apples, thawed peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, or shredded cabbage. For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce or jalapeños.

Preparing the tuna salad

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact measurements may vary depending on your personal preference and the number of servings, but the essential ingredients for the tuna salad include canned tuna, mayonnaise (or plain yoghurt), lemon juice, celery, red onion, pickles, and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce. You can also add relish, mustard, and jalapenos for an extra kick.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to mix everything together. Start by draining the canned tuna and breaking it up with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and any other wet ingredients you're using. Then, finely chop the celery and red onion and add them to the bowl. You can also include other vegetables like pickles, jalapenos, or scallions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and don't be afraid to taste and adjust as you go. If you prefer your tuna salad with a creamier texture, feel free to add more mayonnaise.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with additional ingredients. For example, you could add diced pickles, capers, or a dash of hot sauce to take your tuna salad to the next level.

Now, it's time to assemble your tuna melt sandwich. Spread a generous amount of the tuna salad mixture onto your chosen bread. You can use sourdough, rye, crusty rolls, or any bread that suits your preference. Make sure to spread the tuna salad evenly, mounding it up slightly in the centre for a hearty bite.

At this point, you can choose to add cheese to your sandwich. A classic tuna melt includes a slice of cheese, but feel free to add more to satisfy your cheesy cravings! Cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and Colby Jack are all excellent options.

Finally, if you're making an open-faced tuna melt, simply place your assembled sandwich in the air fryer. If you're going for the traditional sandwich style, add the top slice of bread, buttered-side up, before placing it in the air fryer.

Remember, the key to a perfect tuna melt is ensuring that the bread is toasted to your desired level, the cheese is nicely melted, and the tuna salad is warmed through. So, adjust your air fryer settings and cooking time accordingly.

Now you know how to prepare a mouth-watering tuna salad for your air fryer tuna melt!

Preparing the bread

Selecting the Bread:

Start by choosing a sturdy and robust type of bread that can support the weight of the toppings and withstand the heat of the air fryer. Good options include sourdough, rye, or a thick slice of bread like ciabatta. These breads will provide a nice crunchy texture to your tuna melt.

Buttering the Bread:

Butter plays a crucial role in adding flavour and promoting even browning of the bread. Take your selected bread slices and spread butter generously on one side of each slice. This buttered side will go directly into the air fryer, ensuring that the bread gets crispy and golden.

Toasting the Bread:

Place the buttered bread slices directly into the air fryer basket or onto a baking sheet if your air fryer model uses one. Toast the bread lightly for about 2 minutes. This step helps ensure that the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.

Assembling the Sandwich:

Now it's time to build your sandwich! Spread the prepared tuna salad mixture evenly over the toasted bread slices, covering them completely. You can also add sliced cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese, to create a layer of cheese on top of the tuna salad. If you're feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination.

Final Touches:

Once you've added the tuna salad and cheese, it's time to top it off with another slice of bread. Spread butter or mayonnaise on the side facing up, which will give your sandwich that extra golden, crispy texture. Now your sandwich is ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Remember, the key to a successful tuna melt is choosing the right bread, preparing it properly, and assembling the sandwich with care. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and crispy tuna melt in your air fryer!

Air fryer settings

To make a tuna melt in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once preheated, cook your tuna melt for 4-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bread and the level of crispiness you desire. For thinner bread, check the tuna melt after 4 minutes to avoid overcooking. For thicker bread, 9 minutes may be needed for the tuna melt to cook through.

If you are making an open-faced tuna melt, 3-5 minutes should be sufficient.

If you want a crispier tuna melt, you can increase the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for the final minute of cooking.

Frequently asked questions