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

Tuna melts are a delicious, greasy comfort food, and they're even better when cooked in an air fryer. You can make a tuna melt in an air fryer in as little as 8 minutes, and it's a simple process. All you need is a can of tuna, some bread, cheese, and a few other ingredients for your tuna mix. The air fryer will give you a perfectly toasted sandwich with melted cheese and a crispy exterior.

Tuna melt recipe ingredients

Tuna melts are a delicious, greasy comfort food. They are super easy to make and can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make a tasty tuna melt:

• Bread: Use any bread you like, but it is recommended to use a larger slice of bread so that all of your tuna salad fits. Some suggestions are sourdough, rye, or Dave's Killer Bread (White Done Right).
• Mayonnaise or Butter: You can use either mayonnaise or butter on the outside of the bread to get it crispy and golden. Mayonnaise is easier to spread and gives a nice brown colour, while butter gives a more classic, buttery taste.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese slices are commonly used, but you can use any type of cheese you like. Some other options are American cheese, Colby Jack, or Swiss.
• Tuna Salad: You can use canned tuna packed in water or olive oil. Drain the tuna and mix it with mayonnaise, lemon juice, sweet relish, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make a tasty tuna salad. You can also add diced celery or scallions for some extra crunch.
• Other: You will also need some softened butter to spread on the bread, and you can serve the tuna melts with chips, pickles, and devilled egg pasta salad on the side.

You can customise your tuna melt by adding some sliced tomato, changing up the type of cheese, or using your own favourite tuna salad recipe. Enjoy your tasty, crispy, and cheesy tuna melt!

Tuna melt recipe instructions

Ingredients

• Bread – ideally a larger slice of fresh bread, such as sourdough, rye, or white sandwich bread. Brioche-style bread is also a good option.
• Butter – softened, for spreading on the bread.
• Cheese – slices of American, Swiss, Colby Jack, or Cheddar cheese are good melting options. For extra flavour, try smoked Gouda or aged cheddar.
• Tuna – canned tuna, drained. You can use any type of canned tuna, such as yellowfin or albacore, packed in water or oil.
• Mayonnaise – to mix with the tuna and/or spread on the outside of the bread.
• Optional extras – diced celery, sweet relish, diced red onion, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Method

• Mix the tuna with mayonnaise, celery, relish, red onion, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a tuna salad. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to your taste.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, into the air fryer basket.
• Layer a slice of cheese on each slice of bread.
• Spread the tuna salad mixture on top of the cheese.
• Add another slice of cheese, followed by the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
• Air fry at 380-400°F for 5-8 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through. The sandwich is ready when the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
• Allow the sandwich to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• If you like your sandwich extra crispy, you can spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter.
• If using cold tuna salad, let it come to room temperature first so that it warms up sufficiently in the air fryer.
• For a 'tunacado' twist, spread one slice of bread with pesto and mashed avocado, then add the tuna salad and tomato slices.

Tuna melt recipe variations

Tuna melt recipes can be customised in many ways. Here are some ideas:

Bread

You can use any type of bread for your tuna melt, but it's important to make sure it's fresh. Some suggestions include sourdough, rye, Dave's Killer Bread (White Done Right), and ciabatta rolls. If you're using sliced sandwich bread, check on your sandwich after 4 minutes as it may cook quicker.

Tuna

Use sustainably-caught wild albacore tuna packed in water or olive oil.

Mayonnaise

You can use regular mayonnaise or avocado oil mayo. If you don't like mayo, you can substitute it with butter or plain yoghurt.

Cheese

While cheddar cheese is a popular choice for tuna melts, you can use any type of cheese you like. Some alternatives include American cheese, Colby Jack, Swiss, Gouda, Muester, and spicy or sharp varieties.

Fillings

Mix your tuna with diced celery, garlic salt, sweet relish, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add scallions, onion, or fresh sliced tomato. For an extra kick, add a dash of vinegar or hot sauce to your tuna mix.

Tuna melt recipe tips

Bread

The bread you use for your tuna melt is important as it can make or break the sandwich. It is recommended to use fresh bread, such as sourdough or rye bread, but you can also use simple sliced sandwich bread, thin-sliced loaf bread, or brioche-style bread.

Tuna

You can use any type of canned tuna for your tuna melt, such as yellowfin or albacore tuna. If you choose a variety packed in oil, you may need to reduce the amount of mayonnaise in your recipe to account for the extra richness.

Cheese

When it comes to cheese, opt for varieties that melt well, such as American, Swiss, Colby Jack, or cheddar cheese. You can also use gouda for a smoky flavour, but it doesn't melt as well, so consider pairing it with another type of cheese.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in a tuna melt, providing creaminess and helping to hold the sandwich together. You can use regular mayonnaise or avocado oil mayo for a slightly healthier option. If you're not a fan of mayo, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or Greek yogurt.

Seasoning

Don't skimp on seasoning! Add ingredients like garlic salt, lemon juice, sweet relish, mustard, salt, and pepper to your tuna mixture for extra flavour. You can also add diced celery or scallions for some crunch and colour.

Cooking

When cooking your tuna melt in the air fryer, brush the outside of the bread with softened butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or mayonnaise to help it crisp up and turn golden brown. Cook at around 380-400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the type of bread used.

Tuna melt side dishes

Tuna melts are a delightful sandwich, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. The combination of tuna salad, melted cheese, and toasted bread is a comforting and tasty meal. To elevate your tuna melt, here are some side dish suggestions that will complement this sandwich and create a well-rounded dining experience:

• Sweet Potato Fries: The crispy exterior and tender interior offer a contrasting texture to the creamy sandwich, and they are a nutritious option.
• Tomato Basil Soup: A classic, comforting side that pairs perfectly with the tuna melt. The tangy and slightly sweet soup creates a harmonious balance with the savoury sandwich.
• Coleslaw: This crunchy, refreshing side adds a pleasant contrast to the creamy tuna melt. The shredded cabbage, carrots, and tangy dressing offer a burst of flavour.
• French Fries: A crowd-pleasing classic that goes well with the tuna melt. Crispy, golden, and comforting, they are a familiar taste that pairs well with the rich sandwich.
• Pickles: A simple yet effective side, the tangy and slightly sweet flavour of pickles cuts through the richness of the sandwich, adding a zesty touch.
• Potato Salad: A versatile, hearty, and delicious side that complements the tuna melt. The creamy potatoes and savory dressing provide a comforting taste.
• Avocado and Corn Salad: A vibrant, zesty side that adds a touch of freshness. The creamy avocado and sweet corn provide a delightful contrast to the rich sandwich.
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: Tangy and flavorful, this unique side pairs perfectly with the tuna melt. The combination of pasta, dill pickles, and zesty dressing creates a one-of-a-kind taste.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A healthy, flavorful side that pairs well with the sandwich. The caramelized, tender sprouts offer a contrasting texture, while their slightly bitter taste complements the rich flavours.
• Salads: In addition to the aforementioned avocado and corn salad and pasta salad, a simple garden salad, Caprese salad, or cucumber salad can add a refreshing and elegant touch to your meal.
• Crispy Chicken Wings: A tasty, indulgent side that pairs well with the tuna melt. The juicy, tender wings and crispy exterior offer a contrasting texture to the sandwich.
• Blooming Onion: A flavorful, eye-catching side that adds a fun twist. The crispy, fried onion petals provide a delicious crunch and a slightly sweet taste.

These sides are just a few suggestions to enhance your tuna melt experience. Whether you prefer something classic like fries, comforting like soup, or refreshing like a salad, there is a side dish to suit every taste and create a satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions