
Tuna patties are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to fried tuna patties as they require less oil and are lower in calories. The patties are made from a mixture of tuna, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, formed into balls, and flattened into patties. They are then cooked in the air fryer for around 10 minutes, until golden brown, and served with sauces like lemon aioli, yogurt-dill sauce, or tartar sauce.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Ingredients and preparation
Tuna patties are a great, healthy option to cook in an air fryer. They are easy to make, require minimal oil, and are ready in less than 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Canned tuna fish
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Lemon juice
- Onion or green onion
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Seasonings
- Celery
- Bell pepper
- Parsley
- Lemon zest
- Garlic powder
- Dried herbs
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Preparation:
First, drain the tuna and place it into a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and gently mix until well combined. If the mixture seems too squishy, add more breadcrumbs. Form the mixture into 6-8 balls and flatten them into patties. Place the patties on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for 20-60 minutes or until firm.
Next, prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with oil or cooking spray. Place the patties in the basket, leaving ample space between each one to ensure proper air circulation. Lightly brush or spray the tops of the patties with oil.
Air fry at 360-390°F for 6-10 minutes, then flip the patties and brush or spray the tops with oil again. Air fry for another 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve the tuna patties immediately with your choice of sauce, such as lemon aioli, yogurt-dill sauce, sriracha mayo, avocado crema, or tartar sauce, and a wedge of lemon or lime.
Chicken Fryers: How Long Do They Last in Fridge?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Cooking methods
Tuna patties are a great, quick and easy meal that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil. The patties are formed from a mixture of tuna, eggs, and breadcrumbs, which is shaped into balls and then flattened into patties. The outside of the patties can be coated with panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
Before cooking, it is recommended to chill the patties in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm, as this will make them easier to handle during cooking and help them hold together. It is not necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking.
When placing the patties in the air fryer, ensure that they are not overcrowded, as this will allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the patties for 4-6 minutes at 360-390°F, then flip them and spray the tops again with oil. Cook for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The total cooking time will be around 8-12 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the desired level of doneness.
Serve the tuna patties with your choice of sauce, such as lemon aioli, yogurt-dill sauce, Sriracha mayo, avocado crema, or tartar sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Pork Medallions: Quick, Crispy, and Tender
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for tuna patties in an air fryer vary depending on the air fryer model and the size and thickness of the patties. It is recommended to cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and ensure even cooking.
For a batch of four to six patties, cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you are cooking more than six patties, you may need to cook in batches of four to six at a time.
For a batch of eight patties, cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
For a batch of ten patties, cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer model. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the patties are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Lining Your Air Fryer: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$6.99 $9.99

Serving suggestions
Tuna patties are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried tuna patties:
As a Main Course
For a heartier meal, serve the tuna patties with a side of leafy greens, such as arugula, and a wedge of lime or lemon. You can also add a sauce like lemon aioli, yogurt-dill sauce, sriracha mayo, Cajun remoulade, or avocado crema or tartar sauce. If you're looking for a more substantial dish, serve the patties on a bed of rice or quinoa, with roasted vegetables on the side.
Appetizer or Snack
Tuna patties can make a great appetizer or snack. Serve them on a platter with fresh herbs like parsley and lemon or lime wedges. You can also offer a variety of dips or sauces for guests to customize their own bites.
Salad Topper
Crumble the tuna patties over a bed of mixed greens, adding some crunch and protein to your salad. Top with a light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, such as a yogurt-dill sauce or a lemon-based dressing to complement the tuna.
Slider or Burger
Use the tuna patties as a patty in a slider or burger. Add your favorite toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, and don't forget a sauce like lemon aioli or avocado crema. You can also experiment with different types of buns, such as brioche or pretzel buns, to add another layer of flavor and texture.
Part of a Seafood Spread
If you're hosting a seafood feast, include the tuna patties as part of a spread that might include other fried seafood options, such as shrimp or calamari. Don't forget to provide a variety of sauces and dips for a well-rounded offering.
Frying Wontons: Air Fryer vs. Traditional Methods
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Storage and reheating
Tuna patties are a great make-ahead option, as they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To store them, simply place the cooled patties in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy crispy tuna patties throughout the week!
When you're ready to indulge in your leftover tuna treats, there are a few reheating methods to choose from. The air fryer takes the crown for convenience and crispness. Just place the patties back in the air fryer and heat them until they're warmed through. No need to add more oil, as the residual oil from the previous cooking session will help recrisp the patties.
If you're in a hurry or don't want to use the air fryer, the microwave is a viable option. Place the patties on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. While the microwave is quick, it may not deliver the same level of crispness as the air fryer.
For a more traditional approach, you can reheat the patties in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan and heat the patties over medium heat until warmed through. This method allows you to regain some of the crispness that may have been lost during storage.
Lastly, if you're in the mood for a heartier meal, you can bake the patties in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F–400°F and place the patties on a baking sheet. Heat them until they're warmed to your liking. This method is especially useful if you're reheating a larger batch or want to warm the patties more slowly.
Air-Fryer Chaap: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
First, combine the tuna, eggs, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a bowl. Form the mixture into patties and place them in the air fryer basket. Brush the patties with oil and air fry for 6 minutes. Flip the patties, brush with oil again, and air fry for another 4-6 minutes.
You will need tuna, eggs, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. For the seasonings, you can use dried parsley, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes. You can also add onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise.
Set the air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F.
Air fry the patties for a total of 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process.











































