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

Tuna melts are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that can be whipped up in under 15 minutes. They are a great budget-friendly option and can be made in a variety of ways. The key to a good tuna melt is the cheese, and the air fryer ensures that it is melted to perfection.

Choosing your bread

Choosing the right bread is essential for a perfect tuna melt. The bread forms the foundation of the sandwich and can make or break the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the perfect bread for your air fryer tuna melt:

Type of Bread

You can use any type of bread for your tuna melt, including sandwich bread, sourdough, rye, ciabatta rolls, English muffins, pita bread, or even a crusty roll. Sourdough or rye bread works best for this recipe, providing a tangy flavour that complements the tuna. If you want a classic diner-style crisp, go for fresh, white sandwich bread. For a higher fibre option, choose whole grain bread.

Size of Bread

When selecting your bread, consider the size of the slices. Aim for larger slices rather than smaller ones, as you want to ensure your tuna salad fits comfortably within the sandwich. This will also help prevent any overflow of the filling.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can easily adapt the recipe. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. For a dairy-free tuna melt, opt for dairy-free cheese slices and choose mayonnaise or yogurt that suits your needs.

Freshness

Regardless of the type of bread you choose, it's essential to ensure it's fresh. Stale bread can ruin the texture and taste of your tuna melt. Fresh bread will give you a better chance of achieving the desired crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Bread Preparation

Before adding your tuna salad and cheese, prepare your bread by lightly toasting it. This step helps keep the bread from getting too soggy from the toppings. You can toast the bread in your air fryer or toaster. Spread a thin layer of butter, olive oil, or mayonnaise on the bread before toasting to enhance the flavour and crispiness.

Remember, the bread you choose will significantly impact the overall taste and texture of your air fryer tuna melt. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your perfect combination!

Preparing the tuna salad

Ingredients:

• Canned Tuna: Start by draining the liquid from the canned tuna. You can use any type of canned tuna, such as albacore tuna packed in olive oil or water. If you prefer a more sustainable option, look for tuna that is wild or pole-and-line caught, and opt for low-sodium varieties.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in tuna salad, providing creaminess and moisture. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preference, adding more if the mixture seems dry.
• Mustard: A small amount of mustard adds a tangy kick to the tuna salad. You can use dijon mustard or yellow mustard, depending on your taste.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavours and adds a nice acidic touch to the salad.
• Celery: Finely chop or dice the celery to add a refreshing crunch to your tuna melt.
• Red Onion: Mince or finely chop the red onion to incorporate a subtle spicy kick without being too overpowering.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the tuna salad with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavours and bring all the ingredients together.
• Optional Ingredients: You can also include other ingredients like dill pickle relish, garlic powder, parsley, sweet relish, or scallions. These additions will give your tuna salad a unique twist.

Instructions:

• Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, chopped celery, and red onion. You can also add any optional ingredients you wish to include.
• Mix Well: Use a fork or spoon to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Make sure the tuna is flaked into small pieces and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Season to Taste: Give the tuna salad a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more mayonnaise if it seems too dry, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang.
• Consistency Check: The ideal consistency for your tuna salad is spreadable but not watery. If it seems too watery, you can let it sit for a while to allow the excess liquid to drain, or you can add more mayonnaise to thicken it.
• Storage: If you're preparing the tuna salad ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically last for 3-5 days.

Now that you have your tuna salad ready, you can move on to the next steps of assembling and cooking your tuna melt in the air fryer!

Preparing the bread

Firstly, it is recommended to use a larger slice of bread, so that all of the tuna salad fits inside the sandwich without overflowing. You can use any type of bread you like, but some popular options include sourdough, rye, ciabatta rolls, English muffins, and even gluten-free bread. If you want a classic diner-style crisp, go for fresh, white sandwich bread. For a higher fibre option, choose whole grain bread.

Once you have selected your bread, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Start by spreading a thin layer of butter, mayonnaise, or olive oil on one side of each slice of bread. This will help to create a crispy, golden exterior when the sandwich is cooked in the air fryer. You can also add a thin layer of pesto or mashed avocado for extra flavour.

Next, it's time to add the fillings. For a classic tuna melt, spread a layer of tuna salad on one slice of bread, followed by a layer of cheese. Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, making sure that the buttered/mayonnased sides are facing outwards. For a 'tunacado' style tuna melt, spread a layer of pesto on one slice of bread, followed by tuna salad, cheese, and then a layer of mashed avocado and tomato slices on the other slice.

Finally, place the sandwich in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook one or more sandwiches at a time. Make sure there is enough room for the air to circulate and heat up the sandwiches evenly.

Now you're ready to cook your tuna melt! Depending on the type of bread and your desired level of crispness, set the air fryer to between 350-400°F and cook for 4-9 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through. Keep an eye on your sandwich to avoid overcooking, and remove it from the air fryer when the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.

And that's it! You now have a perfectly toasted tuna melt sandwich, with crispy bread and melted cheese. Enjoy!

Adding the tuna mixture

Now for the fun part: adding the tuna mixture! For a classic tuna melt, spread your tuna salad evenly across one slice of bread. You can add some sliced cheese on top of the tuna salad—a classic choice is cheddar, but feel free to get creative with your cheese of choice. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add some sliced tomato or avocado before placing the second slice of bread on top.

For a "tunacado" style tuna melt, spread a thin layer of pesto on one slice of bread and some mashed avocado on the other. Add your tuna salad and sliced tomato, then finish by closing your sandwich.

If you're making an open-faced tuna melt, simply spread the tuna salad on a slice of bread and top with cheese.

Air frying

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Bread (sourdough, rye, white sandwich bread, or any bread of your choice)
• Tuna (canned or fresh)
• Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or any variety you prefer)
• Mayonnaise
• Butter or olive oil
• Optional: lemon juice, sweet relish, mustard, salt, pepper, celery, red onion, pickles, jalapeños, garlic powder, etc.

Tuna Salad:

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and any optional ingredients you wish to add, such as lemon juice, sweet relish, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. You can adjust the amounts of mayonnaise and other ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Bread Preparation:

Spread a thin layer of butter, olive oil, or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread toast and crisp up in the air fryer. You can also toast the bread lightly in the air fryer or oven before adding the toppings to ensure it is sturdy enough to hold them.

Assembly:

Now it's time to assemble your tuna melt! Start by placing the bread slices on your work surface, buttered/oiled side down. For a classic tuna melt, spread your tuna salad evenly on one piece of bread. Then, add a layer of cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add sliced tomatoes, avocado, or other toppings of your choice. Finally, place the second piece of bread on top, buttered/oiled side up.

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F (177-204°C). Carefully place the assembled tuna melt sandwich in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-9 minutes, depending on the type of bread and your desired level of crispness. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. If your air fryer doesn't melt the cheese to your liking, you can finish it off by cooking at 350 F for one minute or turning up the heat to 450°F for the final minute.

Serving:

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy, your tuna melt is ready! Remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and gooey tuna melt!

Customization:

Feel free to get creative and customize your tuna melt to your taste preferences. You can add extra cheese, veggies, or special seasonings. You can also experiment with different types of bread and cheese to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions