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

Tuna melts are a delicious, greasy comfort food that can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. They are a great budget-friendly lunch option, and can be made with a variety of breads, cheeses, and additional ingredients. The air fryer ensures the bread is toasted to perfection, the cheese is melted, and the tuna salad is heated through.

Choosing your bread

Choosing the right bread for your tuna melt is essential to its success. You want something that will be able to withstand the weight of the fillings and not become soggy during cooking. It's also important to consider the flavour and texture of the bread and how it will complement the other ingredients.

When making a tuna melt in an air fryer, it's best to opt for a sturdy, thick-sliced bread. Sourdough is a popular choice for its robust texture and tangy flavour. It's also a good idea to go for a larger loaf so that you can fit all your fillings inside. Other recommended options include rye bread, whole grain bread, and even an English muffin. If you're looking for a classic diner-style crisp, choose a fresh, white sandwich bread. For a higher fibre option, go for a whole grain variety.

To ensure your bread doesn't become soggy, it's a good idea to toast it lightly before adding the toppings. This will help it to withstand the weight of the tuna salad and cheese and give it a head start on achieving that perfect golden colour.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find the perfect match for your tuna melt. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as thinner breads will cook faster than thicker slices.

Preparing the tuna salad

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on your personal preference and the number of servings you wish to make. However, the basic ingredients typically include canned tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice or pickle juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also suggest adding diced celery, green onions, red onion, relish, garlic powder, or hot sauce to enhance the flavour.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start preparing the tuna salad. Start by draining the canned tuna to remove any excess liquid. This step is crucial to ensure that your tuna salad is not too watery. After draining, use a fork to break up the tuna and flake it into smaller pieces.

Next, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the flaked tuna with the remaining ingredients. Add the mayonnaise, lemon or pickle juice, mustard, and seasonings, and mix well. It's important to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go to suit your preference. If the mixture seems a little dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise to achieve the desired consistency.

At this point, you can also get creative and add some extra ingredients to customise your tuna salad. As mentioned, diced celery, green onions, or red onion can add a nice crunch and freshness to the salad. You could also experiment with other add-ins like diced pickles, capers, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that you enjoy the most.

Once you've mixed and seasoned your tuna salad to perfection, it's ready to be used in your air fryer tuna melt sandwiches. However, if you're preparing the tuna salad ahead of time, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or if you want to make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Now that your tuna salad is ready, you can move on to the next steps of assembling and cooking your air fryer tuna melts. Remember to refer to the specific air fryer tuna melt recipe instructions for guidance on building and cooking your sandwiches to ensure they turn out perfectly crispy and delicious.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making a tuna melt as it ensures that your sandwich will have the perfect crispy texture. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, make sure your air fryer is set up and ready to go. Plug it in and ensure the basket is inserted correctly.

Next, turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model and your desired level of crispness. For a lighter colour, set the temperature to 370°F, and for a golden brown result, go for 380°F to 390°F. If you want a darker, crispier sandwich, set the temperature to 400°F.

Let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes. Most air fryers will have a preheat setting, but if yours doesn't, simply set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature to create that sought-after, crispy texture.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your bread by lightly toasting the slices. This step is optional but recommended, as it helps the bread hold up to the toppings and prevents sogginess. Place the bread slices directly into the air fryer basket or onto a baking sheet and toast them for about 2 minutes.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next steps of assembling your tuna melt and cooking it.

Remember, the preheating process is key to achieving that desirable, crispy texture in your tuna melt, so don't skip it!

Assembling the sandwich

To assemble the sandwich, you'll need to prepare the tuna salad first. For this, you can use your own recipe or follow one of the recipes provided. Here's one:

Drain the canned tuna and break it up with a fork. Add in mayonnaise, lemon juice, sweet relish, mustard, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Check the seasoning and add more mayo if the mixture is too dry.

Now you can assemble the sandwich. First, spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter, mayonnaise, or olive oil on one side of each slice of bread. For a classic tuna melt, spread your tuna salad evenly on one piece of bread. Top with cheese—you can use sliced or shredded cheese, and add as much as you like. If you're feeling adventurous, try a 'tunacado' style tuna melt by spreading a thin layer of pesto on one slice of bread and mashed avocado on the other. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered/mayo/olive oil side up.

Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook at 380–400°F for 5–9 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through. The sandwich is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Cooking the tuna melt

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your bread slices lightly toasted, it's time to assemble your tuna melt and pop it into the air fryer.

First, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one slice of bread, and place it mayonnaise-side down in the air fryer basket. If you prefer butter, you can spread softened butter instead of mayonnaise. You can also use olive oil or a combination of mayonnaise and yogurt.

Next, add your cheese slices, ensuring they don't hang over the edges of the bread, as they will melt off. You can use cheddar, Colby Jack, Swiss, American, or any other cheese you like.

Then, add about half a cup of your tuna salad mixture. If you're making an open-faced sandwich, this is the time to add your sliced tomatoes or other toppings like avocado, sliced olives, or crispy bacon.

Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, mayonnaise-side up, and shut the air fryer basket.

Air fry your tuna melt at around 380°F to 400°F for 5 to 9 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through. The sandwich is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.

Let the sandwich cool for a few minutes before slicing into it, and enjoy your hot, gooey, and crispy tuna melt!

Frequently asked questions