Air-Fried 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. The air fryer gives the sandwich a crispy exterior while retaining a juicy interior. This guide will teach you how to make a tuna melt sandwich in an air fryer, including the ingredients and steps you need to follow.

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your tuna melt can make or break the sandwich. It is important to select a bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the weight of the filling and that will toast well in the air fryer. Here are some tips to help you choose the right bread for your tuna melt:

• Go for a sturdy bread: Sourdough, rye, whole wheat, or a thick slice of bread are all great options that will provide a good base for your sandwich. These types of bread will hold up to the weight of the filling and toast nicely in the air fryer.
• Freshness is key: Make sure your bread is fresh. Stale bread may not toast evenly or provide the desired crispness.
• Size matters: Opt for larger slices of bread rather than smaller ones. This will ensure that all of your tuna salad fits comfortably within the sandwich.
• Type of bread: While you can use any type of bread, such as white sandwich bread, sourdough, rye, or whole grain, it is important to consider the texture and thickness of the bread. Thinner breads may cook faster, so keep an eye on your sandwich to avoid overcooking.
• Gluten-free option: If you are gluten-intolerant or prefer a gluten-free diet, simply choose a gluten-free bread that you enjoy. That way, you can still enjoy a delicious tuna melt.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to choose the right bread for your air fryer tuna melt, resulting in a delicious and satisfying sandwich.

Preparing the tuna salad

First, drain the canned tuna and break it up with a fork. Then, add your other ingredients and mix well. The exact ingredients you use are up to you, but common additions include mayo, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper, relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery. You can also add diced scallions or diced celery to the mix.

If the tuna salad seems a little dry, add more mayo. Conversely, if it's too watery, add less mayo next time or try squeezing out any excess liquid. You want a nice, thick consistency that will spread easily onto your bread.

Once you're happy with the taste and consistency, your tuna salad is ready to be made into a sandwich and cooked in your air fryer.

Layering the sandwich

Firstly, prepare the bread by spreading a thin layer of butter, mayonnaise, or olive oil on one side of each slice of bread. This step is essential as it adds flavour and helps the bread become crispy and golden. You can also add a thin layer of pesto or mashed avocado on one slice of bread for a 'tunacado' twist. Place the bread slices on your work surface, with the coated side facing down.

Next, it's time to add the fillings. For a classic tuna melt, spread a generous amount of tuna salad on one slice of bread. You can use your favourite tuna salad recipe or a simple mix of canned tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings. Be sure to drain the canned tuna and break it up with a fork before mixing in the other ingredients.

After spreading the tuna salad, it's time to add the cheese. You can use sliced or grated cheddar cheese, or any other variety that melts well, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or Colby Jack. Place the cheese on top of the tuna salad, pressing it down slightly to ensure it sticks to the bread.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some extra ingredients at this point. Try adding sliced tomatoes, sliced olives, avocado, or a type of relish. These additions will enhance the flavour and texture of your tuna melt.

Finally, place the second slice of bread on top of the fillings, with the coated side facing up. Press the sandwich together firmly with a spatula or your hand. It's important to ensure that the coated sides of the bread are on the outside of the sandwich, as this will create a crispy, golden exterior.

Now your sandwich is ready for the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer before placing the sandwich inside, and cook it for around 8 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it's crispy, golden, and the cheese has melted to perfection.

Cooking in the air fryer

The air fryer is a fast and hassle-free way to prepare meals, and it's perfect for making a tasty tuna melt. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious sandwich:

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Salad

Start by mixing all the tuna salad ingredients in a bowl. This includes canned tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, celery, red onion, salt, and pepper. You can also add relish, garlic powder, onion powder, or pickle juice to taste. Drain the canned tuna and break it up with a fork before mixing.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

For a classic tuna melt, spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. You can use any type of bread, but it's recommended to use sturdy bread like sourdough, rye, or whole wheat that can hold up to the weight of the filling. Then, add two slices of cheese to each slice of bread. Next, spread the tuna salad on top of the cheese, and if you're feeling adventurous, add some sliced tomatoes or avocado. Finally, place the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered or mayonnaise side facing up.

Step 3: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 350-390°F (177-200°C). Place the assembled sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for 4-9 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, but you'll know it's done when the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Serving and Storing

Let the sandwich cool down for a few minutes before slicing into it. You can serve it with a side of chips, pickles, or a salad. Tuna melts are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving suggestions

There are endless ways to serve your air fryer tuna melt. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salad: Serve your tuna melt with a side salad. Try a caesar salad, a chopped side salad, or apple coleslaw.
• Vegetables: Air fryer tuna melts go well with salad vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices. You could also try air fryer garlic mushrooms.
• Chips: Why not serve your tuna melt with a side of air fryer chips or air fryer sweet potato fries?
• Soup: A cup of soup would be a great accompaniment to a tuna melt.
• Pickles: Try serving your tuna melt with pickles or devilled egg pasta salad.
• Avocado: Slice or mash some avocado on top of your melt, or serve it on the side.
• Spicy kick: Add some chilli flakes, jalapenos, or sun-dried tomatoes to your sandwich for an extra kick.
• Crunchy vegetables: Add some crunch with lettuce, cucumber, or sliced olives.

Tuna melts are a great way to use up leftover tuna salad, and they're a tasty, quick and easy lunch option.

Frequently asked questions