Air-Fried Tuna Patty Perfection: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Tuna patties are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer with minimal oil. They are a great source of protein and can be served with dips, salads, or sandwiches. To make tuna patties in an air fryer, you will need canned tuna, eggs, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings. The patties are then shaped and placed in the air fryer for a crispy, golden finish.

Choosing the right tuna

When it comes to canned tuna, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, choose a brand that uses sustainable and ethical fishing practices. Look for BPA-free cans and pole-caught or trolled tuna for better fishing practices. Another thing to consider is whether to choose tuna packed in oil or water. This is mostly a matter of personal preference, but be sure to read the ingredient list for oil-packed tuna to ensure there are no unwanted ingredients.

There are two main types of canned tuna: light and white (or albacore). Light tuna is usually skipjack or yellowfin, which has a darker meat and a more pronounced flavour. White tuna, on the other hand, is albacore, which has a lighter colour and a milder flavour. Choose the type of tuna that best suits your taste preferences.

When buying fresh tuna, it is important to consider the grade. There are four grades of tuna: sashimi, sushi, premium, and utility. Sashimi grade is the highest quality, followed by sushi grade. Premium grade is good for cooking, while utility grade is the lowest quality and may not be suitable for raw consumption.

In conclusion, when choosing the right tuna for your air fryer tuna patties, consider the type of tuna (canned or fresh), the grade (if fresh), the fishing practices, and your personal preference for oil or water-packed canned tuna. By selecting the right tuna, you can ensure your tuna patties are not only delicious but also ethically sourced and of good quality.

Mixing the ingredients

To make tuna patties in an air fryer, you'll need to mix all your ingredients in a bowl. Here's a list of ingredients you can use:

• Canned tuna (any brand will work)
• Eggs (the egg will bind the tuna patty together)
• Prepared mustard (yellow or honey Dijon)
• Breadcrumbs (regular, panko, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, and your choice of spices)
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Celery (finely chopped)
• Onion (minced)
• Garlic powder
• Dried herbs (oregano, dill, basil, thyme, or any combination)
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Olive oil

For the breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you want to make the recipe keto-friendly or low-carb, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead.

The amount of egg you'll need may vary depending on the dryness of your tuna and the absorption of the breadcrumbs. Start with two large eggs, and if the mixture seems too dry to form into patties, add a third egg.

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, celery, onion, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you'd like to add. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Then, gently fold in the tuna until it is just mixed in.

The consistency of the mixture should be such that it can be easily formed into patties. If it seems too dry or crumbly, you can add another egg. If it seems too wet or sticky, you can add a little more breadcrumbs.

Once you've achieved the desired consistency, you can start forming the mixture into patties. Use an ice cream scoop to keep the sizes consistent. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into patties that are about 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.

Place the patties on a plate or tray and chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This step is optional but will make the patties easier to handle during cooking.

Shaping the patties

Shaping the tuna mixture into patties is an important step in ensuring your tuna cakes are a success. Here is a detailed guide on shaping the patties:

Firstly, it is important to ensure your tuna mixture is well combined but not overly mixed. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until well combined. Note that you want the mixture to be reasonably firm. If it seems too soft, add a little more breadcrumbs to the mix.

Next, use an ice cream scoop to keep the sizes consistent. This will ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout. Scoop the mixture and shape it into patties. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch. You can also form the mixture into balls and then flatten them into patties. Press the mixture together so that the patty stays together.

If the patties are too soft to handle, chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour or until firm. This will make them easier to handle during cooking.

Finally, place the patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Spray or brush the tops of the patties with oil.

Cooking the patties

Now that your patties are ready, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil. You can also line it with perforated parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Place the Patties

Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 3: Air Fry

Set the air fryer to 360-390°F (180-200°C) and cook the patties for 6-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time and brush or spray the tops with oil again. The patties are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the patties from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They can be served as-is or with a sauce such as lemon aioli, yogurt-dill sauce, sriracha mayo, or avocado crema.

Tips for Cooking Tuna Patties:

• For even cooking, it is important to ensure that the patties are of uniform size and thickness.
• Chilling the patties in the refrigerator for 20-60 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape better.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to allow proper airflow and ensure a crispy finish.
• When flipping the patties, use a thin spatula to ensure an even crust on both sides.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as cayenne pepper, parmesan cheese, or lemon zest.
• For gluten-free patties, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Serving suggestions

Tuna patties are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried tuna cakes:

As a Salad Topping

Tuna patties can be a delicious addition to a salad. Their crispy texture and savoury flavour pair well with leafy greens, making them a great option for a light yet satisfying meal. You can also serve them with a side of coleslaw for an extra crunch.

As an Appetizer or Snack

These tuna cakes are perfect as a bite-sized appetizer or snack. Serve them on a platter with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce such as tartar sauce, remoulade, lemon aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also offer a variety of sauces for guests to choose from.

In a Slider or Sandwich

For a heartier option, serve the tuna patties in a slider or sandwich. They can be a tasty alternative to a traditional burger patty and are delicious with your favourite toppings. You can also add a slice of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to take it up a notch.

As a Main Course

For a more substantial meal, serve the tuna patties as a main course with a side of roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries. They can also be paired with a light salad on the side. If you're feeling creative, try making a special sauce or relish to complement the dish.

With a Variety of Sides

Tuna patties are quite versatile and can be served with a range of sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Air fryer green beans and bacon
• Air fryer Mediterranean vegetables
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese
• Brussel sprouts
• Sautéed green beans and mushrooms
• Roasted potatoes

With a Sauce or Condiment

Tuna patties can be served with a variety of sauces and condiments to enhance their flavour. Here are some options:

• Tartar sauce
• Ranch
• Lemon slices or wedges
• Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro
• Cajun remoulade
• Avocado crema
• Honey mustard BBQ sauce
• Chipotle mayo

Frequently asked questions