Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Tuna patties are a tasty and healthy meal that everyone loves! They’re easy to make and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. You might be thinking, “How can I make tuna patties in a way that’s fast and simple?” Well, the good news is that you can cook them in an air fryer! Air fryer tuna patties are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and much healthier than frying them in oil. Plus, you don’t need to be a cooking expert to make them. This recipe is perfect for kids, teens, and beginners! In this article, we’ll show you how to make the best air fryer tuna patties, step by step.

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Tuna Patties?

Before we start cooking, you might wonder why an air fryer is a great choice for making tuna patties. Air fryers are special kitchen appliances that cook food using hot air instead of oil. This means your food gets crispy without being greasy. So, if you want a healthy option for making tuna patties, the air fryer is the way to go. Here are some reasons why the air fryer is awesome:

Less oil, fewer calories: Air fryers use much less oil than deep frying, so your patties will be lower in fat.
Quick cooking: The air fryer cooks food faster than a regular oven, saving you time.
Easy cleanup: No messy frying pans or oil splashes. Cleaning up is a breeze!

Now that you know why an air fryer is a great choice, let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps you need to follow.

If you’re looking for other air fryer recipes, try these Air Fryer BBQ Split Chicken Breasts for another healthy and flavorful meal.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Tuna Patties

To make these easy air fryer tuna patties, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Don’t worry, these are easy to find at your local grocery store! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
1 egg (to bind everything together)
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (this makes the patties crispy)
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (adds creaminess)
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (for flavor)
1/4 cup of chopped onion (optional, but adds great taste)
1/4 cup of chopped parsley (optional, for freshness)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Cooking spray (for spraying the air fryer basket)

You might notice that you can change a few things depending on your taste. If you like spicier food, you can add some hot sauce or chili flakes. If you prefer a milder taste, just skip those ingredients. Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to making the patties!

For a keto-friendly variation, check out this Keto Tuna Patties Recipe that’s just as delicious but lower in carbs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Making air fryer tuna patties is a fun and simple process. These patties are healthy, crispy, and delicious, and you don’t need to be a professional chef to make them! Below is a clear, easy-to-follow guide to help you create these tasty tuna patties in your air fryer. Let’s get started!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for this easy recipe:

1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
1 egg (for binding the ingredients together)
1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (for crispiness)
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (adds creaminess)
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor)
1/4 cup of chopped onion (optional, for extra taste)
1/4 cup of chopped parsley (optional, for freshness)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Cooking spray (for spraying the air fryer basket)

Make sure to drain the tuna completely so the mixture doesn’t become too wet. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can also add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes, but this is optional.

Prepare the Tuna Mixture

The first step is to prepare the mixture that will form your tuna patties.

Open the can of tuna and drain out all the water. To do this, press the tuna down in the can using a fork, and let the water drip out. Make sure the tuna is as dry as possible.
Put the tuna into a large mixing bowl.
Crack the egg into the bowl with the tuna.
Add breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), and any other seasonings or ingredients like chopped onions and parsley.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should stick together and be easy to form into patties.

Shape the Patties

Now it’s time to shape your patties!

Use a spoon to scoop out some of the tuna mixture. You can make the patties as big or as small as you like, but aim for about 6 to 8 patties from this recipe.
Roll the mixture into a ball and gently press it down to form a round, flat patty.
Repeat this for the rest of the mixture, shaping all the patties. Make sure all the patties are about the same size so they cook evenly.

Preheat the Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Preheating the air fryer is an important step for getting crispy patties.

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Let it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will ensure the air fryer is hot enough to cook the patties evenly and give them that nice, crispy texture.

Cook the Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the patties.

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent the patties from sticking.
Carefully place the patties in the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the patties from getting crispy. If necessary, cook the patties in batches.
Cook the patties for 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). After about 5 minutes, use tongs to flip the patties so that both sides get crispy and golden brown.
If you want your patties extra crispy, cook them for a few more minutes until they reach your desired crispiness.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the patties are cooked to perfection, take them out of the air fryer.

Let them cool for a minute before serving. Be careful, as they’ll be hot right after coming out of the air fryer.
Serve your crispy tuna patties on a plate. You can eat them on their own, or pair them with a side like salad, fries, or steamed vegetables.
For extra flavor, try dipping them in ketchup, tartar sauce, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.

Pro Tips:

Pre-make the patties: If you’re short on time, you can make the tuna patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just shape them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Frozen patties: You can freeze the patties before cooking. Place them on a tray in the freezer until they’re solid, then transfer them to a bag. When you’re ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen for a few extra minutes.
Add-ins: If you want to customize your patties, you can add shredded cheese, corn kernels, or even diced bell peppers to the mixture for a fun twist.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Making air fryer tuna patties is easy, but there are some tips and tricks that can take your patties from good to amazing! Whether you’re making them for the first time or you’ve already tried the recipe, these helpful tips will ensure your patties turn out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Let’s dive into the best tips for making the best air fryer tuna patties.

1. Use High-Quality Tuna

The key to making the best tuna patties starts with using good-quality tuna. You can choose between chunk light tuna, which is more affordable, or white albacore tuna, which has a firmer texture and a milder flavor. Both work well, but the better the tuna, the better your patties will taste! Be sure to drain the tuna thoroughly before using it to avoid soggy patties.

2. Add Fresh Ingredients for Extra Flavor

While canned tuna is the main ingredient, adding fresh ingredients can make a huge difference in flavor. Consider mixing in chopped onions, fresh parsley, or diced bell peppers. These add color, texture, and freshness to your patties. You can even experiment with other herbs like cilantro or basil if you like different flavors.

3. Adjust the Breadcrumbs for Texture

Breadcrumbs are essential for giving the tuna patties their crispy texture. You can use either regular bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs. Panko will give you an extra crunchy result. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can easily swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even oats. Just be sure to add the right amount—if the mixture is too dry, your patties will fall apart, and if it’s too wet, they’ll be soggy. You want the mixture to be firm enough to hold its shape when forming the patties.

4. Add an Egg to Bind the Mixture

The egg is important because it helps to bind all the ingredients together and keeps the patties from falling apart. If you want to make the recipe vegan or egg-free, you can try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). This is a great alternative and works well in binding the ingredients.

5. Don’t Overmix the Ingredients

When combining the tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, mix gently. Overmixing can result in tough or rubbery patties. You just want to mix everything until it’s well combined. If you’re using your hands to mix, be careful not to squeeze too tightly. A light touch is best!

6. Shape the Patties Evenly

For the best results, make sure all the patties are the same size. This ensures that they cook evenly in the air fryer. You can use a spoon to scoop the mixture and form it into a ball, then gently flatten it into a round patty. Aim for patties that are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. If the patties are too thick, they might not cook through properly, and if they are too thin, they can dry out.

7. Preheat the Air Fryer

Just like with any other cooking appliance, preheating the air fryer is crucial for getting the best results. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes before placing the patties inside. Preheating ensures that the patties cook evenly and get a crispy texture right from the start.

8. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

When cooking in an air fryer, it’s important to leave enough space around each patty. If the patties are too close together or stacked on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly and will lose their crispiness. Arrange the patties in a single layer with some space between them for the best results. If you need to cook a large batch, it’s better to do it in two batches.

9. Flip the Patties Halfway Through Cooking

To get an evenly crispy exterior on both sides, be sure to flip the patties halfway through the cooking time. This helps both sides cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy. Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to gently flip the patties without breaking them.

10. Spray with Cooking Oil for Extra Crispiness

A light spray of cooking oil on the patties before air frying helps them become crispier and golden brown. It’s a great way to mimic the crispiness of deep-frying without using lots of oil. Just make sure you don’t soak the patties in oil— a light mist is enough.

11. Don’t Overcook the Patties

Keep an eye on the patties as they cook. While the air fryer is faster than a traditional oven, it can also dry out food if left in too long. Check for doneness after about 8-10 minutes of cooking. The patties should be golden and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. If you’re unsure, you can always cut one open to check—it should be moist and flaky on the inside.

FAQs about Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Can You Cook Canned Tuna in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook canned tuna in an air fryer, but typically, canned tuna is used as one of the main ingredients in recipes like tuna patties or tuna cakes. You wouldn’t generally cook canned tuna by itself in the air fryer, as it’s already cooked when it comes in the can. However, once you mix the tuna with other ingredients (such as breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings), you can then cook the tuna mixture in the air fryer to create crispy tuna patties or cakes.

The air fryer is a great way to cook tuna patties because it helps them become crispy on the outside while keeping them moist on the inside, without needing to deep fry them.

How Do You Keep Tuna Patties From Falling Apart?

Tuna patties can sometimes fall apart during cooking if they are too wet or if they don’t have enough binding ingredients. To prevent this from happening, here are a few helpful tips:

Drain the Tuna Thoroughly: Make sure to drain all excess liquid from the canned tuna. If the tuna is too wet, it will make the patties soggy and harder to hold together.
Use an Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping the ingredients stick together. Make sure to mix the egg well into the tuna and other ingredients, as it will hold the patty together as it cooks.
Add Breadcrumbs or Other Binders: Breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch) help to firm up the mixture. You can also add oats or crushed crackers as alternatives. Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together without being too dry or too wet.
Chill the Patties: After forming the patties, place them in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the mixture firm up and reduces the chances of them falling apart during cooking.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing the tuna too much can make it mushy. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed—this will help the patties maintain their texture.

Can Patties Be Cooked in an Air Fryer?

Yes, patties can definitely be cooked in an air fryer! In fact, the air fryer is perfect for cooking patties because it gives them a crispy, golden-brown exterior without needing to deep fry them. Whether you’re making tuna patties, chicken patties, vegetable patties, or even beef patties, the air fryer can cook them quickly and evenly.

To cook patties in the air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually around 375°F or 190°C).
Spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the patties in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.
Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides get crispy.

Air fryer patties come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a healthier option compared to deep frying.

Why Do My Tuna Cakes Fall Apart?

Tuna cakes can fall apart for several reasons, but here are the most common causes and how to fix them:

Too Much Moisture: If the tuna isn’t drained properly or if you’ve added too much wet ingredient (like mayonnaise), the mixture will be too loose and the patties will fall apart. Always drain the canned tuna well and adjust the amount of wet ingredients to ensure the mixture isn’t too soggy.
Not Enough Binder: If there aren’t enough breadcrumbs, egg, or other binding ingredients, the patties won’t hold together. Make sure you use enough breadcrumbs and eggs to give the patties structure.
Overmixing the Ingredients: Overmixing the tuna can cause the mixture to become too mushy. Mix gently just until everything is combined. This will help the patties stay intact while cooking.
Patty Shape: If your patties are too thin, they might not hold up well during cooking. Make them slightly thicker (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick) to ensure they don’t fall apart easily.
Not Chilling the Patties: If you don’t chill the patties before cooking, they may not hold their shape as they cook. After shaping the patties, place them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up before air frying.

Conclusion

With these tips, you’ll be able to make the best air fryer tuna patties every time! The key is to use fresh ingredients, avoid overmixing, and make sure the patties cook evenly for a crispy, golden finish. Whether you’re making them for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, these tips will help you get the most delicious, perfectly cooked tuna patties.