Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Crispy, golden tuna patties made in the air fryer with a perfect texture and packed with flavor. A healthy, quick, and versatile recipe easy to make for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- Mixing bowl
- Sieve or Fine Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cans solid white albacore tuna in water well drained
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs plus more for coating if desired
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (or shallots for a milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed dried
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 spray olive oil for spraying
Instructions
- Drain the Tuna Thoroughly: Open the cans of tuna and press the lid firmly against the tuna to squeeze out as much water as possible. For extra dry tuna, you can place it in a fine mesh sieve and press down with the back of a spoon. We want flaky fish, not a watery mixture.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium sized mixing bowl, add the well drained tuna. Break it up gently with a fork. To the tuna, add the mayonnaise, beaten egg, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix; we want to maintain some of that lovely tuna texture.
- Add the Dry Ingredients and Aromatics: Now, sprinkle in the panko breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, parsley, dried dill weed, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Using a fork or a spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together when you pinch a piece between your fingers. If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
- Chill for Firmness: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps the binder (the egg and breadcrumbs) to set, making the patties much easier to shape and ensuring they don’t fall apart in the air fryer.
- Shape the Patties: Once chilled, scoop out about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the mixture for each patty. Gently roll it into a ball and then flatten it into a disc about 3/4 inch thick. You should get about 6 to 8 patties, depending on the size. Be gentle as you shape them; they don't need to be perfectly uniform.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer temperature for tuna patties to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. A hot start is key to getting that initial sear for a crispy texture.
- Cook the Tuna Patties: Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Carefully place the tuna patties in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook them in two batches. Give the tops of the patties a light spritz of oil spray.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. The patties are done when they are firm, heated through, and beautifully browned on the outside. The exact air fryer tuna patties cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
Notes
This recipe is flexible and adaptable! Try different variations of flavor profiles or add seasonings for change. These tuna patties are also fantastic as part of a heartier meal when served over brown rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables.