Easy Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich Recipe
This Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and taste. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From its crispy exterior to the flavorful, moist interior, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Why you will love making air fryer tuna sandwiches
Making air fryer tuna sandwiches is a breeze, and here’s why you’re going to love making them for yourself or your family:
- Quick and Easy: With the air fryer doing most of the heavy lifting, you can have your tuna sandwiches ready in no time.
- Healthy Option: Combining water-packed tuna with fresh veggies and your choice of spread makes for a meal that’s both tasty and good for you.
- Versatile: This recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to throw in some fresh herbs or swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer gives the tuna patties a beautifully crispy exterior without drying them out, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
- Great for all Occasions: Whether it’s a quick lunch, a picnic, or a casual dinner, these sandwiches fit the bill perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to make Air Fryer Tuna Sandwiches with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Whipping up these air fryer tuna sandwiches is so easy, and I’m here to guide you through each step. Let’s break it down:
Mixing the Tuna Patties
In a medium bowl, combine the canned tuna, eggs, breadcrumbs, and all the seasonings. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated.
Forming and Freezing the Patties
Once your mixture is ready, shape it into four ½-inch thick patties. Pop them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up. This little trick helps them hold together better during cooking.
Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Give your air fryer basket a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray, then place the patties inside, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serving
Serve your delicious tuna patties on hamburger buns, topped with red onion, tomato slices, lettuce, and your choice of spread. Whether you’re a mayo fanatic or a Dijon mustard aficionado, it’s all good here.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Getting these air fryer tuna sandwiches just right might seem straightforward, but a few pro tips can elevate your game:
- Keep the Patties Together: Freezing the patties before cooking is key to keeping them from falling apart. Also, make sure your mixture isn’t too wet. If it seems like it might be, add more breadcrumbs to help bind everything together.
- Customize Your Flavors: Get adventurous with your seasonings or add-ins. Try dill pickle relish for a tangy twist or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a bit of warmth. Celery also tastes great in a tuna salad sandwich.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you’ve got fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even scallions lying around, don’t hesitate to mix them into your tuna patty mixture for an extra pop of flavor.
- Spread Options: Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are solid choices, but why stop there? Experiment with sriracha mayo, pesto, or even hummus for a different taste.
- Get Creative with Your Buns: While hamburger buns are classic, don’t be afraid to switch things up with sourdough, ciabatta, or even a good old slice of rye bread.
- Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, adding a slice of your favorite type of cheese (e.g. mozzarella, pepper jack, sharp cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, or Colby jack) on top of the patty during the last minute of air frying can turn these sandwiches into air fryer tuna melts. So tasty!
- Vegetables: Lettuce and tomato are classic, but thinly sliced cucumber, avocado, or even some grilled veggies can add texture and flavor.
- Cooking in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the patties in batches. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Stovetop Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the tuna patties on a skillet over medium heat. Just make sure to flip them carefully to get them golden brown on both sides.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Tuna Sandwiches
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Cool and Airtight: Let the tuna patties cool to room temperature, and then place them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Stored properly, the tuna patties will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The patties freeze well cooked or uncooked for up to 3 months. Reheat them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for meal prep!
- Reheating: Reheat the patties in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they’re warm throughout and crispy on the outside again. If you’re working with a full assembled sandwich, a quick toast of the bun and a gentle warm-up of the patty work wonders.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
These tuna sandwiches are already pretty budget-friendly, but here’s how you can stretch your dollars even further:
- Buy Tuna in Bulk: Tuna cans are often cheaper when bought in bulk. Just make sure you have a plan for using them before they expire.
- Use Leftovers: If you have any leftover veggies or herbs in your fridge, chop them up and throw them into your tuna mix. It’s a great way to add flavor and nutrition without extra cost.
- Breadcrumbs: Instead of buying pricey panko breadcrumbs, make your own by pulsing a stale slice of bread in a food processor. You can season them however you like!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Tuna Sandwiches
Here are some top picks that complement the flavors and textures of this easy air fryer recipe perfectly.
Soup for the Soul
A steaming bowl of soup next to a crispy tuna sandwich is comfort food heaven. Think classic tomato soup for a nostalgic feel, or a creamy potato leek soup for something a bit more filling.
Sides
A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a Greek salad loaded with feta and olives pair well with tuna sandwiches. If you’re looking for more of a crunch, swap out traditional potato chips for something greener. Kale chips, sweet potato chips, or even zucchini chips offer that same satisfying crunch with a nutritional boost.
Pickles and Ferments
Pickles or fermented veggies can really elevate a sandwich meal. The tanginess of pickled cucumbers, carrots, or even sauerkraut adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the tuna and the creamy spread. Plus, they add an extra punch of flavor without piling on calories.
More Delicious Recipes You Will Love
- Homemade KFC Zinger Burger Recipe
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
- Air Fryer Homemade Fries
- Chipotle Grilled Chicken
- Best Tuna Casserole Recipe
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to know! Please leave a 5-star review below (it really helps!) and tag and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!
Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich
Ingredients
- 12 ounces can of water-packed tuna drained and squeezed dry.
- 3 medium eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 hamburger buns your choice
- Dijon mustard or mayo to use as spread
- 4 large leaves of butter lettuce or iceberg
- 4 slices beefsteak tomato
- 8 slices red onions thin slices
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the tuna, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings until well combined.12 ounces can of water-packed tuna, 3 medium eggs, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon table salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Form the mixture into four ½-inch patties. Place the patties in the freezer until firm, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- When the patties feel firm, spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the patties in the air fryer two at a time depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve on the buns topped with the red onion, tomato, lettuce, and the spread of your choice.4 hamburger buns, Dijon mustard, 4 large leaves of butter lettuce, 4 slices beefsteak tomato, 8 slices red onions
Notes
- Keep the Patties Together: Freezing the patties before cooking is key to keeping them from falling apart. Also, make sure your mixture isn’t too wet. If it seems like it might be, add more breadcrumbs to help bind everything together.
- Customize Your Flavors: Get adventurous with your seasonings or add-ins. Try dill pickle relish for a tangy twist or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a bit of warmth. Celery also tastes great in a tuna salad sandwich.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you’ve got fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even scallions lying around, don’t hesitate to mix them into your tuna patty mixture for an extra pop of flavor.
- Spread Options: Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are solid choices, but why stop there? Experiment with sriracha mayo, pesto, or even hummus for a different taste.
- Get Creative with Your Buns: While hamburger buns are classic, don’t be afraid to switch things up with sourdough, ciabatta, or even a good old slice of rye bread.
- Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, adding a slice of your favorite type of cheese (e.g. mozzarella, pepper jack, sharp cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, or Colby jack) on top of the patty during the last minute of air frying can turn these sandwiches into air fryer tuna melts. So tasty!
- Vegetables: Lettuce and tomato are classic, but thinly sliced cucumber, avocado, or even some grilled veggies can add texture and flavor.
- Cooking in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the patties in batches. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Stovetop Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the tuna patties on a skillet over medium heat. Just make sure to flip them carefully to get them golden brown on both sides.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool and Airtight: Let the tuna patties cool to room temperature, and then place them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Stored properly, the tuna patties will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The patties freeze well cooked or uncooked for up to 3 months. Reheat them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for meal prep!
- Reheating: Reheat the patties in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they’re warm throughout and crispy on the outside again. If you’re working with a full assembled sandwich, a quick toast of the bun and a gentle warm-up of the patty work wonders.
