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An air fryer tuna sandwich with lettuce and tomato on a white plate in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

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.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer tuna sandwich
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 334kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 1166mg | Potassium: 376mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 743IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 5mg
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