Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Air fryer tuna patties turn two cans of tuna and a few pantry staples into crisp, golden cakes in 10 minutes. The air fryer browns the outside with only a light spray of oil while the inside stays moist, so you get the classic tuna cake without frying in a skillet. They are an easy weeknight dinner that costs very little.
- Temperature
- 375°F190 °C
- Total time
- 30min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 165°F74 °C
- Per serving
- 165kcal
Why the air fryer works for tuna patties
Tuna patties have a delicate structure, since the binder, a little egg and breadcrumbs, is all that holds flaked fish together. In a skillet they can break while you flip them or soak up too much oil. In the air fryer the patties sit still on a hot basket, and the hot air sets the outside while it browns the panko. You use just a spray of oil, and the patties come out crisp on the outside and moist in the middle.
This recipe uses canned tuna, which is already cooked, so you are mostly browning the outside and warming the patties through to 165 °F. That is why 10 minutes is enough. If you like salmon cakes, the method is similar, and the page on salmon patties covers the details for that fish.
How to make tuna patties in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Drain the tuna Press the tuna in a strainer or in a paper towel until it is almost dry. Wet tuna makes patties that fall apart.
- Mix Flake the tuna into a bowl. Add the egg, ⅓ cup panko, the 2 tbsp mayonnaise, mustard, scallions, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, and stir gently until combined. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
- Shape and chill Form 4 patties about 3 inches wide and ¾ inch thick. Press the extra 2 tbsp panko onto both sides. Chill the patties on a plate for so they firm up.
- Preheat and spray Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F for . Brush the basket lightly with the olive oil and spray the tops of the patties with cooking spray.
- Cook Place the patties in a single layer without touching. Cook for , flipping them gently with a wide spatula after , until golden and hot at 165 °F in the center.
- Serve Stir the 3 tbsp mayonnaise with the lemon juice and spoon it over the patties, or serve with lemon wedges.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Tuna Patties | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh patties, ¾ inch thickFlip after 5 min | 375 °F (190 °C) | 10 min |
| Thicker patties, 1 inch | 375 °F (190 °C) | 12 min |
| Frozen, formed pattiesFlip once | 375 °F (190 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Mini tuna bites | 375 °F (190 °C) | 6–8 min |
| Reheat leftovers | 350 °F (180 °C) | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 165 °F (74 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Press the tuna dry. This single step does more for the texture than any other. The drier the tuna, the less binder you need.
- Do not overmix. Stir only until the mixture holds. Mashing the tuna into a paste makes the patties dense.
- Use a wide spatula. Slide it fully under the patty before flipping, and flip once.
What to serve with tuna patties
Tuna patties go well with a crisp coleslaw, a green salad or roasted vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. For a sandwich, tuck a patty into a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato and the lemon mayonnaise, like a fish burger. Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries make it a heartier plate.
Storing and reheating
Keep cooked patties in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes until they reach 165 °F in the center. You can also freeze uncooked patties on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag, and cook them from frozen.
Variations
- Low carb: Replace the panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and skip the coating.
- Spicy: Add 1 tsp of sriracha or ¼ tsp of cayenne to the mix.
- Herby: Stir in 2 tbsp of chopped fresh dill or parsley and use lemon zest.
If it does not turn out right
- The patties fall apart
- The mixture was too wet. Drain the tuna well, add 1 more tablespoon of panko, and chill the patties for 10 minutes before cooking. Flip with a wide spatula only after the first side is set.
- The patties are dry
- Cook them only until golden, about 10 minutes. Make sure the mixture includes the mayonnaise, which keeps the inside moist.
- They stick to the basket
- Preheat the basket and brush it lightly with oil before adding the patties. A light spray on the tops helps browning too.
Questions and answers
How long do tuna patties take in the air fryer?
About 10 minutes at 375 °F, flipped halfway. Larger patties of ¾ inch or thicker may need 12 minutes. They are ready when golden and 165 °F in the center.
Can I make air fryer tuna patties without egg?
Yes. Use 2 tbsp more mayonnaise and 1 extra tablespoon of panko in place of the egg. Chill the patties longer, for 20 minutes, to help them hold.
Can I make tuna patties without breadcrumbs or flour?
Yes. Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb version, or mash in a small cooked potato. These bind well and fit a keto plan.
Can you cook frozen tuna patties in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook homemade or store-bought frozen patties straight from the freezer at 375 °F for 12–14 minutes, flipping once, until they reach 165 °F in the center.
What did you think of this recipe?
Be the first to rate this recipe.
