Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Ready in about 17 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Creamy tuna mayo piled onto bread and topped with bubbling cheese, toasted open-faced until golden. The air fryer melts the cheese while crisping the base for a diner-style melt at home.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 1 x 145 g tin tuna, drained
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 celery stick, finely diced
- 1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 2 slices sourdough or bloomer
- 80 g cheddar, grated
- Squeeze of lemon
- Salt and pepper
Method
- 1Mix the tuna with mayo, celery, onion, lemon, salt and pepper.
- 2Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/360°F.
- 3Pile the tuna mixture onto the bread slices and spread to the edges.
- 4Top generously with grated cheddar.
- 5Air fry for 6-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the base is crisp.
- 6Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the best results
- Spread the filling to the crusts so the edges do not burn.
- A dash of hot sauce in the mix adds a gentle kick.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer tuna melt steams instead of browning.
- Pulling air fryer tuna melt the moment the timer ends without checking the centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer tuna melt?
A typical starting point is 180°C / 360°F for 6-8 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer tuna melt ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer tuna melt serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.