Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Ready in about 26 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.
Budget-friendly tinned tuna patties with a crisp exterior and soft, savoury middle. The air fryer sets them firmly without the greasy shallow-frying, so they hold together beautifully.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 3 tins tuna, drained
- 1 egg, beaten
- 60 g breadcrumbs
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
Method
- 1Mix the tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, spring onions, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- 2Shape into 6-8 firm patties and chill for 10 minutes.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 190°C/375°F for 3 minutes.
- 4Mist the patties with oil and line the basket with parchment.
- 5Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and set.
- 6Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a green salad.
Tips for the best results
- Chilling helps the patties keep their shape in the basket.
- Add a pinch of Old Bay or dill for extra flavour.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer tuna patties steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer tuna patties?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 10-12 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer tuna patties 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 patties serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.