In just 10 minutes and with a few basic ingredients, you can turn your lunch or dinner into a treat. This air fryer tuna melt is a perfect buttery, cheesy, and crispy sandwich. Serve them to your family and friends, and I guarantee they will ask for more.
Don't go anywhere, just read this post carefully and learn how to make tuna melt in air fryer, bonus tips, serving ideas, variations, and much more.
What Is Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Air fryer tuna melt is a sandwich that is very delicious and flavorful. Usually, it is made with simple ingredients like tuna fish, cheese, and bread. It is recommended to serve it hot for the best melted cheesy experience.
Tuna fish is easily available in all grocery stores. You can use canned tuna fish or fresh, it's totally up to you. There are endless possibilities for garnishing, you can select them according to your taste.
So let's move to an easy and quick air fryer tuna melt recipe. We will start with the ingredients.
Ingredients
- Tuna (drained) - 1 can
- Mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons
- Red onion (finely diced) - 1/4 cup
- Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - a pinch
- Butter (softened) - 2 tablespoons
- Slices of bread - 4 slices
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, etc.) - 6 slices
- Optional toppings (tomato slices, bacon, etc.)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
How To Make Tuna Melt In Air Fryer
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained canned tuna, mayonnaise, finely diced red onion, lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to create an even mixture.
- Now spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of a bread slice, spread a layer of the tuna mixture.
- Place the desired amount of cheese slices on top of the tuna mixture.
- Place another buttered bread slice on top to create a sandwich.
- Preheat the air fryer according to 350°F or 180°C for even cooking and coloring.
- Now place your tuna melt sandwich in the air fryer basket.
- Start the cooking process and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Once done, carefully remove the tuna melt from the air fryer using a spatula.
- Allow the sandwich to cool slightly before cutting it in half.
- Serve your delicious Air Fryer Tuna Melt with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
My Bonus Tips
- Choose thicker slices of bread to hold the filling and maintain the sandwich's structure during air frying.
- It is better to brush the butter on the outer sides of the bread slices rather than spreading butter on the bread. This step helps to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors and melting qualities. You can also try a blend of different cheeses for a unique cheesy flavor.
- Avoid overstuffing,, remember that an overstuffed sandwich might not cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Air fryer tuna melts are best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the air fryer. The combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese is at its prime when served immediately.
How To Serve Air Fryer Tuna Melt
- Serve your tuna melt air fryer with a side of crispy potato chips for an extra crunch.
- Pair your melt with refreshing salads like Spinach Arugula Salad and Southwest Corn Salad.
- Serve your air fryer tuna melt with a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup. The combination of the rich sandwich and the comforting soup will please everyone.
- Swap traditional fries for crispy Frozen Sweet Potato Fries for a unique flavor.
- Create a quick and creamy avocado smash with diced avocado, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt. Spread it on the tuna melt for extra freshness.
- Offer different dipping sauces like sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or tzatziki. Let your guests customize their flavor experience.
My Favorite Recipe Variations
- Add a kick of heat by mixing chopped jalapenos, sriracha sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes into the tuna mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor.
- Mix BBQ sauce into the tuna mixture for a smoky and sweet twist. Top with cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions before air frying.
- Combine feta cheese, kalamata olives, and diced cucumber in the tuna mixture. Sprinkle with oregano and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
- Add black beans, corn, and a dash of taco seasoning to the tuna mixture. Top with a blend of shredded cheeses and serve with salsa and sour cream.
- Add diced apples and dried cranberries to the tuna mixture for a sweet and tangy contrast. Top with Swiss cheese and enjoy a delightful fusion of flavors.
How To Store Leftovers
- Allow the leftover Tuna Melt to cool down to room temperature before storing.
- Place the sandwiches in airtight containers or cover each sandwich in plastic wrap individually.
- Now place the wrapped or containerized sandwiches in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 2 days.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the wrapped Tuna Melt in the air fryer basket.
- Reheat for about 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated.
Final Words For Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Air Fryer Tuna Melt is a crispy, cheesy, and buttery sandwich that you can cook in just 10 minutes. It is a perfect partner for your lunch. You can play with filling to customize the taste and flavor of your tuna melt air fryer.
Whenever your family members or friends demand a super tasty meal, then no food can beat air fryer tuna melt. Serivg possibilities are endless, you can serve them in any meal of the day or on any occasion.
If you love my recipe, please share your feedback in the comments section. Thanks!
My Other Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Pasta Chips
- Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
- Frozen Pork Chops In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Cabbage
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi
FAQ's
Can I Use Fresh Tuna Instead Of Canned Tuna For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked and flaked fresh tuna instead of canned tuna. Just make sure it's well-seasoned and ready to go.
How Can I Prevent My Bread From Getting Too Crispy In The Air Fryer?
To avoid overly crispy bread, you can lightly coat the outer sides of the bread with a thin layer of butter or oil before air frying. This will help to maintain a desirable texture.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese For The Tuna Melt?
Definitely! You are free with your cheese choices. Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, and even pepper jack are great options that can add different flavors and textures to your melt.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Spread Instead Of Butter For The Bread?
Absolutely! You can use olive oil, mayonnaise, or even a flavored spread to add a unique twist to the bread before assembling the Tuna Melt.
Can I Add A Dipping Sauce To The Tuna Melt?
Yes, you can pair your Tuna Melt with a dipping sauce like marinara, honey mustard, or a simple aioli. It will add another layer of flavor and excitement to your meal.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt
⏱️Cook Time
- Prep Time: 03 minutes
- Cook Time: 07 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
🥘Ingredients
- Tuna (drained) - 1 can
- Mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons
- Red onion (finely diced) - 1/4 cup
- Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - a pinch
- Butter (softened) - 2 tablespoons
- Slices of bread - 4 slices
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, etc.) - 6 slices
- Optional toppings (tomato slices, bacon, etc.)
📝Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained canned tuna, mayonnaise, finely diced red onion, lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to create an even mixture.
- Now spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of a bread slice, spread a layer of the tuna mixture.
- Place the desired amount of cheese slices on top of the tuna mixture.
- Place another buttered bread slice on top to create a sandwich.
- Preheat the air fryer according to 350°F or 180°C for even cooking and coloring.
- Now place your tuna melt sandwich in the air fryer basket.
- Start the cooking process and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Once done, carefully remove the tuna melt from the air fryer using a spatula.
- Allow the sandwich to cool slightly before cutting it in half.
- Serve your delicious Air Fryer Tuna Melt with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
📝Recipe Notes
- Choose thicker slices of bread to hold the filling and maintain the sandwich's structure during air frying.
- It is better to brush the butter on the outer sides of the bread slices rather than spreading butter on the bread. This step helps to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors and melting qualities. You can also try a blend of different cheeses for a unique cheesy flavor.
- Avoid overstuffing,, remember that an overstuffed sandwich might not cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Air fryer tuna melts are best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the air fryer. The combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese is at its prime when served immediately.
🔍Nutrition
Calories: 550kcallFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 80mgCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 26gSodium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gIron: 1mg
These values are approximate and can differ based on the specific recipe and ingredients.
0 Comments