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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    Published: Feb 17, 2023 by Nicole Addison · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Crispy, gooey, and satisfyingly savory. This air fryer tuna melt is my go-to budget-friendly lunch made from your pantry staples!

    Stack of air fryer tuna melts.

    I know that a can of tuna isn't always the sexiest food, but I'm here to prove it can make an affordable AND tasty meal.

    As grocery prices surge, I've been looking for ways to save money like everyone else. Tuna is a great budget-friendly protein option, and it comes ready-to-eat!

    With a little love and TLC, we can whip it into this delicious air fryer tuna melt.

    Now, this isn't your typically sad-looking tuna salad sandwich. We're NOT skimping on flavour, and I even have an amazing "tunacado" option for you to try.

    It's also a pretty balanced lunch! The tuna salad is a great source of protein and healthy fats, and you can add some fibre and colour by some veggies or serving with a chopped side salad.

    Once you try this air fryer tuna melt, I already know you'll find yourself reaching for that can of tuna, time and time again.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for air fryer tuna melts.

    Tuna salad:

    • Can of tuna
    • Plain Greek yogurt
    • Mayonnaise
    • Dijon mustard
    • Pickle juice
    • Black pepper
    • Green onions
    • Red chili flakes

    Tuna melt:

    • Bread
    • Olive oil
    • Tuna salad (use my recipe, or your own!)
    • Cheese slices

    Optional add-ins:

    • Avocado
    • Pesto
    • Tomato slices

    Instructions

    Adding ingredients for tuna salad.

    In a medium bowl, add all of the tuna salad ingredients.

    Mixing tuna salad.

    Mix until well combined.

    Brushing olive oil on bread.

    Spread a thin layer of olive oil on one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread onto your work surface, olive oil side down.

    For a classic tuna melt, spread your tuna salad evenly on one piece of bread. Top with cheese. Place the second piece of bread on top of the sandwich, olive oil side up.

    Spreading pesto and avocado on the bread slices.

    For a ‘tunacado’ style tuna melt, spread a thin layer of pesto on one slice of bread, and mashed avocado on the other slice.

    Layering tomato, cheese and tuna salad onto sandwich.

    Add your tuna salad and tomato slices. Finish by closing your sandwich together.

    Placing tuna melt in the air fryer.

    Place your sandwich in the basket of your air fryer and bake at 390F for about 8 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through cooking.

    Air fryer tuna melt sliced in half.

    Cook times may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it. The sandwich is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted!

    Substitutions and Variations

    To make gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread to make your sandwich. My favourite is from Queen St. Bakery.

    To make dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese slices and swap mayo/yogurt for dairy-free versions.

    Missing an ingredient? Try these:

    • Mayo/Yogurt: I like using a combination of mayo and yogurt for the best balance of richness and creaminess, but you can always use just one or the other. As long as it equals 3 tbsp, you're good!
    • Olive oil: If you don't want to use olive oil, butter and margarine work well.
    • Green onion: Chives, diced red onion, whatever allium you enjoy.

    If you have a tuna salad recipe you like, feel free to use it! This is the recipe I like best, but this air fryer tuna melt will be delish either way.

    Equipment

    • Air fryer
    • Mixing bowl

    Storage

    You can store the tuna salad portion in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. When you're ready to make your sandwich, assemble as normal.

    Top Tip

    I like using olive oil on the outside of my sandwich for its flavour, but if you want the best crisp, you can try adding a thin spread of mayo instead! Since mayo has egg yolks, it gives it a more golden tone. Both options work, so it's totally your preference.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there a specific type of canned tuna that works best?

    I know there are tons of different tuna brands and types, but just choose whatever you prefer and it should work fine! I usually choose Clover Leaf solid white albacore (I purchase the low sodium version packed in water). If you choose a variety packed in oil, just be mindful that you may need to cut down some of the mayo in the recipe to account for the extra richness.

    What is the best type of bread to use?

    Any bread will work for this tuna melt! I personally like a really fresh, white sandwich bread for the classic diner-style crisp. If you're looking for a higher fibre option, go for a whole grain bread.

    Air fryer tuna melt sliced in half on a plate.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • 10-Minute Air Fryer Omelette
    • Air Fryer Quesadilla
    • Best Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
    • Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bites

    PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this air fryer tuna melt, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!

    Cross-section of an air fryer tuna melt.
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    5 from 1 vote

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    Crispy, gooey, and satisfyingly savory. This air fryer tuna melt is my go-to budget-friendly lunch made from your pantry staples!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time8 mins
    Total Time13 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: 30 minute meals, air fry
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 586kcal

    Ingredients

    Tuna Salad

    • 1 can tuna drained
    • 2 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
    • Sprinkle of black pepper
    • 2 green onions diced
    • Large sprinkle of red chili flakes optional

    Tuna Melt (per sandwich)

    • 2 pieces of bread
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ cup of your favourite tuna salad mine is above!
    • 4 rectangular slices of cheese of choice or 1 large slice of square cheese

    Optional Add-Ins

    • ½ an avocado mashed
    • 4 thin slices of tomato
    • 1 tablespoon pesto

    Instructions

    Make your tuna salad

    • In a medium bowl, add all of the tuna salad ingredients and mix well until combined.

    Make your sandwich

    • Spread a thin layer of olive oil on one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread onto your work surface, olive oil side down.
    • For a classic tuna melt: spread your tuna salad evenly on one piece of bread. Top with cheese. Place the second piece of bread on top of the sandwich, olive oil side up.
    • For a ‘tunacado’ style tuna melt: spread a thin layer of pesto on one slice of bread, top with tuna salad and finish with a layer of cheese. On the other slide of bread evenly spread your mashed avocado, top with tomato slices. Finish by closing your sandwich.

    Air frying

    • Place your sandwich in the basket of your air fryer and bake at 390F for about 8 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through cooking. Cook times may vary depending on your air fryer, so the sandwich is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted!

    Notes

    *I have included the nutrition information for this recipe below. However, always remember a recipe is so much more than just nutritional content and these numbers do not need to dictate your food choices. Please don't forget both your body and soul need nourishment!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 586kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 834mg | Potassium: 693mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1432IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 470mg | Iron: 3mg

    More Air Fryer Recipes

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      4 Ingredient Zucchini and Edamame Fritters (High Protein) 
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      Savory Cottage Cheese Toast
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      Peanut Butter and Jelly Quesadilla

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Taylor

      February 25, 2023 at 9:53 pm

      5 stars
      The BEST!!! I’ve eaten this 3 days in a row and can’t get enough.

      Reply

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    Nicole Addison, RD, MHSc

    I’m Nicole, a Registered Dietitian, recipe developer and content creator on a mission to help individuals rediscover the joys of cooking with easy, accessible, healthy recipes. After years of struggling to find balance I have finally found that there is a way nourish your body while also fueling your soul.

    On my page you'll find yummy recipes, wellness tips, and even some of my favourite travel and lifestyle recommendations!

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