Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (2024)

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by Diane

Our previous crispy stove top tuna patties recipe were such a hit! So many of you asked us for an air fryer tuna patties recipe so here it is! A batch of these air fried tuna cakes is low carb and delicious.Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (2)

Easy Healthy Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe

Our recipe for tuna patties in the air fryer is so much healthier because it hardly uses any oil. We couldn’t believe it when we took a bit into a air fried tuna patty. It’s is a little drier than the stove top version, but the healthier air fried option is still delicious! The flavor and texture difference between the pan fried tuna version and air fried version is small. Air frying the tuna patties is definitely the way to go if you’re looking to cook with less oil and cut calories.

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (3)

Video: Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe

Low Carb, Low Calorie Air Fried Tuna Patties

The hot circulating air cooks these fish cakes perfectly only need a light brush or spray of olive oil. Hardly using any oil makes the lower calorie for sure. And the patties use a bit of bread crumbs, which makes them lower carb than most other options out there. You’ll love these and serve then on a salad, as an appetizer or in a slider. If you’re looking for a BAKED TUNA PATTY here’s a great recipe that can easily be baked in the oven. Both these options are great ways to enjoy these low calorie tuna cakes!

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (4)

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (5)

How to Make Tuna Patties or Tuna Cakes in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (6)

Use ice cream scoop to keep sizes consistent

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (7)

Flatten out the tuna patties and keep their round shape. Brush with oil.

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (8)

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (9)

Here’s our Stove Top Version: Recipe Here

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (10)

Hope you enjoy our air fried tuna cakes recipe. Here’s more healthy recipes:

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (11)

Air Fryer Tuna Patties

We texture of the canned albacore tuna the best for this recipe. Try to avoid the canned tunas which are very mushy. Fresh, raw tuna works great too if you feel like using fresh fish.
The amount of egg will vary depending on the dryness of your tuna and the absorption of the bread crumbs. If you are unsure, start with 2 eggs, and if the mixture seems too dry to easily form into patties, add a 3rd egg.

4.53 from 17 votes

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Ingredients

  • 15 ounces (425 g) canned albacore tuna , drained or 1 pound (454g) fresh tuna, diced
  • 2-3 large eggs *see note above
  • zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (55 g) bread crumbs
  • 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 stalk celery , finely chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) minced onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried herbs (oregano, dill, basil, thyme or any combo)
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) Kosher salt , or to taste
  • fresh cracked black pepper
  • optional for serving - ranch, tarter sauce, mayo, lemon slices

Equipment

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, celery, onion, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt and pepper. Stir the mixture to make sure everything is combined. Gently fold in the tuna until just combined.

  • Lay perforated air fryer baking paper inside base of air fryer. Lightly spray the paper. (if not using a liner, spray enough olive oil spray at the base of the air fryer basket to make sure the patties do not stick)

  • Scoop 1/4 cup of mixture, and shape into patties about 3-inches wide x 1/2-inch thick and lay inside basket. Makes about 10 patties. If patties are too soft to handle, chill them for at about 1 hour or until firm. This will make them easier to handle during cooking.

  • Spray or brush top of patties with oil.

    Air Fry at 360°F, 10 minutes, flipping half way. Spray the tops again after you flip the patties. Serve with your favorite sauce and lemon slices.

Notes

Easy substitutions: Fresh herbs for the dried herbs. Shallots or green onions for the onions.

Video

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (12)

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 101kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 61mg, Sodium: 298mg, Potassium: 131mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 83IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 1mg

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: Air Fryer, Seafood

Calories: 101

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posted in: 30 Minute Recipes, 300+ Easy Meals, Air Fryer, Healthy, Paleo, Seafood, Side Dishes 15 comments

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (13)

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    15 Comments on “Healthy Air Fryer Tuna Patties”

  1. Annie Reply

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (16)
    This was a great way to get my kids to eat tuna! They’re usually really picky about eating it but they loved this!

  2. Cal Reply

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (17)
    I love finding different ways to cook tuna! I’m addicted to these air fryer tuna patties!

  3. Roxie Otteson Reply

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (18)
    Sounds delicious….wondering if I could substitute canned salmon. I will be trying both.
    Thank you

    • Best Recipe Box Reply

      Hi Roxie, we haven’t tried it with canned salmon yet. If it turns out good, please let us know! Our input will be super helpful!

  4. Are used what I had which was for 2.5 ounce packs of lemon pepper tuna and one pack of Thai tuna. It was incredible. Really easy excellent recipe. Ruth Reply

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (19)
    I used what I had which was four 2.5 ounce packs of lemon pepper tuna and one pack of Thai tuna. It was incredible. Really easy excellent recipe. I also added ginger and turmeric. Crushed stuffing for the bread crumbs. Yummy!
    Thanks
    Ruthie

    • Best Recipe Box Reply

      Hi Ruthie! thanks for sharing and love the addition of ginger and turmeric!

  5. Louise Reply

    Exactly how many calories per patty?

    • Maggie @ Magnolia Chocolatier Reply

      Each one is 101 calories. I did the math.

  6. Cassie Reply

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (20)
    These were easy to make and turned out so delicious!! I added some Tajin for a little spice!

    • Diane Reply

      Love Tajin! So glad you enjoyed these. Thanks for sharing Cassie!

  7. Maggie @ Magnolia Chocolatier Reply

    I made these in my brand new air fryer. They were really good. I’m still learning the air fryer, so it’s great to have recipes that will work with it. Thanks!

    Mag

  8. Sharon Reply

    Thanks for the recipe. It sounds good. I don’t think it really qualifies as low carb because of the breadcrumbs. But otherwise it sounds good

    • Diane Reply

      Hi Sharon, you can certainly use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a more low carb version.

  9. S M Reply

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (21)
    So tasty, so crispy and so easy to make. I halved the recipe and it turned out great. I didn’t have any celery but it was still really good.

  10. Mel Reply

    Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (22)
    I made them with fresh tuna and it was perfect simple love it

Air Fryer Tuna Patties Recipe CRISPY and LOW CARB | Best Recipe Box (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep tuna patties from falling apart? ›

It's a good idea to add a little extra breadcrumbs or whatever your recipe uses for a binder when you add your egg, for example. Breadcrumbs will absorb some moisture from the mixture, which will firm things up before you cook anything and make it easier to form solid patties.

How many carbs are in tuna patties? ›

Tuna cake or patty contains 251 calories per 120 g serving. This serving contains 18 g of fat, 18 g of protein and 3.2 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 0.6 g sugar and 0.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Tuna cake or patty contains 2.9 g of saturated fat and 80 mg of cholesterol per serving.

How do you keep your patties flat? ›

Place your thumb on the patty and press down gently. Make it so the patty is about 12 in (1.3 cm) thick in the center. Its edges will still be about 34 in (1.9 cm) thick. That small indentation is enough to help the burger hold its shape.

What can I mix with canned tuna? ›

Dress up your canned tuna in these healthy recipes.
  • 01 of 05. Tuna Cakes: Add Eggs, Herbs & Breadcrumbs. ...
  • 02 of 05. One-Pot Pasta: Add Pasta, Olives & Lemon. ...
  • 03 of 05. Tuna Melt: Add Greek Yogurt, Veggies, Cheese & Bread. ...
  • 04 of 05. Niçoise Salad: Add Potatoes, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Green Beans & Dressing. ...
  • 05 of 05.
Aug 19, 2022

Is canned tuna good for low carb diet? ›

Yes, tuna is both paleo- and keto-friendly. Because it contains essentially zero carbohydrates, it fits easily into any high-protein diet. However, if you're on a keto diet, you may want to choose oil-packed tuna because it's higher in fat.

Is tuna good for no carb diet? ›

Per the USDA, tuna lands at 0 on the fiber spectrum, so needless to say, it is not a good source of the carb. However, with 24 grams of protein and 0 grams of carbohydrates or sugar in just 3 ounces, plus Omega-3 fatty acids (per StarKist), it's pretty perfect for the keto diet.

Is canned tuna fish low in carbs? ›

Like most fish, tuna is very low in carbohydrates, containing almost no sugar or fiber, making it the perfect keto-friendly dish. However, the low amount of fiber found in tuna makes it less likely to fill you up so enhancing your tuna dish with some nutritious greens such as kale or spinach is always encouraged.

Why do my patties fall apart? ›

Extra lean burgers fall apart faster. And a burger isn't the food to try to go "healthy". If you mix in other things like breadcrumbs or veggies or whatever, consider adding some egg or mayo to help hold it together. don't move the burgers until they are cooked enough to hold their shape.

Why do my homemade patties fall apart? ›

Go easy on the shaping. When you're making your burgers, try not to manhandle them too much or else you'll end up breaking the meat into smaller pieces than you have to. We recommend simply shaping the beef into a vague burger shape with the least amount handling as possible.

How do you get fish cakes to stick together? ›

The proteins in the egg will help bind together your fish cake mix as it cooks. Think of it as your glue: Without it, your fish cakes are going to fall apart. At minimum, you'll want to use one egg for every pound or so of fish so that you have enough “glue.” More is fine, though.

How do you hold meat patties together? ›

Add 1 egg yolk per pound of hamburger. It won't add appreciably to the fat content and will bind the meat beautifully. The other thing you can do is add canned, drained, crushed black beans or chickpeas to the hamburger. The starch from the beans will bind the meat together and add an interesting taste.

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