Air Fryer Tuna Cakes (Low Carb Recipe)

These crispy Air Fryer Tuna Cakes are a quick, protein-packed snack or meal! Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection, they’re healthy, delicious, and easy to make.

Okay, let’s get real for a second: tuna doesn’t always get the love it deserves. 

Sure, it’s not as glamorous as a steak or as trendy as avocado toast. But trust me—when you turn that humble can of tuna into crispy, golden Air Fryer Tuna Cakes, you’re about to experience a snack transformation worthy of a foodie award!

What makes these tuna cakes so special? Well, for starters, they’re made in the air fryer—which means you get that perfect crunchy texture without drowning anything in oil. 

It’s healthy comfort food at its finest! Plus, with each bite, you’re getting lean protein from the tuna, making these cakes not only delicious but also super satisfying. 

Whether you need a quick lunch, a snack to keep you going through the day, or a light dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these tuna cakes are the answer to your cravings.

And can we talk about how easy they are to make? You only need a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen—tuna, breadcrumbs, mayo, Dijon mustard, and a few seasonings. 

Form them into patties, pop them in the air fryer, and in under 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside tuna cakes that are so good, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. 

Ready to elevate your tuna game? Let’s go!

If you love busy weeknight dinners you may also enjoy my Easy Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wraps or my Cottage Cheese Rose Pasta.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE AIR FRYER TUNA CAKES

• Crispy & Delicious: Thanks to the air fryer, you’re getting that perfectly crispy outer layer without having to deep fry or use loads of oil. Golden, crunchy goodness? Yes, please!
• Protein-Packed Powerhouses: Tuna is loaded with lean protein, making these cakes the ultimate power snack. Whether you’re fueling up post-workout or just need something that’ll keep you full, these cakes are packed with protein in every bite.
• Budget-Friendly: Who doesn’t love a recipe that’s easy on the wallet? Canned tuna is affordable, and with a few pantry staples, you’ve got yourself a gourmet snack that tastes way fancier than it actually is.
• Air Fryer Magic: Seriously, if you’re not on the air fryer train yet, what are you waiting for? These tuna cakes are the perfect intro recipe to show you just how much crispy magic this gadget can deliver.
• So Versatile: You can dress these tuna cakes up or keep it casual. Serve them over a salad, pop them on a bun, or even top them with a poached egg for a next-level brunch moment.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE AIR FRYER TUNA PATTIES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this simple recipe (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Cans of tuna (in water, drained)
• Large egg
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs – or regular panko crumbs
• Mayonnaise
• Finely chopped onion
• Fresh parsley (optional, but extra fancy points if you add it)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon juice
• Optional – almond flour, garlic powder, dijon mustard, green onion, red onion, chili powder, parmesan cheese, italian seasoning, lemon zest, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE LOW CALORIE TUNA CAKES

1. Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine the tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, mayo, Dijon mustard, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Get in there with a fork and mash everything together until it’s well mixed. If it feels a little too dry, add a bit more mayo or a splash of lemon juice. We’re aiming for a consistency that holds together when formed into patties.
2. Shape Your Cakes: Now the fun part! Divide the tuna mixture into 6-8 equal portions and form them into patties. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—rustic is totally in.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F. 
4. Time to Air Fry: Place your tuna cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd them—give those cakes room to breathe!). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides.
5. Serve It Up: Once your tuna cakes are all crispy and perfect, serve them with a squeeze of lemon juice and maybe even a dollop of extra mayo or some tangy tartar sauce. These babies are perfect on their own, but also totally pop on a salad or stuffed into a sandwich. (P.S. I won’t judge if you eat them straight out of the air fryer—been there, done that.)

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Drain That Tuna Well: Make sure your tuna is well-drained before mixing. Too much moisture can make your cakes fall apart.
• Chill the Patties Before Frying: If you have time, pop the patties in the fridge for 10-12 minutes before air frying. This helps them hold their shape even better.
• Play with the Flavors: Want to spice things up? Add some hot sauce, garlic powder, or even chopped jalapeños to the mix. These cakes are totally customizable!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give those cakes room to breathe! Cook them in batches if necessary, so they get nice and crispy.

STORING LEFTOVER TUNA CAKE RECIPE

To store leftover Air Fryer Tuna Cakes, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

If you want to freeze them, wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the cakes in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to bring back that crispy goodness!

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THESE TUNA CAKES AHEAD OF TIME FOR MEAL PREP?

Absolutely! This is a great recipe for meal prep. You can mix and form the uncooked tuna patties and store them in the fridge or freeze them. When you’re ready, simply air fry and enjoy!

CAN I FREEZE LEFTOVER TUNA CAKES?

Yes! Once cooled, wrap the tuna fish cakes individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for a quick and crispy meal.

WHAT’S THE BEST SIZE FOR TUNA CAKES TO FIT IN THE AIR FRYER?

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you might want to make the tuna cakes on the smaller side. This helps ensure the hot circulating air can crisp them up evenly.

CAN I BAKE THESE INSTEAD OF AIR FRYING?

Yes, you can turn these into a baked tuna patty! Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, give them a light brush of oil, and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

CAN I USE DIFFERENT HERBS OR SEASONINGS IN THESE AIR FRYER TUNA CAKES?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the flavor. Simple additions like garlic powder, paprika, or lemon zest can also give your tuna cakes a delicious twist.

Other Air Fryer Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Air Fryer Tortilla Garlic Bread
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Bacon
• Air Fryer Chicken Sausages
• Tortilla Pizza In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Steak French Fries
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• How To Make Popcorn In The Air Fryer
• Frozen Pizza Pops
• Air Fryer Frozen Mac And Cheese Bites
• Air Fryer Peach Crisp
• Easy Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

IF YOU TRIED THIS CRAB CAKES RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails