The Air Fryer Tuna Melt is a quick and easy way to make a wonderful lunch for your family. There is just something so comforting about a warm sandwich on a cool fall or winter day.
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This Air Fryer Tuna Melt is so easy and quick you can make it any time you want something tasty and nutritious but is also easy only a few minutes to make and then pop it in the air fryer. Seve with your favorite chips, soup or salad.
Lunch inspiration you can use every day.
MORE TUNA RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole| Tuna Pasta Salad | Pesto Tuna Cakes
What We Love About This Easy Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe
Tuna is not only a quick and economical lunch, it is also full of nutrients and a great source of protein. It is also safe to eat, get the facts here.
- 10 Minute Meal: Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or fridge.
- Family Friendly: Crispy, cheesy and delicious it is a real crowd pleaser.
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb or dairy free, etc…
Ingredient Notes
- Tuna: One 5 ounce can of your favorite brand and variety of tuna fish. Albacore tuna or regular, packed in water or oil.
- Mayonnaise: Try using an avocado mayo if you are on a keto diet or use a low fat or fat free variety if you are counting calories for the tuna salad.
- Onion: Finely mince the onion.
- Celery: Also finely mince the celery. they should be uniform in size.
- Bread Slices: Italian Bread or any variety of hardy bread you like.
- Cheese: Cheddar Cheese is perfect for this sandwich but you can use American cheese.
Equipment Needed
How to Make Air Fryer Tuna Melt
These are the basic steps for making toasted tuna sandwich. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information.
STEP 1: MAKE TUNA SALAD
First, mix drained tuna and mayonnaise, celery and onion in a medium bowl, mix with a fork. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
STEP 2: SPREAD
Next, Spoon the tuna mixture onto bread.Place cheese slices on top of the sandwich.Top with another slice of bread.Butter the sandwich with mayo and place in the air fryer basket.
STEP 3: COOK
Finally, cook at 380 degrees for 8 minutes.Turn after 4 minutes.Remove from air fryer basket. Cut each sandwich in half and serve.
Prep and Storage Tips for this Easy Recipe
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
This recipe is great for meal prep. Make the tuna salad in advance and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
The recipe is best if made fresh, therefore you should make it and eat it the same day. Leftovers of the tuna salad can be stored in the fridge for up to five days.
OPEN FACED TUNA MELT SANDWICH
This easy air fryer recipe can be made as a open faced sandwich with only one slice of bread and the cheese as the topper.
CAN I MAKE THE PERFECT TUNA MELT WITHOUT AN AIR FRYER?
Of course, you can use a skillet and cook on a medium-low heat the sandwich on five minutes per side or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can also use a panini press and cook for about five minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Tuna Melt
Try using a keto mayo. A low fat cheese and a lower calorie bread.
Of course, try adding pickles, dill pickle relish or sliced tomato.
Indeed, make a bunch for a crowd or make a single serving for yourself. It is easy to adjust this recipe.
A nice melty cheese is best. Try cheddar cheese, American cheese or pepper jack for a little kick to this easy dinner.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
- Add Bacon: Bacon or bacon bits add great flavor to combine tuna melt.
- Enhance: Enhance your tuna salad by adding a little dijon mustard or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Variation tip: Feel free to use an English muffin or pita bread to make the air fryer tuna melt sandwich.
- Alternate ingredient: Feel free to make your favorite version of tuna salad. Try adding taco seasoning, Italian seasoning or all purpose seasoning to the tuna filling to make it more flavorful.
- Dietary consideration tip: Low carb or low calorie versions of your favorite ingredients can be great in this recipe.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Tuna Melt
- Kale Chips
- Classic and Old Fashioned Fruit Salad Recipes
- Instant Pot Tomato Soup
- Tortilla Chips
- Blueberry Lemon Cookies
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Air Fryer Tuna Melt
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Ingredients
- 5 ounces tuna, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, plus extra to butter bread
- 1 teaspoon onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon celery, finely chopped
- 4 slices italian bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Mix drained tuna and mayonnaise and onion in a bowl.
- Spoon the tuna mixture onto bread.
- Place a slice of cheese on top.
- Top with another slice of bread.
- Butter the sandwich with mayo and place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 380 degrees for 8 minutes.
- Turn after 4 minutes.
- Remove from skillet.
- Cut each sandwich in half and serve.
Christina’s Notes
- Add Bacon: Bacon or bacon bits add great flavor to the tuna melt.
- Enhance: Enhance your tuna salad by adding a little dijon mustard or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Variation tip: Feel free to use an English muffin or pita bread to make the air fryer tuna melt sandwich.
- Alternate ingredient: Feel free to make your favorite version of tuna salad. Try adding taco seasoning, Italian seasoning or all purpose seasoning to make it more flavorful.
- Dietary consideration tip: Low carb or low calorie versions of your favorite ingredients can be great in this recipe.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
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I am a tuna melt fan and this recipe is so satisfying! It was so simple and quick, yet it makes a wonderful lunch. Highly recommended with bacon bits. 👌
Making this in the air fryer is a breeze. I love the crispy texture of the bread and the melty cheesy filling. A delicious and easy meal.
I had never thought to make a tuna melt in the air fryer, and I am so glad I did! This made for an easy, delicious, and comforting dinner after a busy day out with the family. Thanks so much.
I really love how quick and easy this recipe is! My partner loves tuna so I’ll make more batches of this next time.
I love it too! Enjoy.