Parmesan-crusted tuna patties are an affordable, satisfying meal that turns canned tuna into a flavorful, protein-packed entrée. These tuna cakes are crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them a great option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a quick appetizer.
Made in the air fryer, these tuna patties cook to a golden crisp in about 8 minutes. They can be prepared up to 48 hours ahead, freeze well, and reheat quickly, making them ideal for meal planning. With minimal ingredients and a short cook time, you can have a hearty dinner without spending much time or money.
A mix of onion and garlic, a few simple seasonings, and a crunchy coating of panko and grated Parmesan give these cakes bold flavor and great texture. Serve them on a salad, in a sandwich, as an appetizer, or as the main course with a favorite dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Tuna Patties
- Budget friendly. Canned tuna is an economical source of protein that stretches recipes further.
- Quick to make. You can prepare and air-fry these patties in under 20 minutes.
- Versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, on salads, or in sandwiches.
Canned Tuna Fish Cakes Ingredients
- Tuna: 12 oz can, drained well.
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated; divided.
- Bread crumbs: regular breadcrumbs and panko for extra crunch.
- Aromatics: chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Mayonnaise: adds moisture and flavor.
- Lemon juice: fresh squeezed for brightness.
- Seasonings: dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Egg: lightly beaten to bind the mixture.
- Garnish: chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
How To Make Parmesan Crusted Tuna Patties
- Mix the filling. In a large bowl combine drained tuna, 1/4 cup Parmesan, regular breadcrumbs, chopped onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix until evenly combined.
- Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 8–10 equal portions. Press each portion firmly between your palms to form thick patties.
- Coat the patties. In a shallow bowl combine the remaining Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each patty in the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Air fry. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil, arrange the patties in a single layer without overcrowding, and cook 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Garnish and serve. Transfer to a plate, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, and serve with your favorite dip.
Tips To Make Crispy Tuna Cakes
- Make sure the tuna is well drained so the mixture holds together.
- Use a measuring cup or an ice-cream/cookie scoop for evenly sized patties.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; leave space for air to circulate and cook in batches if needed.
- For extra crunch, lightly spray the patties with oil at the start and again a couple minutes before they finish cooking.
- For a gluten-free or lower-carb option, omit the breadcrumbs.
- Add a little heat with crushed red pepper, chipotle, or sriracha if you like spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Mix and shape the patties, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before air frying.
Yes. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
Yes. Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and add crunch, but you can omit them for a gluten-free or lower-carb version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a 350°F (175°C) air fryer for about 5 minutes, spraying lightly with oil to refresh the crisp.
Yes. Freeze formed patties on a lined baking sheet until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer bag with wax paper between layers. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking, or air fry from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
They pair well with fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. They also make a tasty sandwich filling with lettuce and a squeeze of lemon.
More Fish Recipes
- Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Greek Salmon
- Caribbean Jerk Fish Bowl
- Tuna Pesto Pasta
I hope you enjoy this crispy tuna cakes recipe. If you make it, please rate and comment below and share your photos with the recipe creator on social media.
Parmesan Crusted Tuna Patties
Ingredients
- 12 oz can of tuna, drain the water
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup regular bread crumbs
- ¼ cup onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 whole egg
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
- Lemon wedges, to garnish
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, ¼ cup Parmesan, regular breadcrumbs, chopped onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and the egg.
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Divide the mixture into 8–10 even portions. Firmly pack each portion between your palms and shape into thick patties.
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Combine the remaining Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs in a wide bowl. Coat each patty evenly in the panko-Parmesan mixture.
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Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil, arrange patties without overcrowding, and air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Drain the tuna well so the cakes hold together.
- Use a measuring cup or an ice-cream/cookie scoop to form even-sized patties.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer; allow space for air circulation and cook in batches if needed.
- For extra crispness, spray the patties with oil at the start and again a couple minutes before they finish cooking.
- Omit breadcrumbs for a gluten-free or lower-carb option.
- Add heat with crushed red pepper, chipotle, or sriracha if desired.
Nutrition
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