Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Try my crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious tuna melt air fryer recipe! It's an easy and satisfying meal option for just one or two people.

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Using the air fryer to crisp up the bread and melt the cheese, this recipe brings a new texture and flavor to a familiar favorite. The combination of flaky tuna, tangy mayo, melted cheese, and crunchy bread creates a mouthwatering experience that's both comforting and exciting.

This cooking method can be used for other hot cheesy sandwiches, too. Sometimes, I'll use the air fryer to make a brie grilled cheese or a batch of Hawaiian roll sliders because it's so convenient.

Ingredients

You'll need some essential ingredients to make a delicious air fryer tuna melt. These items are canned tuna, mayonnaise, cheese, and sandwich bread.

My recipe adds to the basic recipe for a much more flavorful sandwich. Here's what you'll need:

• canned tuna packed in water
• grated mozzarella cheese
• red onion
• sweet pickle relish
• celery
• mayonnaise
• lemon juice
• garlic powder
• ground mustard
• dill weed
• salt and pepper
• mild cheddar cheese
• unsalted butter
• bread slices

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188 °C) and set it to 10 minutes. Then, follow these simple step-by-step directions.

In a large shallow bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground mustard seed, dill weed, cayenne (if using), kosher salt, and ground black pepper.

Mix the ingredients together well into a smooth dressing.

Add tuna, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish in the same bowl. Mix well.

Mix in freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Toss gently. Set aside.

Place two slices of bread onto the air fryer basket or tray. Spread softened butter on both sides. Air fry for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the cooking chamber.

Spoon a generous amount of tuna salad over toasted bread slices.

Top with cheese slices.

Cover with 1 slice of bread on each. Spread softened butter on each bread.

Air Fry until top bread slices are crisp and golden, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool slightly, then slice each sandwich diagonally into half.

Hint: Always place the tuna mixture on the bottom slice of bread, followed by cheese and any additional toppings. This way, the cheese melts over the tuna.

Variations

Now that you have the basic recipe, you can make a few changes to suit your own preferences. Here are a few ideas you can try:

• Tomato - add a slice of tomato between the tuna and cheese.
• Bacon - crispy bacon in the sandwich adds crunch and smoky flavor.
• Avocado - adding sliced avocado will make it a more filling meal.
• Cheese - try different types of cheese such as pepper jack or Swiss.

You can also change up the meat. Sometimes, I like to use leftover slow cooker chicken taco meat instead of tuna salad.

Tips

• Avoid overstuffing. While loading up on fillings is tempting, be mindful not to overstuff the sandwich. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and difficulties in sealing the sandwich.
• Check for doneness. Keep an eye on the tuna melts during the cooking process. They are done when the bread is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Adjust cooking time. Air fryers can have varying cooking times, so be ready to adjust based on your specific appliance. It's better to check periodically and avoid overcooking.
• Serve immediately. Tuna grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them immediately to savor the crispy texture and gooey cheese.

Serving suggestions

I like to add a chopped salad and air fryer potato wedges on the side for a well-rounded meal. If you want a little more crunch, add a side of baked tortilla strips or a handful of pasta chips.

Storage

Store the wet ingredients (lettuce, tomato, onion) separately from the dry ingredients (buns) in the fridge, and recombine when ready. Good for 2 to 3 days.

FAQs

Related Recipes

Want to try more easy lunch recipes for one or two people? Here are a few more of my favorites:

• Carne asada quesadilla is the perfect way to use up your leftover steak.
• Chili for two in a crockpot is so easy to prepare it practically cooks itself.
• Personal pizza is so simple to make with a quick no-yeast crust.
• Chicken wet burrito is a simple dish when you crave Mexican food.
• Crock pot mac and cheese is an excellent choice to make your meal ahead.

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Recipe

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Air Fryer Tuna Melt

5 from 39 votes

Take your sandwich game up a notch with an air fryer tuna melt. It's a crispy, cheesy, and delicious meal idea that can be made quickly.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings (Adjustable): 2

Calories: 526kcal

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Ingredients

TUNA SALAD:

• ▢ 1 canned tuna (142 grams no salt added can drained)
• ▢ ¼ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• ▢ ½ small red onion finely chopped
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
• ▢ 1 rib celery

TUNA DRESSING:

• ▢ 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ▢ 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon dill weed
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon cayenne optional
• ▢ kosher salt to taste
• ▢ ground black pepper to taste

TUNA MELT:

• ▢ 4 ounces chunk mild cheddar cheese cut in 6 slices
• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• ▢ 4 slices bread

Instructions

• Pre-heat Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C). Set at 10 minutes.
• In a large shallow bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground mustard seed, dill weed, cayenne (if using), kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
• In the same bowl, add tuna, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish. Mix well.
• Mix in freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Toss gently. Set aside.
• Place two slices of bread onto the Air Fryer tray. Spread softened butter on both sides. Then slowly insert tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch. Air Fry for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the cooking chamber.
• See tips or notes when closing the door.
• Spoon a generous amount of tuna salad over toasted bread slices and top with cheese slices. Cover with 1 slice of bread on each. Spread softened butter on each bread.
• Return Air Fryer tray into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch. Air Fry until top bread slices are crisp and golden, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Notes

This Air Fryer recipe was tested using an Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven. Not all Air Fryers cook the same way. It’s best to keep watch during your initial tests after purchasing.

If you do not close the door while spreading Tuna Salad over the toasted bread, the Air Fryer temperature might change. It’s best to close the door and manually adjust the timer.

TIPS:

Drain canned tuna. If not properly drained, you will encounter a runny Tuna Salad.

Toasting the bottom bread slices first will keep the bottom bread sturdy. Immediately serve once the Tuna Melt is removed from the Air Fryer to avoid soggy bread underneath.

I used 4 ounces chunk mild cheddar cheese and then divided into 6 equal slices. Three slices would fit one Tuna Melt sandwich. You may opt to use store-bought pre-sliced cheddar cheese and use 1 slice per sandwich.

I used kosher salt sparingly since mild cheddar cheese slices were added.

Nutrition

Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 681mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 726IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 4mg

Equipment

air fryer

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