Air Fryer Tuna Melt That Cooks in Just 10 Minutes

Name: Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 canned tuna ((142 grams no salt added can drained)); 1/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese; 1/2 small red onion (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish; 1 rib celery; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/4 teaspoon dill weed; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional); kosher salt (to taste); ground black pepper (to taste); 4 ounces chunk mild cheddar cheese (cut in 6 slices); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 4 slices bread

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This air fryer tuna melt cooks in just 10 minutes. It's an easy option when you need a quick lunch or simple meal. Crisp bread, creamy tuna filling, and melted cheese make every bite comforting.

When you want something warm without spending much time in the kitchen, this sandwich is a practical choice. It uses familiar ingredients and comes together quickly to make an easy meal for two.

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.

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I've made this air fryer tuna melt a few times when I wanted a warm lunch without spending much time in the kitchen. I like how the air fryer gets the bread crisp while melting the cheese in about the same amount of time it would take me to make the sandwich on a stove top. These baked Hawaiian roll sliders are another easy lunch option I like to make.

I use just enough tuna filling to cover the bread without piling it too high. I find that too much filling makes the sandwich harder to eat and can keep the center from warming as evenly, so a moderate layer gives me the best balance. For another warm sandwich that's simple enough for lunch but feels a little more special, try my brie grilled cheese sandwich which can also be done in an air fryer.

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make a tuna melt sandwich. These items are canned tuna, mayonnaise, cheese, and sandwich bread.

Bread, cheese, mustard and other condiments on a white table.

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.

How to make a tuna melt in the air fryer

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

A bowl of mayonnaise and spices on a red checkered tablecloth.

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.

Mayonnaise mixture in bowl with a spoon on top.

Mix the ingredients together well into a smooth dressing.

Tuna, onions and relish added to mayonnaise mixture in bowl.

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

Mozzarella cheese added to tuna and mayonnaise mixture in bowl.

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

Two slices of buttered bread on air fryer tray.

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.

Two slices of bread topped with tuna mixture on air fryer tray.

Take the tray or basket out of the air fryer. Spoon a generous amount of tuna salad over toasted bread slices.

Two slices of bread topped with tuna and cheese on air fryer tray.

Top with cheese slices.

Two assembled buttered tuna sandwiches on an air fryer tray.

Cover with remaining bread slices. Spread softened butter on top.

A tuna melt sandwich on a plate with a checkered checkered tablecloth.

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

Top tip: Be sure to spread the fillings evenly between the bread slices. Distributing the tuna mixture, cheese, and any additional toppings evenly will ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.

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.

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich on a plate with parsley.

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

The sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, since the crisped bread can turn soggy over time. If you have leftovers, store the tuna salad mixture separately from the bread in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to eat, reassemble the sandwich with cold tuna salad and cheese, then air fry it again until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. It's best to avoid storing the fully assembled sandwich, since the bread will lose its crispness sitting in the fridge.

A tuna melt sandwich with cheese and pickles on a plate.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite type of bread for the tuna sandwich. Whether it's whole wheat, sourdough, or rye, choose a bread that complements the flavors of tuna and cheese.

How do I know when the melt is done?

Keep an eye on the sandwich while it's in the air fryer. When the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown crust on the bread, your tuna melt is ready to be enjoyed.

Is it possible to make the tuna salad without mayonnaise?

Definitely! If you prefer not to use mayonnaise in your recipe, consider Greek yogurt a healthier alternative. It still provides creaminess and helps hold everything together while adding a tangy flavor.

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Air Fryer Tuna Melt