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Jump to RecipeThese high protein air fryer tuna cakes are the hit of the summer. This is an inexpensive protein source which will not break the bank or make you turn on the oven. We love how quick these are to make, and even easier to assemble before adding to any meal.
We started making air fryer tuna cakes a few years ago during a no spend month challenge. Ultimately, we needed a way to use up the items in our fridge, while stretching our budget to the max! As a sourdough baker, I love using sourdough in different forms – like these sourdough breadcrumbs.
These became an even bigger hit during the summer when we wanted a quick and easy protein source that would not heat up the kitchen. We love our air fryer for lots of different uses (sourdough mozzarella cheese sticks, sourdough Mac and cheese balls, and even toasting homemade sourdough breadcrumbs).
We love the versatility these bring to a meal. Whether you like rice bowls or French fries, these pair insanely well. Especially when you make a chipotle mayo to go on top!
Why you will love air fryer tuna cakes
Kitchen Equipment
We love using our Ninja Foodie (air fryer) to cook these tuna cakes. To make uniform balls, we love a large cookie scoop.
Ingredients for air fryer tuna cakes (with sourdough breadcrumbs)
These air fryer tuna cakes can be as simple or complex as you like. We change the flavors to match the remainder of our meal. The star of the show is sourdough breadcrumbs.
- Sourdough breadcrumbs
- Like regular sourdough meatballs, the breadcrumbs act as a binder to keep the tuna cakes together.
Additional ingredients and measurements are listed at the end of the article.
How to make air fryer tuna cakes
This recipe truly could not get any easier. Simply mix, shape and bake!
Step 1: Stir together tuna balls ingredients.
Step 2: Shape and place tuna balls into air fryer.
Step 3: Bake in air fryer.
Step 4: Assemble air fryer tuna cake bowls.
Step 5: If you have children – consider a kid friendly plate (our kids like their foods separate).
Serve straight away. If enjoying later, refrigerate until ready to serve. Reheat in the air fryer or enjoy cold. Tuna cakes last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Air fryer tuna ball variations
There are many variations to this recipe to customize both flavor and texture profiles.
For flavor options, we love:
- Jalapeño cheddar
- Diced pickles and old bay seasoning
- Diced green olives
- Fresh dill
For serving variations, we love:
- Adding them on top of a rice bowl (paired with fresh veggies, pickle vegetables and sesame seeds
- Placing them on top of a slice of homemade sourdough bread or a slice of sourdough English muffin bread. Put back in the air fryer under the “broil” feature to make a crunchy tuna melt.
- Pairing with French fries and dipping sauce
- Eating with mac and cheese or pasta salad
- Add tuna cakes to a tortilla, add cheese, lettuce and pickled veggies. Serve with spicy mayo on top or as dipping sauce on the side. Great served cold.
Air Fryer Tuna Cakes (With sourdough breadcrumbs)
Equipment
- 1 Ninja Foodie Any air fryer will do
- 1 Large cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 3 cans tuna We use the 7 ounce 'Chicken of the Sea' variety.
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cheese Shredded (Any flavor will work – though we are particular to cheddar).
- 1/8 cup sourdough breadcrumbs
- 1-2 tsp spices Flavor as you would like. We like to add a TOTAL of 1-2 tsp of spices varying from salt, pepper, lemon pepper, garlic, onion, paprika and dill.
- 1/4 cup add-ins Optional. Add as much as you would like (in any variety): capers, green olives, jalapenos.
- Dipping Sauce Optional. We like to make a sriracha mayo.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees while you are preparing your ingredients.
- Drain the tuna and add to a bowl with shredded cheese, spices, one egg and sourdough breadcrumbs. Add additional add-ins if desired.Mix until combined. Keep the tuna chunky or mash more to liking.
- Use a large cookie scoop or two tablespoons and form into a ball shape. Add to the air fryer and bake for 10-12 minutes (or until the exterior is crispy and the cheese is beginning to melt).
- While the air fryer tuna cakes (with sourdough breadcrumbs) are baking, make a dipping sauce. We like a little heat, so we often make a spicy mayo. Serve warm over rice or in a tortilla.
Notes
- Jalapeño cheddar
- Diced pickles and old bay seasoning
- Diced green olives
- Fresh dill
- Adding them on top of a rice bowl (paired with fresh veggies, pickle vegetables and sesame seeds
- Placing them on top of a slice of homemade sourdough bread or a slice of sourdough English muffin bread. Put back in the air fryer under the “broil” feature to make a crunchy tuna melt.
- Pairing with French fries and dipping sauce
- Eating with mac and cheese or pasta salad
- Add tuna cakes to a tortilla, add cheese, lettuce and pickled veggies. Serve with spicy mayo on top or as dipping sauce on the side. Great served cold.
Nutrition
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