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–+ servings
tuna cakes in a bowl with chopsticks.

Air Fryer Tuna Cakes (With sourdough breadcrumbs)

Hailey
These high protein, high fat 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.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 cakes
Calories 217 kcal

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

Sriracha Mayo Note:
For both Chipotle mayo and sriracha mayo, we like a 1 to 3 ratio. One part spice (adobe or sriracha to 3 parts mayo). Add the mayo tot he top of the bowl or wrap.
Flavor Variations (Spices and add-ins):
  • Jalapeño cheddar
  • Diced pickles and old bay seasoning
  • Diced green olives
  • Fresh dill
Serving Variations:
  • 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

Serving: 3cakesCalories: 217kcalCarbohydrates: 1.9gProtein: 22.5gFat: 13.1gSaturated Fat: 5.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.6gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 396mgPotassium: 208mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 189mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword breadcrumb, leftover bread, sourdough
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