Name: Easy Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained and flaked; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon diced celery (optional); 1 tablespoon diced red onion (optional); 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; Pinch of dried dill; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 slices of bread (white, wheat, sourdough, etc.); 2 slices American cheese

Easy Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Looking for a quick and satisfying lunch or a melty afternoon snack? Look no further than the air fryer tuna melt! This recipe utilizes the power of your air fryer to deliver a classic comfort food with a healthy twist.

Ready in under 10 minutes, this recipe features a flavorful tuna salad made with flaked tuna, mayonnaise, and your favorite mix-ins like celery, onion, and a squeeze of lemon. The air fryer crisps the bread to perfection while ensuring the cheese melts beautifully.

This recipe is easily customizable. Add a pinch of dill for a fresh flavor or experiment with different types of bread and cheese. For a heartier option, use a whole wheat bread or try a gourmet cheese like Gruyere.

So ditch the greasy pan and embrace the convenience of your air fryer. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a taste of comfort food.

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?
Yes, you can. However, you’ll want to drain the oil very well to prevent the bread from getting soggy. You might also need to adjust the amount of mayonnaise depending on how much oil is left on the tuna.

What are some good substitutes for celery and red onion?
If you don’t have celery or red onion on hand, you can leave them out or try chopped pickles, shredded carrots, or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.

What type of mayonnaise is best?
Any type of mayonnaise will work, but for a healthier option, you could use Greek yogurt or low-fat mayonnaise.

What kind of cheese is best for a tuna melt?
American cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, swiss, provolone, or even Gruyere for a more gourmet flavor.

My air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting. What should I do?
Most air fryers cook very quickly, so preheating isn’t always necessary. You can simply add the sandwich to the air fryer and adjust the cooking time by a minute or two.

My sandwich isn’t browning evenly. What can I do?
This could be because your air fryer has hot spots. Try rotating the sandwich halfway through cooking.

My bread is burnt but the cheese isn’t melted. How do I fix this?
Lower the cooking temperature slightly or try placing a piece of foil over the top of the bread for the last minute of cooking.

Can I reheat leftover tuna melts in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and reheat the sandwich for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

What you need to make Easy Air Fryer Tuna Melt:

1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained and flaked

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon diced celery (optional)

1 tablespoon diced red onion (optional)

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Pinch of dried dill

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 slices of bread (white, wheat, sourdough, etc.)

2 slices American cheese

How to make it:

Make the Tuna Salad: In a small bowl, combine the flaked tuna, mayonnaise, celery (if using), red onion (if using), lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Prepare the Bread: Lightly brush or spray one side of each bread slice with olive oil or melted butter.

Assemble the Sandwich: Place the bread slices, oiled side down, on a work surface. Spread the tuna salad evenly on one slice of bread, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the American cheese slice.

Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 2-3 minutes. Carefully place the sandwich in the air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the sandwiches one at a time.

Cook: Air fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before biting in. Serve immediately.

Tips:

You can add other ingredients to your tuna salad, such as chopped pickles, shredded carrots, or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.

If your cheese isn’t fully melted after the initial cooking time, you can cook the sandwich for an additional 1-2 minutes.

To prevent the bread from drying out, you can spray the inside of the air fryer basket with a light mist of cooking spray before placing the sandwich inside.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, swiss, or provolone.

Latest Reviews:

This recipe is a lifesaver! Who knew you could make a tuna melt so fast in the air fryer? Perfect for busy days when I need a hot lunch. Plus, no greasy mess on the stovetop! Laura S.

I’ve been trying to eat healthier, and this air fryer tuna melt is a delicious win. The bread gets so crispy without being greasy, and I love that I can customize the fillings. Definitely adding this to my recipe rotation! Ted F.

My kids are obsessed with tuna melts. This recipe is a game-changer. They devour these in minutes, and I feel good knowing they’re getting a protein-packed snack that’s not fried. Thanks! Carol P.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 1 sandwich