If you're craving something warm, crispy, cheesy, and easy to make, this Air Fryer Tuna Melt checks all the boxes. It's high in protein, budget-friendly, and ideal for busy days when you need lunch in under 10 minutes.
Whether you're following any diet, looking for a WW-friendly meal, or just want to use up that can of tuna sitting in your pantry, this is a satisfying go-to recipe. This is also an easy recipe that won't heat up your house this Summer.
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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tuna Melt
As someone who juggles eating healthy with saving time (and money), I love recipes that hit all three. This tuna melt is:
- Crispy on the outside, melty inside - thanks to the air fryer.
- High in protein and totally customizable
- Made with pantry staples
- Great for blood sugar balance
- Way cheaper than ordering out - you can get all these ingredients at my favorite store Aldi
I've tested this in my air fryer a dozen different ways, and this is my go-to method for perfect results every time. You might also like this Air Fryer Patty Melts
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Tuna Melt
- 2 slices of sourdough or whole grain bread – Holds up great in the air fryer - I get the sour dough bread
- 1 (5 oz) can of tuna, drained – Use wild-caught if possible, I love the canned tuna from Costco its 32 grams of protein per serving.
- 1 tablespoon mayo or Greek yogurt – Use dairy-free if needed
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds tang and depth
- Pinch of garlic powder and pepper – Flavor boost
- 1–2 slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese – Or use a dairy-free alternative
- Olive oil spray – Helps crisp up the bread
Optional add-ins:
- Sliced tomatoes
- Pickles
- Avocado
How to Make Air Fryer Tuna Melts
Step 1 Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Step 2 In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayo (or yogurt), Dijon, garlic powder, and pepper.
Step 3 Place the bread on the bottom of the air fryer in one single layer. You can spread butter on it.
Step 4 Let the bread toast for Lay out your bread and layer it: cheese, tuna mixture, optional toppings, more cheese, then the top slice of bread.
Step 5 Spray both sides of the sandwich with olive oil spray. Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.Let cool for a minute before slicing.
Substitution Tips
- Bread: Use gluten-free bread or a low-carb wrap for dietary needs.
- Mayo: Sub with dairy-free Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. If you're low carb or keto check out this Carnivore Mayonnaise
- Cheese: Any meltable cheese works; dairy-free slices work great too.
- Flavor boost: Add chopped celery, onion, or a dash of hot sauce to the tuna mix.
Serving Suggestions
- With a handful of kettle chips and dill pickles
- Alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup like this Air Fryer Tomato Soup
- Cut into triangles and serve with a small salad
Common Questions for Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Yes! Greek yogurt or mashed avocado makes a great creamy base.
It’s best served fresh, but you can reheat it in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F.
Sourdough, whole grain, or any hearty bread that crisps up well in the air fryer.
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Air Fryer Tuna Melt
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 12 min
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you're craving something warm, crispy, cheesy, and easy to make, this Air Fryer Tuna Melt checks all the boxes. It's high in protein, budget-friendly, and ideal for busy days when you need lunch in under 10 minutes
Ingredients
2 slices of sourdough or whole grain bread
1 (5 oz) can of tuna, drained
1 tablespoon mayo or Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of garlic powder and pepper
1–2 slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese
Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayo (or yogurt), Dijon, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Lay out your bread and layer it Spread some butter on it and toast it for 5 minutes.
- When the bread is toasted, layer the tuna mixture and cheese on top. Then any optional toppings, more cheese, and then the top slice of bread.
- Spray both sides of the sandwich with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Let cool for a minute before slicing.
Notes
- Don’t overstuff the sandwich or the tuna will spill out during cooking.
- For ultra crispy results, weigh the sandwich down slightly with a spatula before air frying.
- Want a meltier center? Add a thin layer of cheese both under and on top of the tuna.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
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