These open-faced air fryer tuna melts are the perfect quick and easy lunch or dinner! Each English muffin is topped with homemade tuna salad and a slice of cheese. They’re cheesy, high in protein, single-serve and healthy!
The best 15-minute air fryer tuna melts
You guys loved my open-face tuna melts and no-mayo tuna salad so much that I had to make this air fryer version for you. If you are a long-time reader, you know that I love my air fryer. It’s the easiest way to cook since clean-up is a breeze, minimal oil is required, and it makes everything crispy.
These open-faced air fryer tuna melts are so delicious that they are hard to describe. Each crispy, toasted English muffin half is topped with a simple no-mayon homemade tuna salad and a slice of melted cheese. Plus, there are over 38 grams of protein per serving!
This air fryer tuna melt recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make, and it is single-serve. It’s quick and easy so that any level cook can do it. I love enjoying them for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner since they are healthy, high in protein, and can be made gluten-free.
Once you try these, you won’t go back to any other tuna melt recipe!
Why you’ll love this air fryer recipe:
- Quick and easy: The recipe is simple to prepare and takes under 15 minutes to make.
- Single serve: This recipe is single-serve, so it’s perfect for everyone!
- High protein: There are over 38 grams of protein per tuna melt!
- Healthier alternative: Air fryer tuna melts are high in protein and made healthier since they’re open-faced, made with less cheese, and are under 400 calories.
- Customizable: You can customize the recipe by using your choice of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, or bacon. I love serving them on English muffins.
- Delicious and flavorful: The combination of homemade tuna salad, melted cheese, and toasted bread creates a satisfying and flavorful sandwich.
- Crispy texture: The air fryer “toasts” the bread and gives them the best crunch while keeping the inside warm and the cheese gooey.
- Gluten-free option: You can make these air fryer tuna melts gluten-free with gluten-free English muffins or bread.
- Try these next: This open-faced tuna melt or this Mediterranean tuna melt made with feta are both delicious!
Ingredients and substitutions
You need a few simple, healthy, and wholesome ingredients to make these cheesy air fryer tuna melts. You probably have all these ingredients in your pantry already. Here is a list of ingredients so you have every prepared:
- English Muffin: Use your favorite brand of regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free English muffin. Once the English muffin is air fried, it is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can substitute it with regular sliced bread.
- Cheese: I love sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use any kind that melts, like Swiss, Monterey Jack, American, or Mozerella.
- Tuna: You’ll need a 4 or 5-ounce can of tuna stored in water. Make sure it is drained before using it in the recipe.
- Greek Yogurt or Mayo: This makes the tuna salad creamy and delicious. I love 0% Greek yogurt, but you can also use Mayonnaises.
- Vegetables: I used celery, red onion, and carrots in the tuna salad since they add the best crunch and health benefits. You can also use cucumber, yellow or white onion, or sliced cherry tomatoes.
- Parsley: This adds the most wonderful herbaceous flavor. You can use cilantro if desired.
- Capers: I am obsessed with adding capers to my tuna salad because they’re tangy and flavorful. This is an optional ingredient.
- Dijon mustard: For flavor and for a tangy note. I promise you can’t taste it.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Adjust the levels based on your preference.
- Lemon: You only need the juice from half a lemon for that fresh, tangy flavor.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make these cheesy high-protein air fryer tuna melts.
- Air Fryer
- Spatula
- Cutting Board + Sharp Kitchen Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring Tools: 1 teaspoon and 1 Tablespoon.
How to make air fryer tuna melts
These air fryer tuna melts are easy to make in under 15 minutes. They make for the best lunch or dinner. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions for any level cook:
Step 1:
Cut your English muffin in half and add it face-side up to the air fryer basket or tray. “Toast” the bread by air frying it at 300°F (150 degrees Celsius) for 2 – 4 minutes. Every air fryer is different, so check at the 2-minute mark; stop air frying when the muffin is lightly toasted!
Step 2:
In a medium-sized bowl, prepare the tuna salad by combining the drained tuna, Greek yogurt or mayo, diced celery, minced red onion, sliced baby carrots, chopped parsley, capers (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning of the tuna salad to your liking.
Step 3:
Then, evenly split and spoon the tuna mixture onto each half of the toasted English muffins and top each English muffin half with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
Step 4:
Finally, air fry at 300°F (150 degrees Celsius) for about 5 – 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the sandwich is warm, and the English muffin is toasted to your desired crispiness.
Carefully remove the tuna melts from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve the air fryer tuna melts immediately while they are still warm, and enjoy!
Recipe tips and variations:
- Drain the canned tuna well: Ensure that you drain the canned tuna thoroughly to remove excess liquid. This will prevent your tuna salad mixture from becoming watery.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the tuna salad mixture to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or other spices and seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Customize them: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or substituting ingredients. You can incorporate sliced tomatoes, avocado, or crispy bacon to enhance the flavors and textures of your tuna melt.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time: Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking times, so monitoring the tuna melts closely is essential. Check at the 5-minute made to see if the cheese is melted.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: If making multiple tuna melts, leave enough space between them in the basket or tray. This allows proper air circulation and ensures even cooking.
- Use a non-stick spray: Before air frying the English muffins, lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and ensure the muffins crisp up evenly.
- Serve within 5 minutes: Tuna melts are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while warm and crisp. Serve them right away to savor the optimal taste and texture.
- Get creative with toppings: Feel free to garnish your tuna melts with additional toppings like fresh herbs, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Pesto tuna melts: Make this a pesto tuna melt by adding 1 Tablespoon of pesto to the tuna salad. So much flavor!
What to serve with air fryer tuna melts:
Here is a list of what to serve with your air fryer tuna melts:
- Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries complement the savory flavors of the tuna melt and add a touch of sweetness. You can prepare them in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries.
- Side salad: Serve your tuna melt with a fresh side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. I love this kale crunch salad and this cucumber carrot salad.
- Pickles: Add a tangy and crunchy element to your meal by serving dill pickles or pickled cucumbers on the side.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing complements the flavors of the tuna melt and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Vegetable sticks: Prepare a platter of crisp vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. They provide a healthy and colorful accompaniment to the tuna melt.
- Soup: Dip your tuna melts into a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or vegetable soup.
- Chips or fries: Classic potato chips or crispy French fries make for a simple and tasty side dish that complements the texture of the tuna melt.
- Fruit salad: For a refreshing and light side option, serve a fruit salad with a mix of your favorite seasonal fruits. I love this simple watermelon salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an air fryer tuna melt?
An air fryer tuna melt is a delicious, crispy, open-faced sandwich made with tuna salad, melted cheese, and bread.
What type of cheese is best for an air fryer tuna melt?
You can use your favorite type of cheese for air fryer tuna melts. Some popular options include cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or a combination of different cheeses. I highly recommend choosing a cheese that melts well; for example, queso fresco, paneer, Ricotta, goat’s cheese, halloumi, and feta are bad options since they don’t melt.
Can I use fresh ahi tuna for a tuna melt?
No, I do not recommend doing this.
Can I add other ingredients to my air fryer tuna melt?
Absolutely! You can customize your air fryer tuna melt with additional ingredients to suit your taste. Some common additions include sliced tomatoes, avocado, bacon, or even a layer of Dijon or yellow mustard on the bread. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to make it your own.
Is this recipe single-serve?
Yes, this air fryer tuna melt recipe is single-serve. It yields two open-face sandwiches on English muffin halves.
Can I make multiple tuna melts at once in the air fryer?
Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you can make multiple tuna melts at once. However, make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as it will affect the cooking and browning of the sandwiches. If your air fryer has a small basket, it’s best to cook them in batches.
Can I prepare air fryer tuna melts ahead of time?
Tuna melts are best enjoyed right after air frying. It’s best to assemble and cook the air fryer tuna melts just before serving for optimal taste and texture. You can prepare the tuna salad mixture ahead of time, though.
What’s the best temperature to air fry a tuna melt?
You should air fry tuna melts at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes.
Does canned tuna go bad?
Yes, canned tuna can go bad, so it’s important to check for signs of spoilage, such as a foul odor, off-color, or unusual texture, before consuming. Unopened canned tuna can last for 2 to 5 years when stored correctly.
How long does canned tuna last?
Unopened canned tuna can last for 2 to 5 years when stored correctly in a cool, dry place. Once opened, canned tuna should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 4 days. It’s important to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming canned tuna, such as a foul odor or unusual texture.
Can I store leftovers?
Tuna melts are best enjoyed fresh since the bread will get soggy if you store them. Therefore, assembling and cooking the air fryer tuna melts just before serving for optimal taste and texture is best. You can prepare the tuna salad ahead of time and store it for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Tuna Pesto Pasta
- Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (High Protein)
- Air Fryer Tilapia
- Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Ingredients
- 1 English muffin, regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese, or your favorite kind of cheese that melts
- 1 can (4 or 5-ounce) tuna stored in water, drained
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or mayo, 0%, 2% or 5%
- ½ stalk celery, diced
- 1 tbsp red onion, minced
- 1 – 2 baby carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp capers, optional but I love them
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Juice from half a lemon
Instructions
- Cut your English muffin in half and add it face-side up to the air fryer basket or tray. “Toast” the bread by air frying it at 300°F (150 degrees Celsius) for 2 – 4 minutes. Every air fryer is different so check at the 2-minute mark. Stop air frying when the muffin is lightly toasted!
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained tuna, Greek yogurt or mayo, diced celery, minced red onion, sliced baby carrots, chopped parsley, capers (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning of the tuna salad to your liking.
- Evenly split and spoon the tuna mixture onto each half of the toasted English muffins.
- Top each English muffin half with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Air fry at 300°F (150 degrees Celsius) for about 5 – 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the sandwich is warm, and the English muffin is toasted to your desired level of crispiness.
- Carefully remove the tuna melts from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve the air fryer tuna melts immediately while they are still warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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