These open-faced air fryer tuna melts are cheesy, high-protein, and perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner! This easy recipe is single-serve and air-fried in under 10 minutes!
The best 15-minute air fryer tuna melt recipe
You guys loved my no-mayo tuna salad so I had to turn it into these crispy, cheesy air fryer tuna melts! Toasted English muffins, homemade tuna salad, and melty cheese—so easy and so good.
But tuna melts in the air fryer.... game changer! The bread is crispy, the tuna is warm, and the cheesy is just melted to perfection. I am an air fryer fanatic and have over 100 recipes on my site, but this one has to be top 5.
They’re ready in 15 minutes, have over 38g of protein, and make the perfect quick lunch or dinner. Once you try them, you’ll never make tuna melts any other way!
Why I love this easy recipe:
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- High-protein: Each tuna melt packs over 38g of protein.
- Healthier twist: Open-faced, with less cheese, and under 400 calories.
- Customizable: Use your favorite bread, gluten-free bread, cheese, or toppings like tomato or avocado.
- Crispy & flavorful: The air fryer makes the bread crunchy while the cheese stays gooey.
- Single-serve: This recipe is single-serve, so it's perfect for everyone!
The ingredients
You only need a handful of wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients to make these cheesy air fryer tuna melts! Here’s what you’ll need:
- English Muffin: Use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free. Once air fried, it’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. Sliced bread works too!
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack also melt beautifully. You can also make this recipe dairy-free with non-dairy cheese.
- Tuna: Use canned tuna soaked in water for the best flavor and texture.
- Greek Yogurt or Mayo: For a creamy tuna salad. I prefer 0% Greek yogurt, but mayo works too. You can also use dairy-free mayo if desired.
- Vegetables: Celery, red onion, and carrots add crunch. Sub with cucumber, white onion, or cherry tomatoes.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby flavor (or swap with cilantro).
- Dijon Mustard: For a subtle tangy kick.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up.
The kitchen equipment
Here’s what you’ll 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.
Step-by-step how to make air fryer tuna melts
These air fryer tuna melts are so easy to make and ready in under 15 minutes! Here’s how to do it:
Step One: Cut your English muffin in half and place it face-up in the air fryer basket or tray. Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 2–4 minutes until lightly toasted. Check at the 2-minute mark, as air fryers vary.
Step Two: In a medium bowl, prepare the tuna salad by mixing the drained tuna, Greek yogurt or mayo, diced celery, minced red onion, sliced carrots, chopped parsley, capers (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step Three: Spoon the tuna salad evenly onto the toasted English muffin halves. Top each half with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
Step Four: Air fry the assembled tuna melts at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the muffins are crisp to your liking.
Carefully remove the air-fried tuna melts with a spatula and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy!
My top recipe tips for air fryer tuna melts:
- Drain the tuna: Make sure to get rid of any extra liquid so the tuna salad doesn’t get soggy.
- Taste and tweak: Always taste the tuna salad before assembling the melts. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or spices as you like.
- Add toppings: Feel free to add extras like tomatoes, avocado, or crispy bacon.
- Keep an eye on it: Air fryers cook differently, so check around 5 minutes to see if the cheese is melted.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer: Make sure there’s space for the air to circulate so everything cooks evenly.
- Serve hot: Tuna melts are best when they’re fresh and warm!
Customizations and variations:
Here are some ways you can customize this tuna melt recipe:
- Add slices of fresh tomato under the cheese.
- Add slices of avocado under the cheese.
- Use your favorite tuna salad instead of my recipe for a personal spin.
- Smear some pesto on the bread before adding the tuna for extra flavor.
- Add slices of cooked (crispy) bacon under the cheese.
What to serve with air fryer tuna melt:
Tuna melts are the perfect lunch! Try it with one of these delicious sides:
- Tomato Soup
- Air Fryer Pita Chips
- Watermelon Blueberry Salad
- Cucumber Carrot Salad
- Pickles + Veggie Sticks
- Carrot and Butternut Squash Soup
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of cheese for tuna melts?
Any cheese that melts well works great! Some of my favorite popular options include cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses. Avoid cheeses like queso fresco, paneer, ricotta, goat cheese, halloumi, or feta, as they don’t melt well.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free mayo to keep it dairy-free.
Can I prepare air fryer tuna melts ahead of time?
Tuna melts are best served fresh, but you can prep the tuna salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble and air fry when you're ready to eat.
How long does canned tuna last?
Unopened canned tuna can last 2-5 years in a cool, dry place. Once opened, store it in the fridge and eat within 3-4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
No. I do not recommend freezing tuna salad or tuna melts.
How do you store leftover tuna melt?
Tuna melts are best fresh since the bread can get soggy. You can store the tuna salad in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it's best to make and cook the melts just before serving for the best taste and texture.
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
- Air Fryer Spring Rolls
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!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Ingredients
The Melts:
- 1 English muffin or 2 slices of toast, regular, whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese, or your favorite kind of cheese that melts
Tuna Salad:
- 1 can (4 or 5-ounce) tuna stored in water, drained
- 2 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or mayo, 0%, 2% or 5%
- ½ stalk celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon red onion, minced
- 1 - 2 baby carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoon capers, optional but I love them
- 1 teaspoon 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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