Crispy Tuna Patties is a budget friendly, high protein, great for weeknight dinner and incredibly easy to make patties. You can make in advance and serve in various different ways. Whether you call them tuna cakes, tuna fritters, or tuna fish patties, this versatile recipe is perfect for busy times.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with savory flavor, tuna patties are one of the easiest recipes you can make with canned tuna.
Why You Will Love These Tuna Patties
These homemade tuna patties are:
- Quick and easy to make
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- High in protein
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Crispy and golden brown
- Kid friendly
- Great for meal prep
- Perfect for lunch or dinner
They are also a fantastic way to use canned tuna in a creative and flavorful way. The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry.
Ingredients for Crispy Tuna Patties
Canned Tuna - You can choose the type you like. Oil or water-packed.
Onion - Finely chopped onion will add sweetness.
Fresh cilantro - You can add other variety of fresh herbs too.
Almond flour - To make it less carb and more protein, I used almond flour instead of all purpose flour.
Eggs - For extra proteing and good binding, I have added towo eggs.
Spices - You can use your choice of spices. I used dried herbs. For heat, you can use chili flakes.
Are Tuna Patties Healthy?
Yes. Tuna patties are packed with protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and nutrients. You can make them even healthier by:
- Using whole wheat breadcrumbs
- Air frying instead of deep frying
- Adding vegetables
- Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
Steps to prepare Tuna Patties
1- If you are using water packed Tuna, then strain the water from the can and add it the tuna to a mixing bowl.
2- Finely chop onion and cilantro leaves and add it to the mixing bowl.
3- To the same bowl, now add any spices you prefer, eggs and almond flour. If you have nut allergy, add all pourpose flour or corn flour. Give a mix to incorporate every thing and then make small size flat disc out of the mixture.
4- Pan fry the patties in shallow oil. You can also air fry at 400F for about 15 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Patties
Drain Tuna Well - Excess moisture can make patties fall apart.
Chill Before Cooking - Refrigerating the patties helps them stay firm and crisp.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pan - Cook in batches for even browning.
Use Fresh Herbs - Fresh parsley or cilantro adds brightness and flavor.
How to Store
Refrigerator - Store cooked tuna patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer - Freeze uncooked or cooked patties for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between patties to prevent sticking.
How to Reheat
For best results, reheat in:
- Air fryer
- Oven
- Skillet
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy.
What Sauce Goes Best with Tuna Patties?
Popular dipping sauces include:
- Tartar sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy mayo
- Yogurt dill sauce
- Sriracha mayo
- Lemon herb sauce
FAQs About Crispy Tuna Patties
Usually the mixture is too wet or lacks enough binder. Add breadcrumbs or another egg if needed. Chilling the patties before cooking also helps.
Yes. You can prepare the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Chunk light tuna and albacore tuna both work well. Just make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly.
Absolutely. Freeze cooked or uncooked patties in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
These crispy tuna patties are the perfect combination of easy, affordable, and delicious. With a crispy golden exterior and savory flavorful center, they are ideal for quick dinners, appetizers, or healthy meal prep.
The best part is how customizable they are. Whether you like them spicy, cheesy, low carb, or packed with herbs, tuna patties can easily be adapted to your taste.
More Canned Tuna recipe:
Crispy Tuna Patties
Ingredients
- 2 Cans Tuna
- 1 Small Red Onion
- 7 to 8 Sprigs cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon Dried Oregeno
- ½ Cup Almond Flour
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Oil to shallow fry the patties
Instructions
- Strain the tune from the can and put in a mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the onion and cilantro leaves. Add it to the mixing bowl along with rest of the ingredients. Give a good mix to incorporate everything.
- Shape into multiple medium size patties. And shallow fry until crispy and golden brown on both the side. If you want to air fry the patties, add little oil to mixture and spray on the patties too. Air fry at 400 for 15 minutes.
Leave a Reply