Low-Carb Air Fryer Tuna Patties – 3 ingredients

These air fryer tuna patties only need 3 ingredients and turn boring canned tuna into something actually delicious. They are low-carb, high in protein, and perfect when you want a quick meal that does not taste like it came from a can.

Check out my video recipe below to see exactly how I make these tuna patties step by step. Like and subscribe for more easy, low-carb carb and high-protein recipes just like this one.

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What Makes These Air Fryer Tuna Cakes Special

This recipe uses just three ingredients you probably already have. The egg keeps everything from falling apart, and the cheese adds flavor.

I make these when I need protein but do not want to cook anything complicated. One can of tuna gives you about 7 grams of protein per patty, and there are no carbs. They taste way better than plain tuna salad.

Top Tip: Use water-packed tuna instead of oil-packed. You never know what oil they use in there, and it can make the patties greasy.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Here is everything you need for this simple recipe:

• 1 can (5 oz) water-packed tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever you have)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning for seafood (or any seasoning you like)

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I use whatever cheese is in my fridge. Cheddar works great, but I have used mozzarella, Swiss, and even pre-shredded Mexican blend. They all taste fine.

Note: One 5-ounce can makes about 4 medium patties. If you want them bigger, use more tuna and add a bit more cheese.

Equipment You Need

If you want to know which air fryer I use, I have the Ninja one. It works well for these patties and fits all 8 at one time.

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• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Fork for mixing
• Sieve or colander for draining
• Parchment paper (optional but helpful)

I always line my air fryer basket with parchment paper now. It stops the patties from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

How to Make Air Fryer Tuna Patties Step by Step

Making these patties is straightforward. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Open your tuna can and scoop everything into a sieve. Let it drain for a few minutes to get rid of the water. Once the tuna is drained, pour it into a bowl.

Step 2: Add your cheese. I take whatever cheese I have in the fridge – cheddar, mozzarella, whatever. The cheese keeps the patties from falling apart and makes them taste way better than plain tuna.

Step 3: Crack one egg right into the bowl with the tuna and cheese. Add your Old Bay seasoning or whatever seasoning you like. You only need about half a teaspoon.

Step 4: Give everything a really good mix until it all comes together. You want the tuna, cheese, and egg to form a mixture that will hold its shape when you make the patties.

Step 5: Take your air fryer basket and line it with parchment paper. The patties will not stick, and you can just throw the paper away when you are done cooking.

Step 6: Shape the mixture into patties and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one. If you have a small air fryer like my Ninja, then you may have to cook them in batches.

Step 7: Air fry the patties at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. They are done when they look golden brown and feel firm when you touch them.

Top Tip: Do not make the patties too thick or they will not cook evenly. About half an inch thick works best.

Related Recipe: If you like these low-carb tuna patties, you’ll love my turkey meatloaf recipe here because it’s also high protein and low carb, plus it’s great for meal prep.

Best Seasonings for Tuna Patties

Old Bay is perfect for these patties since it is made for seafood. But you can use whatever you have:

• Cajun seasoning works really well in these tuna patties if you want a little spice. Just use about half a teaspoon like you would with the Old Bay
• Italian seasoning works well, especially with mozzarella cheese
• Garlic powder mixed with onion powder and paprika
• Ranch seasoning mix (sounds weird but tastes good)
• Just salt, pepper, and garlic powder for something simple

Start with about half a teaspoon of whatever seasoning you choose. You can always add more next time if you want a stronger flavor.

Did You Know: Old Bay contains celery seed, which is why it makes tuna taste so much better. The celery flavor pairs naturally with seafood.

Low-Carb Tuna Patties Serving Ideas

These patties are filling enough to eat on their own as a snack. I sometimes grab one straight from the fridge when I need quick protein.

For dinner, I serve them with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. They are substantial enough to be the main dish, especially since each patty has about 15 grams of protein.

My kids like them with ketchup, which I thought was weird at first, but actually tastes pretty good. I prefer them with hot sauce or just plain.

Top Tip: These taste good at room temperature too, so they work great for lunch boxes or meal prep.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These air fryer tuna patties keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store them in a covered container, and they maintain their texture.

To reheat, put them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at the same temperature. They warm up without getting soggy like they would in the microwave.

You can freeze them for up to a month. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Note: Do not reheat these in the microwave. They get rubbery and lose their texture.

Why These High-Protein Tuna Patties Work for Meal Prep

These patties are perfect for meal prep because they reheat well and taste good cold. I make a double batch on weekends and have quick lunches ready for the week.

Each patty has about 7 grams of protein with zero carbs, which makes them perfect for anyone trying to eat more protein. They are way more interesting than plain tuna salad and much more filling.

The flavors actually get better after sitting overnight in the fridge. The cheese and seasonings blend together nicely.

More Easy Tuna Recipes You’ll Love

Check out these other tuna recipes I make all the time:

• CRISPY Canned Tuna and Potato Patties – These are similar to the recipe above but with potatoes added. They get way crispier on the outside and are more filling than the cheese version.
• Best Cheap and Quick Dinner Idea I Know – Tuna Potato Casserole! – This is honestly the cheapest dinner that actually tastes good. I make it when I’m broke but still want something filling that feeds the whole family.

Have you tried making these 3-ingredient tuna patties yet? Let me know in the comments how they turned out or if you have any questions about the recipe.