Crispy Tuna Cakes Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Tuna Cakes deliver irresistible crunch on the outside with a flavorful, tender interior. Why make them? They’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. These savory patties are protein-packed, budget-friendly, and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes using pantry staples.

Flavorful & Versatile Crispy Tuna Cakes

What sets these tuna cakes apart is their blend of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a zesty punch of lemon, all encased in a perfectly browned exterior. Customize your mix-ins for a light lunch, satisfying appetizer, or even a hearty sandwich—all with unbeatable flavor and texture.

Effortlessly Prep Your Ingredients

Start with canned tuna, well-drained, and a combination of finely diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Using a quality vegetable chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves time and ensures uniform pieces, helping each cake hold together and cook evenly.

Mix your chopped vegetables with the tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten each bite.

How to Cook the Crispiest Tuna Cakes

You have two excellent options: classic stovetop or air fryer. For stovetop, a good nonstick frying pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures a golden, crispy crust with minimal sticking. Alternatively, using an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is a healthier, hands-off method that achieves crunch with less oil.

Shape the mixture into uniform patties using slightly wet hands or a scoop. Stovetop cooks will sear each cake in a thin layer of oil until browned; the air fryer cooks them at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For either method, placing formed patties on Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll keeps the cakes from sticking to pans or air fryer baskets, ensuring easy clean-up and perfect release.

Serving Ideas: Bring on the Crunch

Serve these tuna cakes hot, garnished with a dollop of tartar sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or your favorite aioli. For a fresh, transportable lunch, pack them in a Bentgo Salad Container with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette. They’re also delicious in a sandwich or atop a grain bowl.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 8 medium tuna cakes. Each serving (2 cakes) offers about 180-220 calories, depending on added oil and type of breadcrumbs. High in protein and low in carbs, these are a satisfying option for light meals and snacks.

Crispy Tuna Cakes Recipe (Recap)

Quick, versatile, and deeply satisfying, Crispy Tuna Cakes are hard to beat. They boast a golden crunch outside with a succulent, flavorful center—ideal for family dinners or easy entertaining. Customize your seasonings, enjoy hot or cold, and enjoy a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing protein meal.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, onion, celery, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, parsley, mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 8 portions. Shape each into a patty using wet hands or a scoop for uniformity.
3. For the air fryer: Line basket with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or fit it with Air Fryer Paper Liners. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place patties in a single layer, spray lightly with olive oil using an YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. For stovetop: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
5. Transfer hot cakes to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve warm with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or over salad greens in a Bentgo Salad Container for a delicious, packable meal.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes