Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Craving comfort food but short on time? This Air Fryer Tuna Melt is your lunchtime superhero! Made with toasted bread, creamy tuna, and gooey cheese, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 985kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough can be substituted for gluten-free bread
- 110 g ( 4 oz) canned tuna drained
- 40 g ( 1.5 oz) mild cheddar- grated can be substituted for dairy free cheese
- ¼ red onion finely chopped
- 3 tablespoon mayo can be substituted for egg free mayo
- ¼ teaspoon dijon mustard can be substituted for a pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoon butter can be substituted for mayo or dairy free spread
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat your air fryer to 180˚C / 350˚F.
- Spread one side of each bread slice with softened butter.
- Chop the red onion finely and add to a small bowl with the flaked tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until fully combined.
- Turn the bread over so the slices are butter side down on the chopping board.
- Spread the tuna salad evenly on both bread slices. Top with the grated cheese.
- Place the other buttered bread slice on top, buttered side facing out and squash the sandwich together with your hands.
- Place the assembled sandwich in the air fryer basket (chop in half if it doesn’t fit) and air fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- Once golden brown and melty, carefully remove the sandwich from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing it in half.
Notes
See the recipe post for more detailed guidance and instructions.
How Can I Make This Tuna Melt Allergy Friendly?
Gluten-Free: Simply swap the sourdough for a gluten-free version. You will need to handle the sandwich more carefully as gluten-free bread can fall apart more easily. Check the mustard's packaging to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten.
Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese instead of regular cheese and spread mayo on the outside of the bread to help it crisp up instead of butter.
Egg-Free: Find an allergy-friendly egg-free mayo and use this instead of regular mayo.
Mustard-Free: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper in place of the mustard.
Sulphite-Free: Use a sulphite-free mustard like this organic Dijon mustard.
Tips & Tricks
- Butter The Outside Of The Bread: This helps the bread to crisp up and turn a lovely golden colour. You can also spread mayo on the bread instead.
- Keep An Eye On It: I have personally tested this recipe using my Instant Pot Vortex Plus Clear Cook air fryer, so the recommended temperature and cooking times are tailored for this specific make and model. It's important to note that different air fryer brands may vary in their cooking performance, Keep checking your food closely and check for readiness as you cook.
- Tuna: Depending on the size of your bread, you may not need to use all of the tuna mix. Save some for the next day or use it in a pasta salad.
- Bread: If you use a plain white sandwich loaf, be aware that it will not take as long to cook as if you are using sourdough - it’s best to keep an eye on the sandwich whilst it’s cooking.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Grate your own cheese for a meltier texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which means it doesn’t melt as well.
- Get That Cheese Pull: For extra ooze and gooeyness, use mozzarella instead of cheddar.
Nutrition
Calories: 985kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1624mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 746IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 382mg | Iron: 7mg
