The Air Fryer Tuna Melt is a warm, crispy sandwich filled with creamy tuna salad and melted cheese, toasted to perfection in the air fryer. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick to make and ready in under 15 minutes.
Why Make Tuna Melt in the Air Fryer?
Air frying gives the bread a crispy golden texture while perfectly melting the cheese. No need for a frying pan or stovetop. It’s less messy and cooks evenly every time.
Ingredients
- 1 can (5 oz / 140g) tuna in water or oil, drained
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped celery or red onion (optional for crunch)
- 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, sourdough—your choice)
- 4 slices of cheddar or your favorite cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (softened)
Instructions
- Make Tuna Salad
In a bowl, mix the drained tuna with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and chopped celery or onion if you like crunch. Mix well until creamy. - Assemble the Sandwich
Take two slices of bread. Spread the tuna mixture on one side.
Place cheese slices on top of the tuna.
Top with another slice of bread to make a sandwich.
Lightly spread butter on the outsides of the bread. - Air Fry the Tuna Melt
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Place sandwiches in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd).
Cook for 4–5 minutes on one side, flip, then cook another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted. - Serve
Let the sandwich cool for 1–2 minutes before cutting. Serve warm with chips, soup, or a simple salad.
Tips & Tricks
- Use parchment paper or air fryer liners to prevent sticking.
- You can mix in shredded pickles or a bit of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Try using different cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt
Description:
This crispy and cheesy Air Fryer Tuna Melt is a classic sandwich made even easier and faster using the air fryer. It’s crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside—ready in minutes!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna (5 oz / 140g), drained
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped celery or red onion (optional)
- 4 slices bread
- 4 slices cheese
- 1 tbsp softened butter
Instructions:
- Mix tuna, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, and chopped veggies.
- Spread mixture on bread, add cheese, and top with another slice.
- Butter outside of bread.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Air fry for 4–5 min per side or until golden and melty.
- Let cool slightly, then serve hot.
Notes:
- Adjust time based on your air fryer’s size and power.
- For extra crispiness, press sandwich slightly before air frying.