Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Sandwiches

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Updated: Oct 18, 2024 · Published: Sep 4, 2023 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 11 Comments

92 shares
  • 2
Jump to Recipe
Air fryer tuna melt with a text title overlay.
Air fryer tuna melt with a text title overlay.

A tuna melt is a quick and easy lunch option and this recipe couldn't be easier as it's all done in the air fryer. Air Fryer Tuna Melt uses ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, and it's easy to adapt with different add-ins too.

Toasted tuna and cheese sandwich on a wooden board with a bowl of salad.

Gooey melted cheese on top of tuna in a crispy toasted sandwich. Total comfort food!

The best thing is, a tuna melt in the air fryer, only takes 8 minutes to cook. It's so easy to make and no risk of it getting burnt in a frying pan and it's totally hands off too.

When we want something filling and comforting, but ready in under 10 minutes we always go for some kind of cheese toastie. This recipe is a jazzed up version of our Air Fryer Cheese Toastie.

Also take a look at our Turkey Cheese Toastie recipe too.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make an Air Fryer Tuna Melt - Step by Step
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Tuna Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe each with a text overlay label.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Bread - The great thing about this recipe is that any bread works. You want to use a bread that will fit in your air fryer, and the sturdier the better. We used a seeded loaf, but sourdough works well too.
  • Butter - This helps the bread to get golden brown when cooked.
  • Tuna - We used tuna in spring water.
  • Mayo - This is a must to stop the tuna from being dry. It makes it nice and creamy. Full fat has the best flavour, but you can use reduced fat if you prefer. You could also use yoghurt to make it lighter.
  • Mustard - A little bit of Dijon mustard adds a really nice flavour. You could use wholegrain mustard too.
  • Cheese - We used a mature cheddar because it melts well, and a little goes a long way because of the strong flavour. Any cheese that melts well works.

Variations

The great thing about this tuna melt in the air fryer is that it's so adaptable. Use this recipe as a base and then feel free to adapt it with the suggestions below.

Crunch - For some added texture, we love adding in some finely diced red onions or shallots or even some gherkins.

Spice - We LOVE a spicy tuna melt and that's easy to do with some diced pickled jalapeños. You could add a splash of your favourite spicy sauce too.

Cheese - A cheddar is best because it melts well without being too stringy. But, you could use mozzarella instead, which also melts well. We also like using Swiss or adding some crumbled feta on top of the cheddar for added flavour.

Open faced - If you want to make a lower carb version of this, then you can make an open faced sandwich buy just using one slice of bread.

How to Make an Air Fryer Tuna Melt - Step by Step

Two slices of buttered bread on a wooden board.
  1. Step one: Butter the bread on one side each.
Two shot collage of tuna, mayo and mustard in a bowl, before and after mixing.
  1. Step two: Put the tuna, mayonnaise and mustard in a bowl (a). Mix well (b).
Two shot collage of tuna mayo spread over a slice of bread, then grated cheese added.
  1. Step three: Spread the tuna mixture over one unbuttered side of the bread (a). Add the grated cheese on top (b).
Two shot collage of a cheese and tuna sandwich in an air fryer, before and after cooking.
  1. Step four: Top with the other slice of buttered bread, butter side up, and put into the air fryer (a). Press the sandwich down. Cook at 180°C for 5 minutes, flip over and cook for 3 minutes (b).

Serving Suggestions

This is quite a filling meal as it is, but there are lots of things that you can serve it with to bulk it out a bit more.

If you want something crispy on this side, then try our Air Fryer Tortilla Chips or Homemade Garlic Crisps.

Our favourite side is a big green salad, as it balances out the heaviness of the sandwich. Try our Little Gem Salad, Rocket Salad or Watercress Salad. A good Homemade Coleslaw is a good addition too.

Soup and a salad is a classic combination so why not serve it with our Easy Tomato Soup or Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup?

Four triangular toasted tuna sandwiches piled up on top of each other.

Extra Tips

  • Choose a sturdy bread that will be able to hold all the filling, as it can be quite heavy.
  • Make sure to drain the tuna well and get all the excess liquid out of it, as you don't want to end up with a soggy tuna melt.
  • If you are using butter on the outside, then make sure it is softened before you try to spread it, so it doesn't tear the bread apart.
  • The buttered side of the bread should be on the outside of the toastie, as that is the bit that you want to get nice and golden.
  • To make this gluten free, use your favourite brand of gluten free bread. Just be aware that this doesn't hold together quite so well.
Tuna melt sandwiches on a wooden board with a bowl of salad in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

What air fryer should I use?

We really can't rate the Ninja Foodi Max Dual highly enough. It has a huge 9.5 litre capacity, it allows you to cook two different things at once and it has 6 different cooking functions. It is 65% more efficient than an oven and uses 75% less fat than traditional cooking. It is also dishwasher safe.

How to store leftovers.

This is best eaten straight after making. However, if you do have leftovers then you can keep it in an air tight container in the fridge and then reheated it in the air fryer for 4 minutes.

Why is my tuna melt soggy?

You need to make sure that you have drained your tuna well, and also don't add too much mayo.

Why is my bread burnt?

If the bread is burnt, it may be because the temperature is too high or the cooking time is too long. To prevent this, make sure to adjust the temperature and cooking time according to the thickness of the bread and the amount of cheese used. It is also important to keep an eye on the toastie while it is cooking to ensure that it does not burn - every air fryer cooks differently.

More Tuna Recipes

  • Tuna pasta bake in a baking dish.
    Tuna Pasta Bake
  • Four stuffed baked potatoes on a wooden serving board
    Tuna Stuffed Baked Potato
  • Tuna Fish cakes on a plate with vegetables, tzatziki and a lemon wedge
    Tuna Fishcakes
  • Cottage cheese tuna salad on a plate with some square crackers.
    High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad

If you’ve tried this air fryer tuna melt recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Four air fryer tuna melt sandwiches stacked on top of each other.

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

By: Dannii Martin
Easily make a delicious and filling lunch with this air fryer tuna melt. Enjoy melted cheese and tuna in a crispy toasted sandwich.
4.94 from 15 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: British
Prep: 2 minutes mins
Cook: 8 minutes mins
Total: 10 minutes mins
Servings: 1 servings
Calories: 567kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy
An illustration of a cracked egg.
Eggs
An illustration of a fish.
Fish
An illustration of a mustard bottle.
Mustard

Ingredients

  • 2 slice Bread
  • 1 tablespoon Butter - room temperature
  • 100 g (3.53 oz) Tuna - (drained weight
  • 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 30 g (0.25 cups) Mature cheddar - grated

Instructions

  • Use 1 tablespoon Butter to butter 2 slice Bread on one side each.
  • Put 100 g Tuna, 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard into a bowl and mix well.
  • Spread the tuna mixture over one unbuttered side of the bread. Add 30 g Mature cheddar on top.
  • Top with the other slice of buttered bread, butter side up, and put into the air fryer. Press the sandwich down.
  • Cook at 180°C/350°F for 5 minutes, flip over and cook for 3 minutes.

Recipe Tips

  • Choose a sturdy bread that will be able to hold all the filling, as it can be quite heavy.
  • Make sure to drain the tuna well and get all the excess liquid out of it, as you don't want to end up with a soggy tuna melt.
  • If you are using butter on the outside, then make sure it is softened before you try to spread it, so it doesn't tear the bread apart.
  • The buttered side of the bread should be on the outside of the toastie, as that is the bit that you want to get nice and golden.
  • To make this gluten free, use your favourite brand of gluten free bread. Just be aware that this doesn't hold together quite so well.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 917mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 726IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 308mg | Iron: 4mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • Three teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps on a wooden board.
    Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
  • A sesame seed topped cottage cheese bagel on a wooden surface.
    Cottage Cheese Bagels (Protein Bagel)
  • Two breakfast sandwiches stacked on top of each other.
    Meal Prep Breakfast Sandwiches
  • Lettuce wrap sandwich being held up in two hands.
    Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Sandwich

Comments

  1. Suja md says

    September 12, 2023 at 3:15 pm

    5 stars
    This looks amazing and such a treat! Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Toni says

    September 12, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    5 stars
    I love how tasty and savory this recipe is! I will definitely make it again and again!

    Reply
  3. Shashi at Savory Spin says

    September 12, 2023 at 2:30 pm

    5 stars
    Love the textures in this - creamy tuna and crunchy bread thanks to the air fryer! Delicious!

    Reply
  4. Kushigalu says

    September 12, 2023 at 11:00 am

    5 stars
    Love this air fryer version. Looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  5. Gina says

    September 06, 2023 at 2:41 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe was easy to make and so tasty! Definitely made for one delicious lunch!

    Reply
  6. Ned says

    September 06, 2023 at 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    The recipe was absolutely delicious and a definite winner! Will be making it again soon! Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Tara says

    September 06, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    5 stars
    Oooh, definitely the perfect lunch! I love how easily this tuna melt comes together in the air fryer with just a few ingredients.

    Reply
  8. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    September 05, 2023 at 4:40 pm

    5 stars
    The airfryer is so much better for a toastie like this. So moist on the inside and really crispy on the outside too.

    Reply
  9. Kathleen says

    September 05, 2023 at 2:45 pm

    5 stars
    This tuna melt looks fabulous. I love that it comes together so easily and that you made it in the airy fryer. I can't wait to make one.

    Reply
  10. Holley says

    September 05, 2023 at 2:18 pm

    5 stars
    Oh how I love a savory tuna melt! This air fryer recipe sure hits the spot!

    Reply
  11. Toni says

    September 05, 2023 at 2:16 pm

    5 stars
    Everyone at my house loved this! It is so good and delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
4.94 from 15 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 2

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.