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This Tuna Patties recipe is very easy and quick to make, and they are made without flour or mayo. It is a family-friendly recipe that takes just 30 minutes to get on your dinner table. They are gluten-free, low in carbs, and keto-friendly.
You may also like my easy salmon patties or my broccoli chicken fritters.
If you love tuna, you will love these tuna patties. Simple recipe to use up those canned tunas in your pantry. Its as simple as gathering up your ingredients, toss into a bowl and mix them together. Placing the patties in the fridge for 15-20 minutes will allow the patties to hold firmly together while searing. This step is not absolutely necessary but recommended. Makes for a perfect appetizer, side dish, or a salad topper. They are also perfect for those who like to meal prep because they can be enjoyed cold as well.
Recipe Summary
- Easy to make: It can be ready in 30 minutes or less.
- It is low in carbs, high in protein, and keto-friendly.
- Delicious, these patties will be perfect to serve as an appetizer to your guests.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, side dish on your dinner table, or a salad topper for added protein.
Ingredients for tuna patties
- Almond flour: For a keto-friendly option, I used almond flour. If you do not
- 2 Cans Wild Tuna: I used wild albacore tuna, which works best with no added oil or water. You may use any you have handy, just drain the oil or water. This is affordable too.
- Shredded Mozzarella
- Chopped Fresh Dill: If you have a hard time finding fresh dill you can use dried.
- Dijon Mustard: or honey mustard.
- Egg: I use an egg to help bind the patties and prevent them from falling apart.
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- Kosher Salt and Pepper
- Avocado oil for frying: or whatever oil you like to fry with.
How to make tuna patties on your stovetop
- Add ingredients to the bowl: in a large mixing bowl, combine tuna, almond flour, mozzarella, dill, mustard, and lemon zest. Crack the egg and squeeze in the lemon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix: using your clean hands, mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Make patties: rub your hands with a bit of oil and pinch off about a spoonful of mixture and shape it into a pattie, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place patties on a baking sheet: place the patties with a bit of space in between onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.
- Cook the patties: Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add oil and heat until shimmering. Carefully add patties to the hot oil and sear each side until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes in total.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the heat and serve warm. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- You can use any tuna of your choice. I do like the albacore tuna brand that’s pure tuna chunks.
- Any flour will work if you do not want to use almond flour.
- I like to use avocado oil to pan fry or pam sear instead of olive oil.
- I recommend you let the tuna dough or mixture sit in the fridge for 20 minutes before frying.
How to make the tuna patties in the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F.
- Follow the same instructions in the recipe card until you get to step 5, where you place the mixture in the fridge to cool and bind.
- Remove the tuna mixture from the fridge and form round tuna patties.
- Spray the base of the air fryer and lightly spray each tuna patty with olive oil cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. If you like them crispier, you may air fry for another 1-2 minutes.
How to bake the tuna patties instead
- Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions in the recipe card until after step 5.
- Once you remove the tuna mixture from the fridge, roll about 1/4 cup of it into patties and place them on the sheet pan.
- Lightly spray the top of the patties with cooking spray and pop them in the oven to bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown to your liking. Serve and enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
These tuna patties will last 2-3 days in the fridge. Tightly wrap or store it in a sealed container before placing it in the fridge. Serve cold or reheat when ready to eat.
Yes! It is safe to reheat your leftover tuna patties. You can either reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals until they are heated through, or you can reheat in a pan over medium heat. If the patties are frozen, I recommend thawing them first before adding them to the pan. You may also defrost in the microwave.
Yes. You do not have to use almond flour. Any other flour of your choice will work.
To keep the patties from falling apart I recommend using a binder like eggs or some sort of egg substitutes. Flour also helps with the binding process. I also find that keeping the tuna pattie mixture once mixed in the fridge for about 20 minutes will allow all the ingredients to soak together and bind well.
What to serve with tuna patties
These patties can be enjoyed in so many different ways, which is why I love them so much. Serve them over a salad or some coleslaw, as a side dish, and as an appetizer. You may even make tuna burger sliders with them! Options are endless. Here are some recipes that you may like to serve them with:
- Healthy Homemade Coleslaw
- Greek Orzo Salad
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower Mash
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Brussel Sprouts Salad
More tuna recipes
- Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
- Keto Tuna Salad
- Healthy Tuna Casserole
- Chickpea Tuna Salad
- Tuna Melt Zucchini Boats
- Avocado Tuna Salad
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Easy Crispy Tuna Patties
Ingredients
- 10 ounces Canned Wild Tuna, 2 5oz cans, drained
- 1/2 cup Almond Flour
- 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Dill Weed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 large Egg
- juice of 1/2 lemon, plus zest
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper, or to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons Avocado oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked 10 ounces Canned Wild Tuna, 1/2 cup Almond Flour, 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Chopped Dill Weed, 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard, and juice of 1/2 lemonest of half lemon.
- Crack the 1 large Egg and squeeze in the juice of 1/2 lemon. Season with 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt and 1/4 teaspoon Pepper.
- Now, using your clean hands, mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Rub your hands with a bit of oil and pinch off about a spoonful of mixture and shape it into a pattie, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the patties with a bit of space in between onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the 2-3 tablespoons Avocado oil for frying and heat until shimmering. Carefully add patties to the hot oil and sear each side until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes in total.
- Once done, remove from the heat and serve warm. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Makes 12 patties and Serves 4: each serving is three patties
- about 88 calories per pattie
- Whole wheat flour in place of almond flour
- Use your favorite canned tuna or salmon
- Any oil safe for frying in place of avocado oil
- Storage: Place leftovers in a container and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to eat. You can freeze for 1 month.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Instead of flour, can pork rind crumbs be a substitute?
I haven’t tested it but i would assume it should be fine and a good substitute.
This sounds delish. I’m trying to stay with lower fat, what is it that has this fat content so high?
Hi there. Could be from the almond flour. Also, there is some mozzarella and avocado oil. You can use a different flour and bake these instead.
If I want to bake these, for how long and at what temperature?
I also want to tell you that I love your recipes! I’m really bad at cooking, but these are so easy to follow, that even I can do it. And they are delicious!
Hi. Thanks so much for the kind words. I would say bake at 400 for 10 mins and either flip and bake another 2-3 minutes or broil for 2 mins to brown the top
Can these be baked as well? They look delicious!
Hi. Yes they can be baked.
Any dipping sauces you’d recommend to go with these?
We have a homemade ranch that will go really well with this
Hi , can we use coconut flour instead?
Yes. Coconut flour will be fine.
Could you substitute the tuna for crab meat while keeping the other ingredients the same? Trying to use some leftovers!!
Hi Sarah. Yes, you can use crab meat. Let me know how it turns out
Will do, thank you!!
Gonna try, looks quick and easy!
Thanks!
Does regular flour work as well? I am allergic to nuts!
Yes. You may use any flour you have.
Hi can u use a white fish like basa or rockling?
Hi. Should be ok