Air Fryer Tuna Melts are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. With a crispy golden exterior and a warm, gooey interior filled with flavorful tuna salad and melted cheddar cheese, these tuna melts are sure to become a favorite in your household. The recipe involves making a tuna salad with tuna, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, parsley, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, then spreading it on buttered bread with slices of sharp cheddar cheese. The sandwiches are air-fried until golden brown and crispy, with melted cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this quick and satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Tuna Melts are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. With a crispy golden exterior and a warm, gooey interior filled with flavorful tuna salad and melted cheddar cheese, these tuna melts are sure to become a favorite in your household.
INGREDIENTS
- Tuna: 10 ounces, drained. Provides the base for the flavorful tuna salad.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup. Adds creaminess and binds the tuna salad together.
- Red Onion: 3 tablespoons, diced. Adds a bit of crunch and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Celery: 3 tablespoons, diced. Adds crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter taste.
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped. Adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Adds brightness and a hint of acidity to balance the flavors.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon. Adds a bit of tanginess and depth to the tuna salad.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning the tuna salad.
- Bread: 4 slices of sourdough or your choice. Forms the base and top of the sandwich.
- Cheddar Cheese: 4 slices of sharp cheddar. Adds a creamy, tangy flavor and melts beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon. Used to butter the bread for a crispy, golden exterior.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking the tuna melts evenly.
- Step 2: Make the Tuna Salad
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the drained 10 ounces of tuna, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of diced red onion, 3 tablespoons of diced celery, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Step 3: Prepare the Bread
- Butter the outer sides of each slice of bread evenly with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. This will help create a crispy, golden exterior when the sandwiches are air-fried.
- Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
- On one side of the bread, spread a generous portion of the tuna salad mixture. On the other slice of bread, place two slices of sharp cheddar cheese. Place the top onto the bottom to make the sandwich.
- Step 5: Air Fry the Sandwiches
- Carefully place the prepared tuna melt sandwiches into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Air fry the tuna melts at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The bread should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Serve
- Once cooked, carefully remove the tuna melts from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Serve the sandwiches hot and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy bread, creamy tuna salad, and melted cheddar cheese.
Serving and Storage Tips
Here are some tips on how to serve and store your Air Fryer Tuna Melts:
- Serve the tuna melts hot and fresh from the air fryer for the best taste and texture.
- Pair the sandwiches with a side salad, coleslaw, or a cup of soup for a complete meal.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
- Feel free to customize your tuna melts with additional toppings like tomato slices, pickles, or lettuce for added flavor and texture.
Helpful Notes
Here are some helpful notes to enhance your cooking experience:
- Use high-quality, thick slices of bread like sourdough or brioche to hold the tuna salad and cheese well without becoming too soggy.
- Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly to avoid a watery tuna salad mixture.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
Tips from well-known chefs
Here are some tips from famous chefs around the globe:
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate the flavor of your dishes."
- Chef Ina Garten: "Balancing flavors and textures is key to creating a delicious sandwich."
- Chef Jamie Oliver: "Experiment with different cheeses and breads to find your perfect combination."