Name: Easy Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cans tuna; 2 each eggs; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp mayo; 3 each green onions, chopped into bite size pieces; 1 each lime, use lime juice of the entire lime; 1 each avocado oil spray

Easy Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Jump to Recipe

As a single mom and registered dietitian, I’ve learned that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be nourishing. Some of the best meals come from simple pantry staples—like canned tuna! These easy air fryer tuna patties are one of my favorite go-to recipes for busy weeknights when time, energy, and patience are all running low. They’re packed with flavor, ready in under 10 minutes, and deliver a satisfying meal packed with protein to keep you (and your kids) full and fueled.

If you’ve ever struggled to find meals that check all the boxes—quick, healthy, affordable, and kid-approved—this one’s for you. The air fryer gives these tuna patties a perfectly crispy outside and tender inside within minutes without the mess and clean-up of frying oil. Plus, they’re a great way to balance a meal from ingredients you probably already have sitting in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Air Fryer Tuna Patties

Quick + Simple: No complicated prep or fancy ingredients—ready in minutes.
Healthy + Protein-Packed: Tuna is rich in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and heart health.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, shelf-stable ingredients.
Family-Friendly: Crispy, delicious, and perfect for dipping or use as a tuna “burger”

Ingredients

2 cans of tuna, drained
2 eggs
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free, if needed)
2 tbsp mayo
3 finely chopped green onions
1 lime, using the juice of the entire lime
Avocado oil spray for the air fryer

Directions

Set your air fryer to 390°F and heat for 4 minutes
In a medium mixing bowl, combine tuna, egg, breadcrumbs, mayo, green onion, and the juice of 1 lime
Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Form into 5–6 small patties (about ½ inch thick).
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with avocado oil and place the patties in a single layer.
Spray the tops of each tuna patty with the avocado oil spray and air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Serve warm with your favorite dip, over a salad, or tucked into a whole grain bun for “tuna burgers”

The Divorced Dietitian Tip

Meal prep these easy air fryer tuna patties ahead of time for effortless lunches or dinners all week. Store them in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Pair them with roasted veggies, a side salad, or sweet potato fries for a balanced meal that feels comforting yet healthy. And if you’ve got kids? Serve with tarter sauce, ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard—they’ll be asking for seconds.

Final Thoughts

Life after divorce can feel chaotic, but nourishing your body doesn’t have to add to the overwhelm. These easy air fryer tuna patties are proof that healthy eating can be simple, satisfying, and stress-free. They’re perfect for single moms, busy parents, or anyone who wants to eat better without spending hours in the kitchen.

Because feeding yourself well is one small way to rebuild your strength—one crispy, golden patty at a time.