Description
This Air Fryer Tuna Melt is a quick and delicious sandwich that combines a creamy tuna salad with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, all toasted to golden perfection using an air fryer. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner, it serves two and takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad
- 1 canned tuna (142 grams, no salt added, drained)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 small red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 rib celery (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Sandwich Assembly
- 4 ounces chunk mild cheddar cheese (cut into 6 slices)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 slices bread
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and preheat for 10 minutes to ensure even toasting and cooking.
- Prepare Tuna Mixture: In a large shallow bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground mustard seed, dill weed, cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients well to form a flavorful dressing.
- Add Tuna and Veggies: Add the drained canned tuna, finely chopped celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish into the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything well to evenly coat the tuna and vegetables.
- Incorporate Cheese: Fold in the freshly grated mozzarella cheese gently into the tuna mixture. Once combined, set the tuna salad aside.
- Toast Bread Slices: Place two slices of bread on the air fryer tray. Spread softened butter on both sides of each slice. Carefully insert the tray into the middle cooking chamber near the rotisserie catch. Air fry for 2 minutes on each side to lightly toast the bread. Remove from the air fryer once golden.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared tuna salad evenly over the toasted bread slices. Arrange cheddar cheese slices on top of the tuna salad, then cover each with another buttered slice of bread.
- Final Air Fry: Place the assembled sandwiches back onto the air fryer tray. Insert the tray into the middle cooking chamber near the rotisserie catch again. Air fry for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the top bread slices are crisp and golden and the cheese has melted.
Notes
- For a spicier sandwich, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños to the tuna mixture.
- Use your favorite bread type; sourdough or whole wheat work well.
- Make sure to evenly butter both sides of the bread to achieve a perfectly golden crust.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning in the tuna salad according to taste.
- If you prefer a creamier melt, add extra mozzarella or cheddar cheese slices before the final air fry step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
