Air Fryer Tuna Melt

5 from 1 vote

This Air Fryer Tuna Melt is the perfect pairing of toasty buttery bread and creamy cheesy tuna salad. You'll love the combination of flavors and texture in this easy and comforting lunch!

Prep Time8

Cook Time7

Total Time15

Course: lunch

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 699kcal

Author: Teri & Jenny

Ingredients

tuna salad

5 ounces canned tuna drained
1/4 cup diced pickled red onions
3 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons diced celery
1 1/2 tablespoons minced dill
1 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
salt and pepper to taste

sandwich assembly

4 slices bread of choice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 beefsteak tomato (or 1 vine ripe tomato) sliced
2 ounces shredded cheddar
2 ounces shredded mozzarella
salt and pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a mixing bowl combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, pickled red onion, dill, and chives. Season with salt and pepper and stir together.
Spread 1/2 tablespoon butter over each slice of bread and turn two slices butter side down.
Top each butter side down slice of bread with tuna mixture.
Top with sliced tomatoes, shredded cheese and remaining slices of bread.
Preheat air fryer to 400˚F (if needed).
Spray air fry basket with cooking spray and place sandwiches in coated fryer basket.
Air fry tuna melt for 4 minutes.
Flip sandwich and continue to air fry for an additional 3 minutes.
Remove from air fryer, cut in half and serve.

Video

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Go light on the mayo. We want the creamy texture that the mayonnaise adds, but if you add too much, the tuna salad will be wet and soggy, which isn't what we're going for!

The onions, celery and chives add taste AND texture. You could add these ingredients powdered for the flavor, but chopping them up and mixing them in the salad adds a fresh crunch that really complements the creamy salad and toasty bread.

Don't forget the flip! Flipping your tuna melt halfway through will help both sides get equally toasty.

Choose a hearty bread. If you pick a thin or really lightweight bread, it may not hold up to the heavy filling. Thick slices of Italian or sourdough are perfect for this sandwich.

Prep Ahead

The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Transfer the filling to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition