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Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe

Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe

5.2 from 15 reviews

A delicious and easy Air Fryer Tuna Melt recipe featuring a creamy tuna salad with mozzarella and cheddar cheese toasted to golden perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, this sandwich is a comforting lunch or dinner option with a crispy, buttery crust and savory filling.

Ingredients

Scale

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 pepper (optional)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Assembly & Cooking

  • 4 ounces chunk mild cheddar cheese, cut into 6 slices
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 slices bread (your choice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and set the timer for 10 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
  2. Prepare Tuna Salad Dressing: In a large shallow bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, ground mustard seed, dill weed, optional cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  3. Mix Tuna Salad: Add the drained tuna, finely chopped celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish into the dressing. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Fold in the freshly grated mozzarella cheese carefully to maintain the texture and set the tuna salad mixture aside.
  5. Toast Bread Slices: Place two slices of bread on the air fryer tray. Spread softened butter on both sides of each slice. Insert the tray into the middle cooking chamber near the rotisserie catch and air fry for 2 minutes on each side until lightly toasted. Remove from the air fryer.
  6. Assemble the Sandwich: Spoon a generous amount of the tuna salad over each toasted bread slice. Top with cheddar cheese slices, then cover each with another slice of bread. Spread softened butter on the outside of the top bread slices for crispiness.
  7. Final Air Fry: Return the sandwich tray to the air fryer chamber at the same position. Air fry for 3 to 5 minutes or until the top bread slices are crisp and golden and the cheese melts.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh bread slices that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference or omit for a milder sandwich.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or Swiss for variation.
  • Ensure the butter is softened to spread evenly over the bread for a crisp, golden finish.
  • Check the air fryer model’s instructions for optimal tray placement to achieve even toasting and melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air Fryer Tuna Melt, Tuna Sandwich, Easy Tuna Melt, Quick Lunch Recipe, Air Fryer Sandwich