Looking for a quick, protein-packed meal that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle? These Air Fryer Tuna Patties are a game-changer for busy weeknights or meal prep. Using simple pantry staples, you’ll transform humble tinned tuna into golden, crispy patties bursting with savoury flavour and a hint of fresh herbs.
Air frying means you get all the crunch without the excess oil, keeping things light yet satisfying. The addition of almond flour binds the patties while keeping carbs ultra-low, and a touch of lemon zest brightens every bite. Serve with a tangy lemon herb mayo for dipping, or pile onto a crisp salad for a fuss-free, nourishing meal.
Ready in under 30 minutes, these tuna patties are ideal for anyone seeking a delicious, affordable, and healthy keto-friendly option. Let’s get cooking!
At a glance
- Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Inexpensive
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 19 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Energy: 170 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 x 145g tins (drained) Tinned tuna in spring water (Well-drained for best texture)
- 1 Large egg (Helps bind the patties)
- 40g Almond flour (Keeps it low-carb)
- 2, finely sliced Spring onion (Adds freshness)
- 2 tbsp, chopped Fresh parsley (Or use dill for variation)
- 1 tsp Lemon zest (Adds brightness)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (To taste)
- as needed Olive oil spray (For air fryer basket)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Measuring spoons
- Baking parchment (optional)
- Spatula
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork until fine.
- Add the egg, almond flour, spring onion, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and the mixture holds together.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1.5cm thick.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. If your air fryer tends to stick, line with a piece of baking parchment (pierced for airflow).
- Place the patties in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Serve hot with lemon herb mayo or your favourite keto dip.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: eggs, fish, nuts
Potential swaps:
- Almond flour → Ground sunflower seeds — Nut-free and still low-carb
- Egg → 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water — Egg-free binding option
- Tinned tuna → Tinned salmon — For a different flavour
Serving Ideas
- With mixed salad leaves – for a fresh, light meal.
- Topped with poached eggs – for a protein-rich brunch.
- In lettuce wraps – for a handheld, low-carb option.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid soggy patties.
- Chill shaped patties for 10 minutes if your mixture feels too soft.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even crisping.
Variations
- Swap parsley for dill or coriander for a different herb profile.
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use tinned salmon for a richer flavour.
Troubleshooting
- If patties are too wet, add a little more almond flour.
- If sticking, use baking parchment or more oil spray.
- If not crisping, increase air fryer time by 2–3 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the fridge. They also freeze well for longer storage.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp.
Ingredient Spotlight
Tinned tuna: A budget-friendly, high-protein staple that’s perfect for quick keto meals.
Almond flour: Keeps the patties low-carb while adding a subtle nutty flavour and helping bind.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of tinned?
Yes, cooked and flaked fresh tuna works well, but tinned is more convenient and budget-friendly.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Ensure the tuna is well-drained and mix thoroughly so the egg and almond flour bind the mixture. Chill the patties for 10 minutes before air frying if needed.
Can I freeze these tuna patties?
Absolutely! Freeze cooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer.
What dip goes best with these patties?
A lemon herb mayo or simple garlic aioli pairs perfectly, adding creaminess and zing.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Tuna Patties with Lemon Herb Mayo (Low-Carb & Crispy)
Ingredients
- 2 x 145g tins (drained) Tinned tuna in spring water (Well-drained for best texture)
- 1 Large egg (Helps bind the patties)
- 40g Almond flour (Keeps it low-carb)
- 2, finely sliced Spring onion (Adds freshness)
- 2 tbsp, chopped Fresh parsley (Or use dill for variation)
- 1 tsp Lemon zest (Adds brightness)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (To taste)
- as needed Olive oil spray (For air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork until fine.
- Add the egg, almond flour, spring onion, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and the mixture holds together.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1.5cm thick.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. If your air fryer tends to stick, line with a piece of baking parchment (pierced for airflow).
- Place the patties in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Serve hot with lemon herb mayo or your favourite keto dip.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: eggs, fish, nuts
- Almond flour → Ground sunflower seeds — Nut-free and still low-carb
- Egg → 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water — Egg-free binding option
- Tinned tuna → Tinned salmon — For a different flavour
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 19 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Energy: 170 kcal
