Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes
Crispy Tuna Patties are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. After making these many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping them moist and flavorful. The crispy exterior gives way to a juicy, flaky interior that’s simply irresistible. Serve them with my Easy Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers for a complete meal. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers and Crispy Loaded Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Bacon.
Why This Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes Is Pure Comfort
- Quick and easy to make in just 25 minutes
- Crispy exterior with a juicy, flaky interior
- Better than takeout and freezer-friendly
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings and toppings
What You'll Need for Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- canned tuna
- breadcrumbs
- egg
- onion
- garlic
- lemon juice
- dijon mustard
- salt
- pepper
- olive oil
- Optional: lemon wedges
- Optional: tartar sauce
- Optional: avocado slices
- Optional: shredded lettuce
📝 Ingredient Notes
- breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work too.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast Iron Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing and crispiness. → See on Amazon
- Food Processor — Quickly pulse ingredients for even texture and no lumps. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes
- Prepare the tuna mixture: In a food processor, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined but still chunky.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Place on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the tuna patties hot with your favorite toppings and sides.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes
- Common mistake and fix: Adding too much liquid to the tuna mixture can make the patties fall apart. To fix, add more breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together.
- Pro tip: For extra crispiness, refrigerate the formed patties for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Pro tip: To prevent the patties from sticking, make sure your skillet is hot and well-oiled before adding them.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The tuna mixture can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
Freezing Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes
Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat patties in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat patties in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tuna mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute canned salmon for an equally delicious alternative.
- Make-ahead: The tuna mixture can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If the patties are sticking to the pan, they may not be cooked long enough. Add a little more oil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-Read Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, moist tuna patties every time. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- canned tuna
- breadcrumbs
- egg
- onion
- garlic
Seasonings
- lemon juice
- dijon mustard
- salt
- pepper
- olive oil
Optional Toppings
- lemon wedges
- tartar sauce
- avocado slices
- shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the tuna mixture: In a food processor, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined but still chunky.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Place on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the tuna patties hot with your favorite toppings and sides.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tuna mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute canned salmon for an equally delicious alternative.
- Make-ahead: The tuna mixture can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If the patties are sticking to the pan, they may not be cooked long enough. Add a little more oil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Oven reheat: Reheat patties in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat patties in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
- Make ahead: The tuna mixture can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes FAQs
Yes, the tuna mixture can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.
Adding too much liquid to the tuna mixture can cause the patties to fall apart. To fix, add more breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together.
Yes, freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve these tuna patties with my Easy Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers for a complete meal.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
