Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes
Crispy tuna patties are a quick and delicious way to enjoy seafood. After making this recipe many times, I’ve discovered the secret to perfectly crispy patties every time. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Pandan Coconut Overnight Oats with Mango Drizzle and Crispy Za’atar Roasted Chickpeas with Lemon Zest.
Why This Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes Is Pure Comfort
- Perfectly crispy on the outside
- Tender and flaky on the inside
- Ready in just 25 minutes
- Better than takeout!
What You'll Need for Crispy Tuna Patties 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
- panko breadcrumbs
- eggs
- onion
- garlic
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- dried parsley
- lemon zest
- Optional: lemon wedges
- Optional: tartar sauce
- Optional: avocado slices
📝 Ingredient Notes
- canned tuna: Drain excess water before using.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect crispiness. → See on Amazon
- Stainless steel spatula — Prevents patties from breaking apart during flipping. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes
- Prepare tuna mixture: In a bowl, combine drained tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties. Coat each patty with additional breadcrumbs.
- Cook patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes
- : For extra crispiness, refrigerate the formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overmixing the tuna mixture to prevent tough patties. If they're too dry, add a bit more egg or olive oil.
- : To prevent sticking, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the patties.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover patties in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Form patties up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Freezing Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes
Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
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 patty.
- Make-ahead: Form patties up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If patties are falling apart, try adding more breadcrumbs or egg to the mixture.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality canned tuna — Ensures flaky and tender patties. Pays for itself vs. takeout. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- canned tuna
- panko breadcrumbs
- eggs
- onion
- garlic
- lemon juice
- olive oil
Seasonings
- salt
- black pepper
- dried parsley
- lemon zest
Optional Toppings
- lemon wedges
- tartar sauce
- avocado slices
Instructions
- Prepare tuna mixture: In a bowl, combine drained tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties. Coat each patty with additional breadcrumbs.
- Cook patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
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 patty.
- Make-ahead: Form patties up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If patties are falling apart, try adding more breadcrumbs or egg to the mixture.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover patties in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Form patties up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sat. Fat: 1g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes FAQs
Yes, you can form the patties up to a day ahead and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
They may be too wet or not held together with enough breadcrumbs. Try adding more breadcrumbs or egg to the mixture.
Yes, you can freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the patties with oil, then cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve them with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Tuna Patties 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!
