Crispy and Cheesy Air Fryer Tuna Melt Sandwich

Grilled cheese has always been my favorite; for breakfast, snacks, or even dinner sometimes. But it can occasionally get boring and feel like it needs something more. That’s why the Tuna Melt Sandwich keeps me coming back. It’s the flavorful tuna flakes and gooey cheese sandwiched between crispy bread.

Crispy and Cheesy Air Fryer Tuna Melt Sandwich

Recipe by Heizo

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Snacks, BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• Tuna Salad

• 1 small-sized onion, chopped

• 1 can or 6-7oz of oil-packed tuna, drained

• 1 cup Mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• Air Fryer Tuna Melt Sandwich

• 4 Slices of Bread

• 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or butter

• 1-2 slices of cheddar cheese
  

Directions

• In a medium or large bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, chopped onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until evenly combined, making sure to break up any clumps with a fork so it spreads more easily on the bread.
• Grab a slice of bread and lightly coat it with mayonnaise or softened butter. Bring out your air fryer basket and place the bread inside with the mayo side facing down. Then, start assembling your sandwich. First, add one to two slices of cheddar cheese, you can adjust the amount based on how cheesy you want it. Next, scoop some tuna salad using a spoon and spread it evenly across the bread. Don’t forget to add tomato slices. Finally, take a second slice of bread and lightly coat it with mayonnaise or butter as well. Place it on top of the sandwich with the mayo side facing up.
• Close the basket and let the air fryer cook for 4 minutes on each side. Depending on your air fryer model and toast preference, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Take out the basket once it’s cooked and serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

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What is a Tuna Melt Sandwich

A Tuna Melt Sandwich combines tuna salad made with mayonnaise, seasonings, onions, and pickles, with cheddar cheese and golden, crisp bread. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It just melts in the mouth. Well, much like grilled cheese, but with tuna.

This dish is traditionally made in a skillet, but after testing it in the air fryer, there’s really no turning back. Skillet cooking often leaves the bread unevenly toasted, and sometimes the cheese doesn’t fully melt. That’s on top of the mess it tends to create.

Meanwhile, an air fryer can cook more than two tuna melt sandwiches at once, depending on the basket size. Unlike a skillet, it doesn’t demand constant attention, no need to hover and flip just to keep the bread from burning.

Everything you need for the Tuna Melt Sandwich recipe

This Tuna Melt Sandwich comes together quickly and only needs a handful of ingredients.

• Canned Tuna – You can choose any canned tuna that suits your taste and preference, whether it’s regular or spicy. Just make sure to drain all the excess liquid, as it could make your bread soggy.
• Mayonnaise – Use whatever mayonnaise you have at home. If possible, opt for real mayonnaise, as it helps bind the tuna and other ingredients more effectively. Low-quality mayonnaise tends to be thin or runny, which can ruin the tuna melt sandwich as it cooks.
• Tomato – Firm, ripe tomatoes are preferable. They release less liquid, which means they’re less likely to make the sandwich soggy.
• Vegetables – Red onions and green onions enhance the flavor of the tuna salad. You can also add diced celery or pickles.
• Bread – Any bread of your choice, such as white bread, sourdough, or whole wheat, will work. However, opt for thicker slices, as you’ll need something sturdy enough to hold the tuna salad, tomato, and cheese. Otherwise, it might all fall apart and ruin the sandwich.
• Cheese – Since this is a melt sandwich, use cheese that melts easily. In this recipe, I used cheddar cheese, but you can also go with Swiss, provolone, or cream cheese.
• Parsley – Use as a garnish.

How to reheat Air Fryer Tuna Melt Sandwich 

The best time to enjoy a Tuna Melt Sandwich is when it’s freshly served, hot from the air fryer. But who’s to say it can’t still be delicious once it’s cold? Here are the best ways to reheat your Air Fryer Tuna Melt Sandwich.

Airfryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
• Place the sandwich inside the basket and heat for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Check if the cheese is melted; add a few more seconds if needed.

Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
• Wrap the sandwich in foil and place it on a rack or baking sheet.
• Heat for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• If the cheese hasn’t melted or the bread hasn’t crisped up, add a few more seconds or minutes as needed.

Skillet

• Heat the skillet and add a bit of butter or oil if you want the bread to be extra crispy.
• Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid to help the cheese melt.
• Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden.

How to store an Air Fryer Tuna Melt Sandwich

You can store your Tuna Melt Sandwich in the fridge, sealed in an airtight container, and it will last for three to four days. Freezing it, on the other hand, will keep it for up to a month.

For the best quality, it’s better to prepare the tuna salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, assemble the sandwich only when you’re ready to eat. Some cheeses, like American cheese, tend to change texture after being frozen and reheated.

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