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.
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.
Check out more Air fryer recipes!