Air Fryer White Tuna Balls

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Oh my goodness, if you’re a fan of tuna but can’t stand it cold, you are so in for a treat with this recipe! These air fryer white tuna balls are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with all the savory, flavor-packed goodness of tuna, but in a whole new warm, comforting form. Whether you’re making a quick dinner for yourself, or serving them as a snack for friends, they’re bound to steal the show. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love White Tuna Balls in the Air Fryer

This recipe isn’t just about getting food on the table—it’s about creating those satisfying moments when you can’t help but smile after the first bite. Here’s why this dish is sure to become a favorite:

Versatile

Perfect for anything from a solo dinner to a get-together with friends. I’m all about easy, and this recipe delivers just that. Picture coming home, needing something quick and delicious, and knowing these tuna balls will be on the table in no time. Or serve them at a gathering—guaranteed, everyone’s going to want the recipe!

Budget-Friendly

You won’t have to hunt down any exotic ingredients to make this happen. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it the ideal recipe when you want something tasty without breaking the bank. I love a dish that’s both simple and satisfying, don’t you?

Quick and Easy

You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to pull this off. These tuna balls come together in a few simple steps, and the air fryer does most of the work for you. It’s easy, foolproof, and perfect for those times when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Customizable

Want to add a little kick? Toss in some cayenne pepper. Prefer a more classic flavor? Stick to parsley and lemon zest. You’ve got full freedom to tweak this recipe to match your cravings. Plus, you can easily make them kid-friendly or spice them up for adults.

Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is so easy to love. Kids will love the crispy texture and the savory flavor, and adults will appreciate the warmth and richness of each bite. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together—and it’s impossible to have just one!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind these tuna balls: a few simple ingredients come together to create crispy, golden bites of tuna perfection. Let’s dive in:

Canned White Tuna

The star of the show. Make sure you drain it well so you get the perfect texture for those crispy bites.

Bread Crumbs

These help bind everything together while creating that irresistible crunch on the outside. You can use regular or panko for extra crispiness.

Egg

Eggs hold everything together, giving these tuna balls the perfect texture on the inside. Plus, they help the bread crumbs adhere to the tuna.

Fresh Parsley

Adds a burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements the tuna. Plus, it brings a little herby zing to each bite.

Garlic Powder

Garlic makes everything better, doesn’t it? It gives these tuna balls that savory, slightly aromatic edge.

Lemon Zest

Just a little zest for that bright, citrusy flavor that elevates the richness of the tuna.

Salt & Pepper

Classic seasonings to round out the flavor profile and make sure each bite is seasoned to perfection.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get these tuna balls cooking! Here’s how to do it:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your tuna balls cook evenly and get that golden brown exterior you crave.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the tuna, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated, making sure the tuna breaks apart nicely. It’s okay if it’s a little chunky!

Shape the Tuna Balls

Form the mixture into small balls—about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture feels too wet, just add a bit more bread crumbs to help with the binding.

Cook in the Air Fryer

Place the tuna balls in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each one so they cook evenly. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your tuna balls are ready, take them out and let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce or simply on their own. Yum!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2-3 tuna balls
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve White Tuna Balls

These tuna balls are perfect all on their own or served with your favorite sides. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even better:

Fresh Salad

Pair these crispy bites with a light, fresh salad for the perfect balance. A crisp green salad with a lemony dressing would be chef’s kiss.

Dipping Sauce

I recommend a creamy garlic aioli, tangy ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping these beauties. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a homemade tzatziki sauce!

Roasted Vegetables

Serve with a side of roasted veggies like zucchini or carrots. The sweet flavor of the veggies pairs beautifully with the savory tuna.

As a Snack

Sometimes, a dish is best enjoyed as a snack. Serve these tuna balls alongside some chips or a chilled beverage for an easy appetizer that everyone will love.

Additional Tips

Here are a few things to keep in mind while making these tuna balls:

Prep Ahead

You can mix everything and form the tuna balls ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Easy peasy!

Spice It Up

If you want to add a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use a spicy dipping sauce.

Swap the Tuna

Feel free to swap the tuna for another canned fish like salmon or sardines if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious!

Store Leftovers

These tuna balls keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the egg with a different ingredient?
A1: Yes! You can use a flax egg or even a bit of mayonnaise if you need an egg substitute.

Q2: Can I freeze these tuna balls?
A2: Absolutely! Freeze the formed tuna balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. To cook, air fry straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover tuna balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Simply swap the bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Q5: What’s the best dipping sauce for these tuna balls?
A5: A lemony garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo would pair perfectly with these tuna balls.

Q6: How do I make these tuna balls more flavorful?
A6: Add some finely chopped onions, or swap in fresh dill or thyme for a unique twist.

Q7: Can I make these tuna balls ahead of time?
A7: Yes! Make them up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve.

Q8: Can I double this recipe?
A8: Absolutely! Just make sure your air fryer basket can fit the extra tuna balls, or cook in batches.

Q9: How can I make these tuna balls healthier?
A9: Use whole wheat bread crumbs or add more veggies to the mix for an extra nutritional boost.

Q10: Are these tuna balls suitable for kids?
A10: Yes! They’re mild in flavor and can be served with a kid-friendly dipping sauce like ranch.

Conclusion

These air fryer white tuna balls are a total game-changer for anyone who loves tuna but isn’t a fan of eating it cold. They’re quick, easy, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them solo or sharing them with friends, these little bites of deliciousness are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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Air Fryer White Tuna Balls

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These delicious, crispy Air Fryer White Tuna Balls are the perfect snack or meal. With a rich combination of tuna, cheese, and seasonings, they cook up perfectly golden and crispy in the air fryer in just 10 minutes

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 23 (depending on ball size) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 1 can white tuna, drained
  2. 1 egg
  3. 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
  4. 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shaker bottle)
  5. Salt, to taste
  6. Pepper, to taste
  7. Garlic powder, to taste
  8. Onion powder, to taste
  9. Optional: Real onions, finely chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, shredded Colby cheese, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder). Add real onions if desired.
  • Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small balls, then roll them in some additional Parmesan cheese for a crispy coating.
  • Place the balls in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
  • Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
  • Once golden and crispy, remove the tuna balls from the air fryer and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can add chopped real onions for more flavor if you prefer.
  • Be sure to flip the balls halfway through for even cooking and crispiness.
  • You can experiment with the seasoning to your taste preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2-3 tuna balls
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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