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Crispy Air Fryer White Tuna Balls 🐟🧀🔥
If you’re looking for a quick, protein-packed snack that’s warm, crispy, and full of cheesy goodness, these Air Fryer White Tuna Balls are perfect for you! They’re great for meal prep, an easy appetizer, or even a low-carb main dish.
I personally love this recipe because I can’t eat tuna cold, and this is the perfect way to enjoy it hot, crispy, and full of flavor. Plus, using an air fryer means they get golden brown and crispy without needing excess oil.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Super Easy – Just mix, roll, and air fry!
✅ Warm & Comforting – No cold tuna here—just crispy, cheesy goodness!
✅ Quick to Make – Ready in under 20 minutes!
✅ Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the cheesy texture.
✅ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – No breadcrumbs required, but you can add them if you prefer.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch and store them for easy grab-and-go snacks.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can white tuna, drained (use solid white albacore for best texture)
- 1 egg (helps bind the mixture together)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Colby is great, but cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work too!)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (adds extra flavor and crispiness!)
- Salt & pepper (to taste, adjust based on preference)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, but enhances the taste!)
- Optional: ¼ cup finely diced onions (adds a nice bite if you like onions!)
- Extra Parmesan for coating (this helps create a crispy exterior!)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔ Drained tuna – Make sure to flake it apart with a fork.
✔ Egg – This helps bind the ingredients together.
✔ Shredded cheese – This makes them extra cheesy inside!
✔ Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and crispiness.
✔ Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper – Adjust to your taste!
✔ Optional: Diced onions – If using, mix them in now.
Stir everything together until it forms a sticky, moldable mixture. If it feels too wet, you can add a small amount of breadcrumbs or almond flour to absorb moisture.
2️⃣ Shape & Coat the Tuna Balls
✔ Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls (about 1-inch diameter).
✔ Coat each ball lightly in extra Parmesan cheese—this helps form a nice crispy crust in the air fryer!
Tip: If the mixture is too soft to roll, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
3️⃣ Air Fry to Perfection
✔ Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
✔ Place the tuna balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—leave a little space so the air circulates.
✔ Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 5-minute mark.
✔ If needed, cook an extra 2-3 minutes until the outside is golden brown and crispy.
Tip: For extra crispiness, spray them lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
✔ Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for 2-3 minutes to firm up.
✔ Remove toothpicks (if used) and serve warm.
🥄 Best Dipping Sauces
These crispy tuna bites are even better with a dipping sauce! Try them with:
- Ranch dressing (classic!)
- Honey mustard (adds a little sweetness)
- Marinara sauce (for a pizza-like flavor!)
- Sriracha mayo (for a spicy kick!)
- Garlic aioli (creamy and delicious)
🔥 Pro Tips & Variations
✔ Want a crunchier texture? Add ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to the mixture.
✔ Love spice? Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Want a firmer texture? Chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls.
✔ No air fryer? Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🥗 What to Serve With These Tuna Balls?
Want to turn these into a full meal? Here are some ideas:
🥗 Over a Salad – Serve on a bed of fresh greens with a lemon vinaigrette.
🍞 On a Sandwich – Stuff them into a pita with lettuce and tomatoes.
🌯 In a Wrap – Roll them into a tortilla with avocado and spicy mayo.
🍚 With Rice or Quinoa – Makes for a protein-packed grain bowl!
🧊 Storing & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
✔ In the fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ In the freezer – Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
✔ To reheat – Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes or bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
🌟 Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer White Tuna Balls are a must-try if you love warm, cheesy, crispy snacks! They’re incredibly easy to make, packed with protein, and totally customizable to your taste.
Whether you enjoy them on their own, in a salad, or with a dipping sauce, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.