The air fryer tuna melt is a new twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of tuna salad, fresh tomatoes, and melted cheese on perfectly toasted bread gives it a crispy exterior while retaining its juicy interior. A tuna grilled cheese sandwich is my new favorite way of using leftover tuna salad.
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AIR FRYER TUNA MELT
For me, the key to a great air-fried tuna melt is all about the cheese. I prefer to use two kinds of cheese: sharp cheddar cheese, and a slice of Provolone. Which provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the tuna. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, the result is a hot and gooey sandwich that is absolutely delicious. I love making toasty and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches in my air fryer. You may love these Air fryer Caprese, Air fryer Onion Melt, and Air fryer Mushroom melt.
WHAT IS TUNA MELT?
A tuna melt is a type of sandwich made with tuna fish, cheese, and bread. It is usually served hot, with the cheese melted. You can use canned tuna fish, but fresh tuna can also be used. I love to garnish my tuna melts with tomato slices. I love how they add juiciness to the sandwich. They can be served open-faced or as a traditional sandwich.
INSTRUCTIONS
Make tuna salad - Start by draining your canned tuna. Then, add chopped celery, and onion. Finally, mix in mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Make sure your tuna salad is not too watery.
Make an open-faced Tuna salad sandwich:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C)
- Spread a thin layer of mayo on a slice of bread. Picture 1.
- Spread a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Picture 2.
- Add 2 tomato slices. (picture 2.
- Top with approximately 2 tablespoons of freshly prepared tuna salad. Picture 3.
- Cover with Provolone cheese. Picture 4.
- Place directly onto the air fryer tray (basket) and cook for approximately 4 minutes until the toast is crispy and the cheese is bubbly on top.
- Enjoy your perfectly melted and caramelized air fryer tuna melt.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER TUNA SALAD
- Store the leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- If it’s a plastic container, be sure it’s BPA free. I use the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers.
- Be sure to eat the salad within 3-4 days. If you have any leftover salad after that time, it is best to discard it.
TUNA MELT VARIATIONS
A tuna sandwich is a classic lunchtime staple, but it can sometimes feel a little bit boring. If you're looking for ways to jazz up your tuna melt, try adding:
- Crunchy vegetables like lettuce and cucumber,
- A few slices of avocado for creaminess.
- Mix in some diced onions or sweetcorn for extra flavor.
- Add a spicy kick with some chili flakes or sun-dried tomatoes.
INGREDIENTS
- For Tuna Grilled Cheese sandwich:
- 1 piece of bread. I use Sourdough
- Mayo
- 2 slices of fresh tomato
- 2 tablespoons tuna salad
- 2 Tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 slice of Provolone cheese
- Homemade Tuna salad:
- 1 can Tuna
- 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ celery rib, finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon of finely chopped red onion
- ½ teaspoon mustard, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- To make tuna salad, start by draining your canned tuna. Then, add chopped celery, onion. Finally, mix in mayonnaise, lemon juice and mustard to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Make sure your tuna salad is not too watery.
- Make an open faced Tuna salad sandwich.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C)
- Spread a thin layer of mayo on a slice of bread.
- Top with approximately 2 tablespoon of freshly prepared tuna salad.
- Spread a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add 2 stomato slices.
- Cover with Provolone cheese.
- Place directly onto air fryer tray (basket) and cook for approximately 4 minutes until the toast is crispy and the cheese is bubbly on top.
- Enjoy your perfectly melted and caramelized air fryer tuna melt.
NOTES
TUNA MELT VARIATIONS
A tuna sandwich is a classic lunchtime staple, but it can sometimes feel a little bit boring. If you're looking for ways to jazz up your tuna melt, try adding:
Crunchy vegetables like lettuce and cucumber,
A few slices of avocado for creaminess.
Mix in some diced onions or sweetcorn for extra flavor.
Add a spicy kick with some chili flakes or sun-dried tomatoes.