Air Fryer Tuna Melt - Daily Yum (2024)

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 one of my favorite ways of using leftover tuna salad.

For me, the key to a great tuna melt is all about the cheese. I prefer to use two kinds of cheese: sharp cheddar cheese, and a slice of Provolone. They provide 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 Grilled 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. For this recipe, I used canned tuna and made a homemade Tuna salad. 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.

How to Make Tuna Melt Sandwich in the Air Fryer

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

Ingredients for Tuna salad: (Homemade Tuna Salad Recipe)

• 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

Make tuna salad - Drain your canned tuna from liquid and add it to a bowl. 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 above.
• Spread a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Picture 2 above.
• 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 4-5 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. Jazz up your tuna melt by adding:

• Crunchy vegetables like lettuce and cucumber.
• Add a spicy kick with some chili flakes or jalapenos. I love transforming one of my favorites Air Fryer Jalapeno Melt into a spicy grilled tuna melt.
• A few slices of avocado for creaminess.

More Easy Lunch Ideas

• Air Fryer Tomato Melt
• Arugula and Pear Salad with toasted Walnuts and Goat Cheese
• Air fryer Grilled Caprese
• Easy Air Fryer Cheese Scones

More Air Fryer Recipes