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These crispy tuna patties are a quick, budget-friendly meal that transforms simple pantry ingredients into something truly delicious. Made with flaky tuna, breadcrumbs, eggs, and flavorful seasonings, these golden patties are perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining tender and moist on the inside. They are easy to prepare and make a great option for busy weeknights, light lunches, or meal prep.
Tuna patties are incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, sandwich filling, or main dish. Their savory flavor pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, steamed vegetables, rice, or creamy dipping sauces. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein meal or a creative way to use canned tuna, this recipe offers a satisfying and nutritious solution.
One of the best things about these homemade tuna patties is how customizable they are. You can add fresh herbs, grated vegetables, cheese, or spices to create different flavor variations. They can be pan-fried, baked, or air-fried, making them suitable for various cooking preferences while still delivering a deliciously crispy texture.
Perfect for both adults and kids, these tuna patties are a family-friendly recipe that comes together with minimal effort. Serve them hot with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce for a simple yet flavorful meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for Tuna Patties
- ¼ tsp (0.78 grams) Garlic powder Spices
- 1 dash (0.40 grams) Salt Table
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 can 165 grams Canned Tuna Fish, light, canned in water, drained solids
- ¼ cup (27 grams) Bread crumbs Dry, grated, plain
- 1 extra large (56 grams) Egg Whole, fresh eggs
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the skillet
Directions for Making Delicious Tuna Patties
Directions are based on the original recipe of 1 serving
- Prepare the Skillet: Spray a skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form Patties: Using a spoon, scoop the mixture and shape it into patties. Aim for about six patties, or adjust the size for easier flipping with a spatula.
- Cook Patties: Carefully place the patties in the heated skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until both sides are light brown and firm. Ensure there’s no raw egg visible leaking out of the patties.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of greens.

Enjoy your homemade tuna patties as a delicious meal or snack!
Notes and Tips for Making Tuna Patties
Notes:
- Tuna Options: You can use either chunk light or solid white tuna, depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s well-drained for the best texture.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you’re looking for a gluten-free choice, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
- Add-ins: Feel free to personalize your patties with ingredients like diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or shredded cheese. These additions enhance both flavor and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Tuna patties can be served with a variety of sauces. You can use tartar sauce, lemon dill sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an added kick.
Tips:
- Chill the Mixture: For easier handling, consider chilling the tuna mixture in the fridge. Leave it for about 30 minutes before forming patties. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Pan Temperature: Make sure the skillet is at medium heat when you add the patties. If it’s too hot, the outside burn while the inside remains uncooked.
- Flipping Technique: Use a wide spatula to flip the patties gently. If you find them sticking to the pan, wait a little longer. Allow them to form a crust before attempting to flip.
- Freezing: Tuna patties can be frozen for later use. Shape and cook them, then let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or skillet when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
With these notes and tips, you’ll be well on your way to making perfect tuna patties every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Serving Suggestions for Tuna Patties
- Serve with a fresh green salad and a light lemon vinaigrette for a healthy meal.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting dinner.
- Enjoy in a burger bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a tasty tuna burger.
- Serve alongside coleslaw and crispy fries for a classic fish-and-chips-inspired meal.
- Add to a rice bowl with cucumber, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
- Pair with roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Serve with garlic aioli, tartar sauce, ranch dressing, or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
- Place on top of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a protein-packed salad.
- Wrap in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and yogurt sauce for a quick lunch.
- Serve with buttered corn, green beans, or peas for a simple family meal.
- Top with a fried egg and serve for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
- Accompany with lemon wedges and a side of cucumber yogurt dip for a refreshing touch.
- Serve as appetizers with toothpicks and a selection of dipping sauces at parties.
- Pair with quinoa, couscous, or pasta salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy with pickled vegetables and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.
Frequently Asking Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
How do I keep tuna patties from falling apart?
Can I make tuna patties ahead of time?
Can I freeze tuna patties?
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Can I bake tuna patties instead of frying them?
Are tuna patties healthy?
Can I cook tuna patties in an air fryer?
What seasonings work well in tuna patties?
How long do leftover tuna patties last?
Tuna Patties
Tuna patties are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines canned tuna with breadcrumbs, eggs, and assorted seasonings. These savory cakes are typically pan-fried until golden brown, offering a satisfying crunch and a tender, flaky interior. Customizable with herbs, cheese, or veggies, tuna patties can be served as a tasty appetizer, a hearty main course, or a flavorful sandwich filling. Perfect for a quick meal, they are protein-packed and versatile, making them a favorite for any occasion. Enjoy them with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp (0.78 grams) Garlic powder
- 1 dash (0.40 grams) Salt
- 1 tbsp chopped (10 grams) Onions Raw
- 1 can 165 grams Tuna Fish , light, canned in water, drained solids
- ¼ cup (27 grams) Breadcrumbs Dry, grated, plain
- 1 extra-large (56 grams) Egg Whole, fresh eggs
Instructions
Directions are based on the original recipe of 1 serving
- Prepare the Skillet: Spray a skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium heat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form Patties: Using a spoon, scoop the mixture and shape it into patties. Aim for about six patties, or adjust the size for easier flipping with a spatula.
- Cook Patties: Carefully place the patties in the heated skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until both sides are light brown and firm. Ensure there's no raw egg visible leaking out of the patties.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of greens.
Enjoy your homemade tuna patties as a delicious meal or snack!
Notes
- Chill the Mixture: For easier handling, consider chilling the tuna mixture in the fridge. Leave it for about 30 minutes before forming patties. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Pan Temperature: Make sure the skillet is at medium heat when you add the patties. If it's too hot, the outside burn while the inside remains uncooked.
- Flipping Technique: Use a wide spatula to flip the patties gently. If you find them sticking to the pan, wait a little longer. Allow them to form a crust before attempting to flip.
- Freezing: Tuna patties can be frozen for later use. Shape and cook them, then let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or skillet when you're ready to enjoy them again.
- Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patties. Adjust accordingly to ensure they are cooked through and golden brown.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 72Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 80mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 6g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.














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