Crispy & Delicious Keto Tuna Patties (Low-Carb & Easy!)
Whip up a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal with these Easy Keto Tuna Patties! Made with canned tuna, savory cheeses, and a simple binding egg, these patties are baked or air-fried until golden and crispy. Perfect for a fast lunch, light dinner, or a healthy snack.
Yields: 4-6 patties (depending on size) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 (7-ounce) cans tuna in water or olive oil, thoroughly drained
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet (for oven baking)
- Air fryer (if air frying)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) OR preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the thoroughly drained tuna. Use a fork to flake it apart.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powderto the bowl.
- Mix everything together with a fork or your hands until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture can be easily formed into patties.
- Form Patties: Form the mixture into 4-6 evenly sized patties, about ½-inch thick.
- Bake or Air Fry:
- For Oven Baking: Place the formed patties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through (at 15 minutes), until golden brown and firm.
- For Air Frying: Place the formed patties in a single layer in your air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through (at 6-7 minutes), until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven or air fryer. Serve warm.
Tips for Success:
- Drain Tuna Very Well: Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the tuna to ensure your patties hold together and crisp up nicely.
- Seasoning: Adjust salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your personal preference. You can also add a pinch of onion powder or dried dill.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these tuna patties plain, with a side of low-carb tartar sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, over a bed of mixed greens, or alongside a simple avocado salad.
- Freezer Friendly: Uncooked patties can be frozen on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake/air fry time.
Storage: Store any leftover tuna patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, oven, or air fryer for best texture.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein from the tuna, egg, and cheeses.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
