Canned Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Ninja Foodi air fryer tuna melt sandwiches are killer! Make as open faced sandwiches or with two crunchy slices layered with melted cheese. If you loved our air fryer monte cristo sandwich this will make your mouth water too.

How Long to Cook Tuna Melt in Air Fryer

Ok so I can’t be the only one who grew up on these sandwiches. It was an inexpensive way to make a healthy lunch. Of course we didn’t have one of these handy dandy hot air machines so typically the heated cheesy version was fried up in a pan. Just as good but took longer, this one takes just 3 minutes and gets crispier!!

Now that I am a mom I go “way back” and often make meals for my girls that I enjoyed as a kid myself, so they too grew up on these. Biggest difference between the two is how they’re cooked AND what can I choose.

Ninja Foodi Tuna Melt

Whether you make this as a Cosori air fryer tuna melt or in any other brand the timing and instructions will remain the same except for the Foodi. For that one you use the lid that is attached, that is the only change. The other difference between all of them would be the size and/or shape of the basket itself. Some are much larger than others so you can make fewer batches.

Square vs. round air fryer baskets make a big difference if you ask me. I mean there aren’t many things you’ll want to cook that are round so…….?? I suggest square if you do have a choice or looking for a newer model.

Open Faced Tuna Melt in Air Fryer

I have done this too when I want a low carb meal of sorts. Half the bread helps and you can really load up the filling. Lay a piece of cheese right on top and it will really melt and get golden brown and bubbly this way.

What is the best tuna fish for tuna melts?

For anything you MUST buy chunk albacore in water. NO. Other. Yes it is a bit more expensive but worth every penny. The other one is just small flakes without as much flavor and typically doesn’t have as much protein since there is a lot more water in the can, booooo. Even when we make tuna patties in air fryer we use this style.

What is the difference between tuna and tuna melt?

I mean I kinda’ think this is obvious but one is cold and the other is warm. It’s melted because of the cheese inside. Sometimes it is served open faced meaning there is only one slice of bread instead of 2. If you wanted a lower carb version I would go with that. You would still cook the same way without adding the top piece.

You’d still want to warm the mixture so after you add that to the top just close the basket and heat for the last 2 minutes or so.

Ok so maybe you have first cooked a slice of tuna steak air fryer style, we are not using that. You should enjoy that sliced and barely seared on the outside, not mashed up with mayo, that would be tragic. 😉 As far as “the mix” there are tons of ways to make it. I have a basic recipe I follow but often times will add this or that depending on what I have on hand.

How do you prepare tuna to eat?

1. Drain cans of tuna packed in water (my preference over oil)
2. Dump into a bowl
3. Mash with the back of a fork to break up larger pieces
4. Add enough mayonnaise so it is moist
5. Fold in other ingredients you love like
   1. sweet or dill pickle relish
   2. diced celery or red onions
   3. some like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
   4. some like chopped up water chestnuts

I actually love diced up hard boiled eggs inside too but didn’t have any done this day. If you wanted to add some heat you could easily use some of our sriracha mayo instead of plain.

How do you melt in an air fryer?

It is super easy. You can easily make cheese toast in air fryer like you see here below. I basically explain it below but you would stop before adding the tuna.

You really could add any type of lunchmeat inside and make sandwiches in the air fryer this way too. Use leftover ham, turkey, salami, cold cuts, whatever you love on white or rye bread.

I can fit 2 typically in any of my machines at a time. It doesn’t take very long from start to finish, including prep, so making them to order is the best idea. You want it crispy from the get go and sitting on a plate will begin to make the inside of the bread a bit wet.

If you only have a block of cheese you need to shred it or it not melt evenly. A slice of processed Kraft cheese will work just as well to create toast with cheese as well.

Once you have the melt part done, you’ll want to add your tuna mixture on top. 1/2 a cup is perfect to cover the slice. If you want open face then don’t add the top piece. For a traditional sandwich lay another on top with the buttered side facing up so that can melt and add more flavor into the mix.

How to Cook Ninja Air Fryer Tuna Melt

• I always suggest that you first preheat your air fryer. Set to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes.
  • Drain cans of tuna fish, dump into a bowl and mash with a fork until broken up into smaller pieces.
  • Add mayo and relish. Blend until incorporated.
  • Sprinkle in salt and pepper, taste, adjust if necessary.
• Spread room temperature butter on one side of each piece of bread.
• Lay bread in the air fryer for your bottom pieces, with butter side facing down. Sprinkle shredded cheese or slice of cheese on top.
• Close and cook fro 1 minute so cheese melts.
• Open the drawer or lid and add 1/2 cup of your tuna mixture on top.
• Spread out to cover bread. Lay second slice of buttered bread with butter facing the top on top.
• Close drawer and air fry for another 2 minutes cook time to crisp top piece

Add 30 more seconds at a time if you want it more golden brown. Super quick and easy like our pressure cooker tuna casserole which is great too! You can jump to recipe below and get started! If you have a “secret mixture” you swear by when it comes to this canned fish let us know so we can try it the next go around. 😉