Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

Crispy Tuna Patties are the perfect quick dinner solution. After making these dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping them crispy and preventing them from falling apart. The result? Golden, crispy patties that are way better than takeout. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner and Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe Ready in 40 Minutes.

What You'll Need for Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Lemon wedges
• Optional: Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
• Optional: Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

How to Make Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, dill, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
2. Step 2: Form the tuna mixture into 8 equal patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Place on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold together.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Once hot, add the tuna patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Step 4: Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Storing & Reheating Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can form the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before cooking.

Freezing Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until heated through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier option, use whole wheat breadcrumbs and add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to the mixture.
• Best substitution: Substitute canned salmon for an equally delicious variation.
• Make-ahead: Form the patties up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If your patties are sticking to the pan, try adding a little more oil or using a non-stick skillet.

Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

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Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

10 mins

⏳

Total

25 mins

🍽

Serves

8 patties

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free (use gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, dill, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
2. Step 2: Form the tuna mixture into 8 equal patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Place on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold together.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Once hot, add the tuna patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Step 4: Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier option, use whole wheat breadcrumbs and add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to the mixture.
• Best substitution: Substitute canned salmon for an equally delicious variation.
• Make-ahead: Form the patties up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If your patties are sticking to the pan, try adding a little more oil or using a non-stick skillet.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until heated through.
• Make ahead: You can form the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before cooking.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbs: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sat. Fat: 1g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!