If you’ve got canned tuna, you’ve got dinner. These crispy tuna patties are budget-friendly, flavorful, and come together in minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or a quick, comforting meal.
Golden and crisp on the outside, tender and savory inside, these tuna patties feel like a treat but are surprisingly simple to make.
This recipe proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something delicious. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and below I share tips for making them and serving suggestions that elevate this everyday dish.
Reasons to Love Tuna Patties
Tuna patties were a household favorite when I was growing up, and they always felt a little special. They’re inexpensive, quick to make, and tend to please even picky eaters. They’re also a great option for meatless meals during Lenten seasons or anytime you want a satisfying seafood dish without much fuss.
Ingredients
Below are notes to help you get the best results. The full ingredient list and measurements are included in the recipe card further down.
Choose a light canned tuna, such as albacore packed in water, for a milder flavor and good texture. This recipe uses about 10 ounces.
Panko breadcrumbs provide a pleasant texture and, when combined with the egg, help bind the patties so they hold together while frying.
Add finely chopped vegetables—red bell pepper and green onion are used here—for brightness and crunch. Keep the total vegetables to about 3/4 cup; too much can make the patties fall apart. Celery is a fine substitute.
Old Bay seasoning is the preferred spice blend for this recipe, giving the patties a classic seafood seasoning. Additional seasonings include garlic powder, ground black pepper, dill weed, and fresh parsley (or chives) for freshness. No extra salt is necessary unless you prefer it.
Mayonnaise adds flavor, moisture, and some binding power. Fresh lemon juice brightens the mix and keeps the patties tender.
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point—avocado oil is ideal—so the patties crisp without developing a bitter, burnt flavor. Light olive oil, canola, or grapeseed oil are good alternatives.
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Combine ingredients -
Mix until combined
How To Make These Tuna Patties
1. In a large bowl, combine the tuna, panko, mayo, egg, lemon juice, chopped vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Mix gently until the mixture is cohesive—avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.
2. Divide the mixture into six even portions and shape each into a compact patty.
3. Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, cook the patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Hostess Tips
If the mixture won’t hold together, add a touch more mayonnaise or a little extra breadcrumbs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—overmixing makes patties mealy.
Use a fish spatula or a thin, wide spatula to flip the patties gently so they keep their shape and remain crispy.
Always make sure the oil is hot before adding the patties. If the oil is too cool they may stick or absorb excess oil.
How to Serve
These tuna patties are versatile. For a light meal, serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables. For something heartier, place them over rice.
To make tuna burgers, form two larger patties, serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. Add a slice of cheese and melt briefly for a quick tuna melt.
Make smaller patties for sliders as an appetizer—double or triple the batch as needed. They’re tasty warm or cold and pair well with spicy mustard, sour cream, or a simple lemon-mayo aioli.
Enjoy every golden, flaky bite.
FAQs
Can you use fresh tuna? Fresh tuna isn’t ideal for this recipe. It tends to overcook and won’t bind the same way canned tuna does.
Can this be made ahead? Yes. Shape the patties and refrigerate, covered, for 2–3 hours before cooking.
How To Reheat & Store
Best Way to Store
Store cooked tuna patties in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Can I Freeze?
You can freeze tuna patties, but cooking them first is recommended. Uncooked patties may become dense or mealy after thawing.
How to Reheat
Reheat in the microwave in short 10-second bursts, or crisp them in an air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes (20–25 minutes from frozen). To reheat in a conventional oven, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes (20–25 minutes if frozen).
If you like quick 10-minute recipes, this one is a keeper. Try it as written or adapt with your favorite herbs and sauces.
Easy Tuna Patties Recipe
Equipment
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Wooden cutting board
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Chef’s knife
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Mixing bowls
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10-inch skillet
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Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 tbs avocado oil (up to 6)
- 10 oz canned tuna in water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ⅛ cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dill weed
- ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
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Place the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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In a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix until just combined.
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Use a ½-cup scoop to form patties and cook them 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Notes
Add patties to the skillet only after the oil is hot so they don’t absorb excess oil. Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutrition was calculated using the specific brands and measurements used for this recipe. If you follow a strict diet, changing ingredients or quantities will affect the nutrition information—use it as a guide.
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