These air fryer tuna patties are golden on the outside, tender in the middle and made with affordable store-cupboard ingredients. Tinned tuna, white beans and oats come together with lemon, herbs and simple seasonings to create an easy homemade meal.
Serve them with a refreshing lemon yoghurt dip and a colourful salad for lunch or dinner. They are also a practical way to use up leftover vegetables and make the most of everyday ingredients.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4 (makes 8 patties)
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12–16 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Cooking method: Air fryer
Ingredients
For the tuna and white bean patties
- 2 x 145g tins tuna in spring water, drained thoroughly
- 1 x 400g tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 40g porridge oats
- 1 medium egg
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried parsley, or 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic granules
- Freshly ground black pepper
- A little olive oil spray
For the lemon yoghurt dip
- 150g fat-free natural Greek yoghurt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp dried dill, or 1 tsp chopped fresh dill
- Freshly ground black pepper
To serve
- Mixed salad leaves
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Air Fryer Tuna Patties
1. Prepare the beans
Drain and rinse the cannellini beans, then pat them dry with kitchen paper.
Place them in a large bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small pieces for texture.
2. Add the tuna and vegetables
Drain the tuna thoroughly and flake it into the bowl.
Add the grated carrot, spring onions, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, smoked paprika, garlic granules and black pepper.
Mix until evenly combined.
3. Bind the mixture
Add the egg and porridge oats, then stir until the mixture holds together.
If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon of oats. If it seems unusually dry, add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice.
Leave the mixture to stand for 5 minutes so the oats can absorb some moisture.
4. Shape the patties
Divide the mixture into eight equal portions and shape into round patties, approximately 1.5–2cm thick.
Place them on a plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C, if your model requires preheating.
Lightly spray the basket with olive oil. Arrange the patties in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if necessary.
6. Air fry until golden
Air fry at 190°C for 12–16 minutes, carefully turning halfway through, until golden on both sides, firm and piping hot throughout.
The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the patties and your air fryer model.
7. Prepare the lemon yoghurt dip
While the patties cook, mix the Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, dill and black pepper in a small bowl.
Keep chilled until serving.
8. Serve
Divide the patties between four plates, allowing two per person.
Serve with the lemon yoghurt dip, salad leaves, cucumber, tomatoes and lemon wedges.
For a more substantial meal, add a small baked potato or a portion of brown rice.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tuna Patties
Drain the tuna and beans thoroughly. Excess liquid can make the mixture too soft to shape.
Mash the beans well. They help bind the patties without needing a large amount of flour or breadcrumbs.
Allow the oats to absorb moisture. Resting the mixture for a few minutes improves its consistency.
Chill before cooking. This helps the patties hold their shape when turned.
Turn carefully. Use a thin spatula and wait until the underside has firmed up before flipping.
Easy Budget-Friendly Variations
Tuna and Sweetcorn Patties
Add 2 tablespoons of well-drained sweetcorn for a little sweetness and extra texture.
Spicy Tuna Patties
Mix in a pinch of chilli flakes or a little finely chopped fresh chilli.
Mediterranean-Style Patties
Replace the smoked paprika with dried oregano and add a little chopped parsley.
Different White Beans
Butter beans can replace cannellini beans. Drain and mash them thoroughly before mixing.
Oat-Free Alternative
Use approximately 40g fine wholemeal breadcrumbs instead of oats. The texture may differ slightly.
Can You Make Tuna Patties Ahead?
Yes. Shape the patties and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook, ideally preparing them the same day.
You can also cook them in advance and store them separately from the salad and yoghurt dip.
How to Store and Reheat
Allow cooked patties to cool promptly, then refrigerate in an airtight container at 5°C or below for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 170°C for approximately 4–6 minutes, or until piping hot throughout. Reheat only once.
The cooked patties can also be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe container with baking parchment between the layers. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Keep the yoghurt dip covered in the fridge and use within 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tuna in oil?
Yes. Drain it thoroughly before mixing. Tuna in spring water is used in this version, but either will work.
Why are my tuna patties falling apart?
The mixture may contain too much moisture or may need more time to rest. Drain the ingredients well, allow the oats to absorb liquid and chill the shaped patties before cooking.
Can I make tuna patties without an egg?
You can try using a suitable egg substitute, but the mixture may need adjusting to hold together. The egg helps bind this particular recipe.
Can I cook these patties in the oven?
Yes. Bake on a lightly greased tray at 200°C/180°C fan for approximately 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and piping hot.
What can I serve with tuna patties?
A crunchy salad, lemon yoghurt dip, roasted vegetables or a baked potato all work well.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
For another colourful meal, try our Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma & Crispy Chickpea Bowls, or make our Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Flatbreads for a homemade pizza alternative.
You can also explore our Budget Family Meals UK guide for more affordable cooking inspiration.
An Easy Store-Cupboard Meal
These air fryer tuna and white bean patties turn a few everyday ingredients into a convenient homemade meal. With their golden edges, soft centres and fresh lemon yoghurt dip, they are ideal for a simple lunch or family dinner.