Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

Crispy tuna patties with a golden crust are ready in just 25 minutes. This better-than-takeout recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping them crispy and preventing them from falling apart. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing Keto Hibiscus Lime Sparkling Water Recipe and Classic Italian Cream Bombs Filled with Vanilla Custard.

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
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Lemon wedges
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Tartar sauce or aioli
• Optional: Sliced avocado or tomato

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

1. Prepare the tuna mixture: In a large bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Mix well until combined.
2. Form the patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into 8 equal patties. Place them on a plate lined with parchment paper.
3. Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a thin layer of oil. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Serve immediately 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 leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can form the patties up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

Freezing Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat patties in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat patties in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overcook them.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier option, use canned tuna in water packed with no salt added.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the canned tuna with cooked salmon or chicken for a different flavor.
• Make-ahead: Form the patties up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on how many patties you need.
• Troubleshooting: If your patties are sticking to the pan, try using a non-stick skillet or adding more oil.

Crispy Tuna Patties – Better Than Takeout in 25 Minutes

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

10 mins

⏳

Total

25 mins

🍽

Serves

8 patties

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free, Low-carb

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

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

Seasonings

• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Tartar sauce or aioli
• Sliced avocado or tomato

Instructions

1. Prepare the tuna mixture: In a large bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Mix well until combined.
2. Form the patties: Using your hands, form the mixture into 8 equal patties. Place them on a plate lined with parchment paper.
3. Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a thin layer of oil. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier option, use canned tuna in water packed with no salt added.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the canned tuna with cooked salmon or chicken for a different flavor.
• Make-ahead: Form the patties up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on how many patties you need.
• Troubleshooting: If your patties are sticking to the pan, try using a non-stick skillet or adding more oil.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Oven reheat: Reheat patties in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat patties in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overcook them.
• Make ahead: You can form the patties up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg
• 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!