Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout
Crispy tuna patties in 25 minutes. Golden, flaky, and packed with flavor. After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly crispy tuna patties every time. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Classic Italian Cream Bombs Filled with Vanilla Custard and Easy Brazilian Coconut Pudding Recipe for a Creamy Dessert.
Why This Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy exterior with a flaky, tender interior
- Packed with flavor from garlic, onion, and a hint of spice
- Easy to make and ready in just 25 minutes
- Better than takeout, perfect for busy weeknights
What You'll Need for Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout
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 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color and a hint of spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Sliced avocado
- Optional: Sliced tomato
- Optional: Shredded cheese (for melting on top)
- Optional: Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Canned tuna: Use solid white tuna in water, drained well.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular or Panko breadcrumbs work well. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Makes quick work of chopping onion and garlic, ensuring even distribution in the patties. → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Provides even heat distribution for perfectly crispy patties. Pays for itself vs takeout. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout
- Prepare the tuna mixture: In a large bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Add more oil if needed.
- Serve: Top with melted cheese, sliced avocado, and fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of fresh green bean and tomato salad.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid overmixing the tuna mixture. This can lead to tough, dry patties. Mix just until combined.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy patties, refrigerate the formed patties for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the breadcrumbs absorb more liquid and creates a better crust.
- Pro tip: To melt cheese on top, place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking, covering the skillet with a lid to help it melt.
- Pro tip: For a lighter version, bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with a little olive oil before baking.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout
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: Prepare the tuna mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to form and cook the patties.
Freezing Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout
Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat patties in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat patties in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. This may make them slightly soggy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the tuna mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute canned salmon for an equally delicious option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the tuna mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to form and cook the patties.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If your patties are falling apart, try adding more breadcrumbs or refrigerating them for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked, tender tuna patties every time. Helps prevent overcooking and dryness. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color and a hint of spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced avocado
- Sliced tomato
- Shredded cheese (for melting on top)
- Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the tuna mixture: In a large bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Add more oil if needed.
- Serve: Top with melted cheese, sliced avocado, and fresh parsley. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of fresh green bean and tomato salad.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the tuna mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute canned salmon for an equally delicious option.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the tuna mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to form and cook the patties.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If your patties are falling apart, try adding more breadcrumbs or refrigerating them for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover patties 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 patties in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat patties in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. This may make them slightly soggy.
- Make ahead: Prepare the tuna mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to form and cook the patties.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sat. Fat: 2.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, prepare the tuna mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to form and cook the patties.
Overmixing the tuna mixture or overcooking the patties can lead to dryness. Avoid overmixing and cook until golden brown and crispy, but not overdone.
Yes, freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Yes, cook patties at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly brush with olive oil before cooking.
Almond flour, crushed crackers, or crushed cereal can be used as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Tuna Patties in 25 Minutes: Better Than Takeout 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!
