This Easy Tuna Patties Recipe features simple, gluten-free ingredients for a flavorful, budget-friendly meal or appetizer full of protein and nutrients. Cook the patties in the oven or air fryer, and serve them in gluten-free buns, on a salad, or with your favorite dip!
- The Best Gluten-Free Tuna Patties Recipe
- What Are Tuna Patties Made Of?
- Health Benefits of Tuna
- How Do You Make Tuna Patties?
- Alternative Cooking Methods
- How Do You Keep Tuna Patties from Falling Apart?
- What Do You Eat with This Tuna Patty Recipe?
- How to Store and Reheat
- Can I Freeze Homemade Tuna Patties?
- More Gluten-Free Seafood Recipes
The Best Gluten-Free Tuna Patties Recipe
Do you like tuna patties? They feel like a pretty divisive meal, but this easy tuna patty recipe is so tasty it’ll have even the tuna haters convinced!
Not your grandma’s recipe, this version cooks in the oven or air fryer and always turns out golden and crisp. Plus, it’s packed full of herbs and spices for a bold flavor. If you don’t tell them your picky eaters won’t even realize they’re eating tuna!
Even better, the prep time is minimal, meaning you’ll have tender tuna patties with a total time of less than an hour. Make a big batch to keep on hand and reheat throughout the week and thank yourself later. High-protein, budget-friendly, gluten-free, nut-free, and delicious, recipes don’t get better than this!
What Are Tuna Patties Made Of?
Below is an overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information!
- Eggs – These act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together.
Ingredient Swap: Looking for egg-free tuna cakes? Check out our Gluten-free Family cookbook for an allergy-friendly recipe!
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best! The acidity helps create a light, vibrant flavor.
- Gluten-Free Panko – Feel free to substitute grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Gluten-Free Oat Flour – This forms the base of the patties. Gluten-free all-purpose flour will also work.
- Cans of Tuna – We recommend tuna cans with water instead of olive oil, but any variety of tuna cans you like best will work. Just be sure to drain it first!
Note: Use safe catch varieties for a low-mercury option, and consult your doctor with any specific concerns!
- Tomato Paste – This adds extra depth to the flavor and allows the patties to hold their shape.
- Spices – Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper create a savory flavor with just a touch of heat.
Health Benefits of Tuna
Not only is it budget-friendly and versatile, but tuna is also full of health benefits, too! For example, tuna is:
- A great source of protein
- Low in saturated fat
- Rich in omega-3 fats
- A good source of vitamin D and selenium
How Do You Make Tuna Patties?
Before you begin, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and grease it with non-stick cooking spray. Or, use parchment paper if preferred.
- Combine the ingredients. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and lemon juice until smooth. Then, stir in the dry panko breadcrumbs or parmesan, oat flour, and garlic powder. Fold in the remaining ingredients.
- Shape the patties. Divide the tuna mixture into equal portions, and use your hands to shape them into 1-inch thick patties.
- Chill. Transfer the patties to the prepared baking sheet, and transfer them to the fridge to chill.
- Bake. Once chilled, place the tuna patties in a preheated oven. Bake until they’re golden brown on the outside and tender inside, flipping them over halfway through.
- Cool. Allow the patties to cool on the pan, and enjoy!
Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Option
Before you begin, preheat your oven, and grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Follow steps one through three above, combining the ingredients and shaping the patties.
- Arrange the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Work in batches as needed!
- Cook until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Transfer the patties to a clean plate, and repeat, greasing the basket, until all the tuna patties are cooked.
- Enjoy!
Stovetop Option
- Combine and shape the patties as listed above.
- Chill for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add three to four patties at a time, and pan fry each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the patties to a paper towel or plate.
- Repeat the process, adding more oil as needed.
How Do You Keep Tuna Patties from Falling Apart?
If your patties aren’t holding their shape, experiment with different ratios until the tuna mixture can be molded. It should hold together on its own!
What Do You Eat with This Tuna Patty Recipe?
We love to serve tuna patties as an appetizer paired with our favorite sauces and dips such as nightshade-free Ranch, garlic herb aioli, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, or tartar sauce.
However, you can also serve them as mini tuna burgers on gluten-free hamburger buns with toppings like lettuce, red onion, green onion, or fresh herbs such as fresh parsley. Or, enjoy them on a salad or with your favorite side dishes. Some great options for pairing include oven roasted leeks and potatoes, asparagus, and zucchini fries.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store leftover tuna patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheat them in the microwave, air fryer, or in a skillet over medium heat.
Can I Freeze Homemade Tuna Patties?
Yes, you can freeze these tuna patties either cooked or uncooked. To do so, wrap them individually in parchment paper. Then, place them in a sealable bag, and transfer them to the freezer for up to three months.
Thaw frozen patties in the fridge overnight. Then, cook or reheat as normal.
More of Our Favorite
More Gluten-Free Seafood Recipes
Easy Tuna Patties Recipe (Gluten-Free)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make this easy tuna patties recipe with simple, gluten-free ingredients, and cook it in the oven, air fryer, or stovetop for a quick, nutritious, budget-friendly meal!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- â…“ cup gluten free panko, grated Parmesan, or nutritional yeast
- 3 Tablespoons (25 grams) gluten free oat flour or gluten free all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 (5 ounce) cans quality tuna, drained (see notes)
- 1 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh herbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch smoked paprika
- Pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray or use parchment paper and set aside.Â
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and lemon juice. Stir in gluten free panko crumbs (or Parmesan), oat flour, and garlic powder until a thick mixture forms. Fold in tuna, tomato paste, fresh herbs, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika and black pepper.Â
- Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions, about ¼ to ⅓ cup each. Use your hands to shape the portions into 1-inch thick patties. Place the patties on the lined baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- While the patties are chilling. Preheat the oven to 400F. Place the uncooked patties in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden-brown, flipping them over halfway through cooking. (20 min). Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and let the tuna patties cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Once preheated, place tuna patties in the air fryer basket and cook for 11-13 minutes. Remove the patties from the air fryer when cooked through (internal temp of at least 165F), place on a clean plate, and cover to keep warm. Repeat the steps above until all patties are cooked.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Storage Tips –Â Freeze, cooked or uncooked, tuna patties by wrapping them individually in parchment paper and storing in a plastic bag for up to 3 months. Place frozen patties in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
Alternative Method – STOVETOP- Chill the patties for at least 20 minutes before frying. Heat 1 Tablespoon oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once the pan is heated and the butter is sizzling, add 3 to 4 patties at a time. Fry patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through (if patties brown too quickly, reduce the heat). Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel or plate, and repeat the process, cooking the remaining patties, adding 1 to 2 teaspoons more oil as needed.
Egg Free Version – Looking for egg free tuna cakes? Check out our Gluten-free Family cookbook for the allergy friendly recipe!Â
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tuna cake
- Calories: 116
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 234.2 mg
- Fat: 3.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.3 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 12.4 g
- Cholesterol: 70.1 mg
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