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These simple tuna patties take less than 15 minutes to make and are delicious for an easy dinner for a busy weeknight or a meal prep lunch throughout the week! It’s a delicious, easy recipe your whole family will love– made gluten-free and paleo!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I made these one day for lunch when I couldn’t find any protein in the fridge, then spotted cans of wild albacore tuna on the kitchen shelves. I always forget about canned fish and how tasty it is until moments like these when I run out of all the meats I can eat in the house. In reality, I do really need to incorporate more fish into my diet because of their health-boosting Omega-3s and nutrient density, but somehow it’s just never the first thought when I get hungry. I think it’s because I always ate them plain and would just get bored of them.
Until freakin’ now, folks… (so dramatic) These amazing Tuna Patties are so ridiculously easy to make and so tasty, and you can even make the patties ahead of time as a time-saving trick!
You can eat the tuna patties on their own or between two gluten-free bread slices. I like it on a salad smothered with paleo mayonnaise and hot pepper flakes, but truth be told, I put those toppings on basically anything savory. These are also kid-friendly if you want to dial back on the hot sauce and serve it with some ketchup. So many possibilities!
I’m kicking myself for all the times I never knew what to do with canned tuna, and would just mash it with some kind of fat to make a salad. No wonder I got bored of it! After making these tuna patties, no more lame old tuna salads for me for a while, because these are sooooo much better!
If you’re looking for even more tuna recipes check out these: The Best Tuna Egg Salad, Easy Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Recipe, and Tuna Onigiri Recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Made with super simple ingredients you probably have on hand, this easy meal comes together in no time. As written, it’s Whole30, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Low Carb/Keto. The best part though is that you can customize the ingredients to your liking, adding or omitting as you see fit!
- Canned wild tuna: I use wild-caught albacore tuna packed in water. Drain really well — excess moisture is the most common reason patties fall apart.
- Egg: Helps bind the patties so they stay together when cooking.
- Almond flour: A grain-free binder that adds structure without breadcrumbs.
- Green onions: Brighten the flavor and add a bit of bite.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness. Use Whole30-compliant mayo if needed.
- Dijon mustard & hot sauce: Add depth and a subtle kick. Omit the hot sauce for kids.
- Lemon zest & juice: Lightens everything up with fresh citrus flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Coconut oil or neutral oil: For pan-frying. Avocado or olive oil work too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a big bowl, combine all ingredients except coconut oil. Use your hands or a spoon to combine and mix evenly.
Step 2: Shape the tuna mixture into 4 patties, each about 1 inch thick.
Step 3: Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently lay the patties into the pan, and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Step 4: Serve warm with dipping sauce, in between bread slices or atop a salad, or by themselves garnished with herbs like fresh parsley, fresh chives, or more green onion.
Expert Tips
- These are also kid-friendly if you want to dial back on the hot sauce and serve it with some ketchup.
Serving & Storage Tips
You can eat these crispy fried tuna patties on their own or between two gluten-free bread slices. I also like them on a bed of greens smothered with paleo mayonnaise and hot pepper flakes. You can also serve them on their own with my homemade tartar sauce and lemon wedges if desired.
To store, place the tuna cakes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use an air fryer, oven, microwave, or stovetop:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Use a little bit of neutral oil if desired.
- Oven: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the patties in the basket of your air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
To freeze, let the patties cool completely, then store them in freezer bags in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat and serve!
More Quick & Easy Recipes
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Easy Tuna Patties Recipe (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
Ingredients
- 2 5-oz canned wild tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tbsp coconut oil, or your favorite cooking oil
Instructions
- In a big bowl, combine all ingredients except coconut oil. Use your hands or a spoon to combine and mix evenly.2 5-oz canned wild tuna, 1 egg, 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce, Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, Salt and pepper, to taste
- Shape the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1 inch thick.
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Gently lay the patties into the pan, and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes on each side.2-3 tbsp coconut oil
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
Expert Tips
- These are also kid-friendly if you want to dial back on the hot sauce and serve it with some ketchup.
Serving & Storage Tips
- You can eat these crispy fried tuna patties on their own or between two gluten-free bread slices. I also like them on a bed of greens smothered with paleo mayonnaise and hot pepper flakes. You can also serve them on their own with my homemade tartar sauce and lemon wedges if desired.
- To store, place the tuna cakes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use an air fryer, oven, microwave, or stovetop:
-
- Stovetop: Reheat in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Use a little bit of neutral oil if desired.
- Oven: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Place the patties in the basket of your air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- To freeze, let the patties cool completely, then store them in freezer bags in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat and serve!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I’ve made a similar version of these with salmon but I like this recipe much better (and so does my family). Leftovers are great crumbled over a salad for lunch the next day too.
Thank you so much!! I love the idea of using up leftovers like that.
Holy yum!!! I made some subs based on what I had in the house…panko instead of almond flour, sriracha instead of hot sauce, and a splash of ACV instead of lemon juice and then I fried them in avocado oil and served with a side of sriracha mayo. Oh my goodness. Perfection and I don’t even love tuna that much lol
I’m so glad it turned out delicious with the substitutions. Thanks so much for leaving a review!