Keto Tuna Patties with Cheese: A Delicious and Easy Low-Carb Recipe

For anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, finding quick, easy, and satisfying meal options can sometimes be a challenge. These Keto Tuna Melt Patties offer a delectable alternative to traditional tuna melt sandwiches, skipping the high-carb bread while retaining all the cheesy, tuna-flavored goodness.

Why Tuna Melt Patties?

The classic tuna melt sandwich is a comfort food staple, often consisting of tuna (or a tuna-mayonnaise salad), optional vegetables like onions, celery, or tomatoes, and melted cheese between two slices of toasted bread. While delicious, the bread makes it unsuitable for a low-carb lifestyle. These tuna patties eliminate the bread, allowing you to enjoy the flavors you love without the added carbs.

Two Ways to Cook Tuna Patties

Here are 2 different ways to cook tuna patties, each with their own unique cooking instructions.

Baked Keto Tuna Melt Patties

This method uses the oven to bake tuna patties. The baking process ensures the patties are still crispy on the outside.

Ingredients:

• Canned tuna (tested for mercury and sustainably caught, packed in water or healthy oil like avocado or olive oil)
• Eggs
• Shredded cheese (Gouda, cheddar, or Swiss)
• Onion (or celery and/or parsley)
• Softened cream cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray or brush with oil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs.
3. Stir in chopped onions, shredded cheese, well-drained canned tuna, and softened cream cheese. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
4. Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture (approximately 9 patties).
5. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the patties over. If the patties are still too soft to be flipped, bake for a few more minutes.
7. Bake for about 5 more minutes, until patties look golden brown.

Air Fryer Keto Tuna Patties

Using an air fryer provides a crispy crust without the need for breading. This method is quick, easy, and results in a healthier meal.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• Canned tuna (packed in water, well-drained)
• Egg
• Shredded cheese
• Almond flour or Keto bread crumbs (ground pork rinds)
• Optional seasonings: black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the drained tuna, cheese, and egg until well combined. You can optionally add in some seasoning such as black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne.
2. Form the tuna mixture into small, tightly packed patties about 2 inches wide.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (or 390°F, depending on the specific recipe).
4. Spray the basket of your air fryer with avocado oil and place tuna patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry at 360°F (or 390°F) for 12-16 minutes, flipping them over halfway through, until golden brown.
6. Allow them to cool for a few minutes and then enjoy alone or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Tuna: It is recommended to use canned tuna that is tested for mercury and sustainably caught. Canned Light Tuna is lowest in mercury. Tuna can be canned in water or oil (avocado or olive oil preferred). Solid flakes and chunks will provide better texture. Drain the tuna well, squeezing to remove as much liquid as possible.
• Cheese: Gouda and cheddar are excellent choices. Sharp cheddar adds a particularly nice flavor.
• Onions and Vegetables: Chopped onion adds flavor, but celery and/or parsley can be substituted.
• Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to combine well with other ingredients (for baked patties).
• Binding Agent: Almond flour or Keto bread crumbs (ground pork rinds) help absorb moisture and hold the patties together (for air fryer patties). For a higher carb version, bread crumbs can be used instead.

Serving Suggestions

These Keto Tuna Melt Patties are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As a quick lunch or snack: Enjoy them as is or with a dollop of sour cream.
• With a side salad: A fresh side salad complements the richness of the patties.
• As a burger: Serve them on Keto Hamburger Buns.
• Dipped in sauce: Enjoy these low carb tuna melts alone or dip them in your favorite sauce.

Tips and Considerations

• Mercury Levels: Be mindful of mercury levels in tuna, especially if consuming it frequently. Canned Light Tuna is generally lower in mercury.
• Preventing Patties from Falling Apart: Ensure the air fryer basket is well-oiled. Large chunks of tuna or onion might also cause the patty to fall apart and not hold together properly.
• Cooking Time: Be vigilant with cooking times to prevent drying out the patties. They continue to crisp up as they cool down.
• Adding Heat: Add a little heat by adding ½ teaspoon of chili powder or a couple of shakes of hot sauce.
• Storage: These tuna cakes stay good in the refrigerator for about 5 days. They are perfect for food prep!
• Spicy Tuna Patty Sauce: Ranch dressing and Sriracha sauce make a delicious spicy tuna patty sauce!

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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