If you’re looking for a protein-packed snack or an easy meal idea, these White Tuna Balls are the perfect solution. Made with pantry staples like canned tuna, cheese, and simple seasonings, these savory bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Thanks to the air fryer, they’re a healthier alternative to frying, with all the crunch you crave.
Why You’ll Love These White Tuna Balls
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings, herbs, or extra ingredients like onions for a personal touch.
- Healthy and satisfying: High in protein, these tuna balls make a great snack, appetizer, or light meal.
- Air fryer magic: Crispy results without the need for excess oil.
Ingredients for White Tuna Balls
- 1 can white tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Colby, cheddar, or your favorite blend)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (store-bought shaker works perfectly)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Optional add-ins: Finely chopped onions or herbs (like parsley or chives)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Air fryer
- Spoon or small scoop for shaping balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, egg, shredded cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. For extra flavor, mix in finely chopped onions or fresh herbs if desired.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll each ball in additional Parmesan cheese to coat the outside.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Tuna Balls
Place the tuna balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for even cooking. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Step 5: Check and Adjust Cooking Time
Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. The tuna balls should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tuna balls warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara.
Tips for the Best Tuna Balls
- Drain the tuna well: Excess liquid can make the mixture too wet to hold its shape.
- Chill the mixture: If the mixture feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before forming the balls.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: This ensures the tuna balls cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Experiment with cheese: Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a flavor twist.
What to Serve with White Tuna Balls
These versatile bites are great on their own or with a few simple sides and dips:
- Dipping sauces: Ranch, tzatziki, garlic aioli, or marinara are excellent options.
- Side salad: A light green salad or coleslaw balances the richness of the tuna balls.
- Rice or quinoa: Serve them over a bed of grains for a complete meal.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftover tuna balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked tuna balls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Try canned salmon, shredded chicken, or even cooked and mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to keep the tuna balls from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well-combined, and drain the tuna thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Chilling the mixture for 10–15 minutes before shaping can also help.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These White Tuna Balls are a simple, delicious way to use pantry staples in a creative and satisfying dish. Whether you’re whipping them up for a snack, meal prep, or party appetizer, they’re easy to customize and cook to perfection in the air fryer.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts or photos in the comments below or on Pinterest—be sure to tag me!
More Easy Recipes to Try:
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Cheesy Chicken Meatballs
- Tuna Melt Sliders
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 3–4 Tuna Balls):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 10g
Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite! 🧀🐟