Crispy Tuna Patties with Lemon-Dill Aioli (Pan or Air Fryer)

How to Make Crispy Tuna Patties with Lemon-Dill Aioli (Pan or Air Fryer)

1. 1

   Step 1: Mix the tuna patty base

   In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Add the panko, beaten egg, thinly sliced green onions, 1 tsp lemon zest (reserve the lemon for aioli), and half of the salt and pepper; mix until just combined — the mixture should hold together when pressed. If it's too wet, add a tablespoon more panko; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water or a little more beaten egg.

   For this step

   • 10 ozCanned tuna, drained (packed in water)
   • 1/2 cupPanko breadcrumbs
   • 1 largeLarge egg
   • 2 stalksGreen onions (scallions), thinly sliced
   • 1 mediumLemon (zest for patties; juice for aioli)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Make the lemon-dill aioli

   In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, 1 to 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half the lemon), chopped dill, minced garlic, and the remaining pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust brightness with more lemon or salt. Chill while you shape the patties so flavors meld.

   For this step

   • 1/2 cupMayonnaise (for aioli)
   • 2 tbspFresh dill, finely chopped
   • 1 cloveGarlic clove, minced
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Form patties and chill briefly

   Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 2 tablespoons each) and shape into small patties about 2.5 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Place patties on a tray and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up — this helps them hold together while cooking.
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Cook: pan-fry or air-fry

   For pan-frying: heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry patties 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. For air fryer: preheat to 400°F (200°C), lightly brush or spray patties with oil, and air-fry in a single layer 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and heated through.

   For this step

   • 2 tbspOlive oil (for pan-frying) or oil spray (for air fryer)
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Drain and rest briefly

   Transfer cooked patties to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and rest 1–2 minutes to firm up. This keeps them crisp and makes them easier to handle.
   
6. 6

   Step 6: Serve and garnish

   Serve warm with lemon-dill aioli alongside lemon wedges and extra chopped dill or sliced green onions for garnish. These are great on their own, in slider buns, or atop a simple salad for a light meal.
   

1. In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Add the panko, beaten egg, thinly sliced green onions, 1 tsp lemon zest (reserve the lemon for aioli), and half of the salt and pepper; mix until just combined — the mixture should hold together when pressed. If it's too wet, add a tablespoon more panko; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water or a little more beaten egg.
2. In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, 1 to 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half the lemon), chopped dill, minced garlic, and the remaining pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust brightness with more lemon or salt. Chill while you shape the patties so flavors meld.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 2 tablespoons each) and shape into small patties about 2.5 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Place patties on a tray and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up — this helps them hold together while cooking.
4. For pan-frying: heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry patties 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. For air fryer: preheat to 400°F (200°C), lightly brush or spray patties with oil, and air-fry in a single layer 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and heated through.
5. Transfer cooked patties to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and rest 1–2 minutes to firm up. This keeps them crisp and makes them easier to handle.
6. Serve warm with lemon-dill aioli alongside lemon wedges and extra chopped dill or sliced green onions for garnish. These are great on their own, in slider buns, or atop a simple salad for a light meal.