How to make the best grilled tuna sandwiches in an air fryer

Using the air fryer can make some oil the best grilled sandwiches you’ve ever tasted, without any of the mess. The basic instructions are as follows, scroll down for notes:

1. Preheat air fryer
2. When ready, set temperature to 400F
3. Cook for 6 minutes total flipping once at 3 minutes

This recipe is based of using the COSORI Air Fryer (5.8QT model, affiliate link).

Making a grilled sandwich in the air fryer over the frying pan results in a crisper, dryer and less greasy sandwich. The fast circulating hot air of the fryer is in stark contrast to the moist air most people generate when cooking in the pan (with lid on, creating steam).

Cooking notes

For a grilled tuna sandwich we love the following filling:

• Good quality canned tuna, drained
• Hearty amount of good quality mayo – check out Duke’s brand
• A splash of dill relish
• A couple spoonfuls of capers
• Salt and pepper to taste

If we’re feeling particularly sassy, a slice of American cheese might also find its way into the final mix. To prepare your grilled tuna…

Mix all the above ingredients well in a bowl. The ideal is to break down the chunky texture of the tuna a little, but not so much that you end up with a pasty mush.

Next, oil up the exterior sides of white bread with olive oil. We prefer this over butter. Whatever fat you choose, make sure you get a good coverage over all parts of the bread. Add your filling to the interior (not greased) sides of the bread.

Once constructed, use the flag edge of a butter knife, or flat spatula to apply pressure to the sandwiches. I like to do this to both sides a couple of times, to ensure the sandwiches are well formed.