Canned tuna contains more protein per dollar than any other shelf-stable food—these balls maximize that nutrition density.
Tuna Balls
Dive into these scrumptious tuna bites that are not only packed with flavor but also perfect for little ones! Made with flaky tuna, crispy breadcrumbs, and a hint of zesty lemon, these delightful balls are baked to golden perfection for an irresistible crunch. Your little foodies will love munching on these tasty morsels!
Prep
15
min
Cook
9
min
Serves
25
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 25🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- Tuna, shredded or grated - 120g (4.24 oz)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(3)
- 1/3 cup cream cheese - 80g (79.2 ml)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese (30 ml)
🫙Pantry Staples(1)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (79.2 ml)Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- 2
Shape into balls with your hands and coat in breadcrumbs.
- 3
Place in the air fryer for 9 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.
- 4
Let cool before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Chill your tuna mixture for 30 minutes before shaping because cold proteins hold their structure better, preventing balls from falling apart during cooking.timing30 minutes
- ✓Keep your hands slightly damp when rolling tuna balls to prevent sticking and achieve uniform 1.5-inch diameter spheres for even cooking.technique1.5-inch diameter
- ✓Press breadcrumbs firmly into the tuna balls and let them rest 5 minutes before air frying so the coating adheres properly and creates maximum crunch.technique5 minutes rest
- ✓Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes before adding tuna balls because immediate high heat creates better crust formation and prevents sticking.equipment3 minutes preheat
- ✓Flip tuna balls at the 5-minute mark during air frying to ensure 360-degree browning and prevent flat spots on the bottom.timing5 minutes
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
9
min
Serves
25
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
Canned tuna contains more protein per dollar than any other shelf-stable food—these balls maximize that nutrition density.
Tuna Balls
Dive into these scrumptious tuna bites that are not only packed with flavor but also perfect for little ones! Made with flaky tuna, crispy breadcrumbs, and a hint of zesty lemon, these delightful balls are baked to golden perfection for an irresistible crunch. Your little foodies will love munching on these tasty morsels!
📝 Ingredients
Serves 25🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- Tuna, shredded or grated - 120g (4.24 oz)
🥛Dairy & Eggs(3)
- 1/3 cup cream cheese - 80g (79.2 ml)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese (30 ml)
🫙Pantry Staples(1)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (79.2 ml)Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- 2
Shape into balls with your hands and coat in breadcrumbs.
- 3
Place in the air fryer for 9 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.
- 4
Let cool before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Chill your tuna mixture for 30 minutes before shaping because cold proteins hold their structure better, preventing balls from falling apart during cooking.timing30 minutes
- ✓Keep your hands slightly damp when rolling tuna balls to prevent sticking and achieve uniform 1.5-inch diameter spheres for even cooking.technique1.5-inch diameter
- ✓Press breadcrumbs firmly into the tuna balls and let them rest 5 minutes before air frying so the coating adheres properly and creates maximum crunch.technique5 minutes rest
- ✓Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes before adding tuna balls because immediate high heat creates better crust formation and prevents sticking.equipment3 minutes preheat
- ✓Flip tuna balls at the 5-minute mark during air frying to ensure 360-degree browning and prevent flat spots on the bottom.timing5 minutes