3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets

Chicken of the sea, come through! We love these 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets because they are so straightforward to prepareeconomical and addictive. They are an excellent alternative to chicken nuggets, and are packed in protein and rich in omega 3 fatty acid s. These are a part of a weight-loss meal, excellent for hungry kiddos, and an all around satisfying snack when you need a quick hit of protein.

Before you start

• 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets are straightforward to make, economical, and packed with protein, making them a snack or meal.
• Each nugget contains 12 grams of protein, and you can easily prepare them in an air fryer in under 8 minutes.
• You can personalize the nuggets with different flavor combinations and add veggies for extra nutrition.
• Use Albacore tuna for a mild flavor, and try hand-shredding cheese for better melt quality.
• These nuggets freeze well, so you can prepare a batch ahead and enjoy them later.

What stands out

Protein lovers, you’re going to be obsessed with this recipe! Just one of our 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets has a whopping 12 grams of protein! A meal-sized batch of six nuggets….72 grams of protein! Crispy, cheesy, and packed with protein—these tuna nuggets are our new air fryer obsession! And they’re ready in minutes. This weekday winner proves that humble ingredients—just tuna, egg, and cheese—can be turned into a delectable treat. Because we all deserve a cheap, straightforward crave-worthy meal.

Kitchen tip

Use a box grater or rotary grater to shred the cheddar cheese by hand. It melts better and tastes better than the pre-shredded packaged stuff!

Why These 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets Stay Crispy

Crispy tuna nuggets with only 3 ingredients? Yes, really. And here’s why it actually works:

Moisture matters – Canned tuna holds more liquid than you think. Drain it well (press it if you need to) so your tuna nuggets crisp instead of steam. Less moisture = golden edges.

The binder does its job – Just enough egg and cheese to hold everything together — not so much that it makes them dense. That’s why these 3 ingredient tuna nuggets keep their shape in the air fryer or oven.

No fillers – This high protein tuna recipe has zero filler. Every ingredient has a purpose, which means better texture and that crispy outside you want in a straightforward tuna nuggets recipe.

Flavor Combinations to Try

• Mediterranean: Lemon zest, oregano, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and tzatziki dip
• Italian: Basil, Italian seasoning, garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, and marinara for dipping
• Spicy Southwest: Cumin, smoked paprika, jalapeños, corn, pepper jack, and avocado crema sauce
• Asian: Grated ginger, green onion, sesame seeds, and a Sriracha mayo dip
• Lemon-Dill: Fresh dill, lemon zest, garlic, mild white cheddar, and tartar sauce
• Classic American: Garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, pickles, cheddar, and ranch

Swaps

1. Pack these nuggets with veggies such as finely chopped kale or grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrition. Shredded onion is also a tasty addition.
2. Feel free to use any kind of tuna you prefer instead of albacore, including chunk light or fresh tuna filets cooked to well done.
3. Experiment with different flavor profiles such as lemon dill or spicy Southwest.
4. Swap the mozzarella for your favorite cheese. Instead, try cheddar or melty swiss which all pair beautifully with these tuna nuggets.
5. If you don’t have access to an air fryer, this recipe can also be made using this oven method: bake at 400F for about 12 minutes for a juicier center and 15 minutes for a crispier nugget.

Serve it with

• 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets and our Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets go perfectly with a crisp Green Goddess Salad.
• Enjoy them with our tangy Red Cabbage Slaw.
• Dip these nuggies in cool Tzatziki tartar sauce, or Homemade Ranch.
• Pair with crunchy veggies, such as Asian Cucumber Salad and Vegan Cucumber Rolls.

Questions

Can we use a different kind of tuna?

Absolutely. Albacore has a milder flavor, but you could use chunk light tuna, or even canned salmon or mackerel.

Do we need to add breadcrumbs or flour?

You won’t need to add any gluten to pull this recipe off! The cheese and egg act as a binder to hold everything together.

Can we add seasonings or veggies?

Absolutely! This 3 ingredient recipe is the base for jazzing up with your favorite herbs and spices. It’s also straightforward to pack them with veggies like grated carrots, zucchini, green onions, and kale for added fiber.

Can we bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, you can! However, air frying the tuna nuggets will help give them a crispier crust. But you can totally bake them in the oven at 400F for 12-15 minutes. Flip them once halfway through to achieve that golden crust all over.

Are these Freezer friendly?

Most definitely! cook according to instructions and allow them to cool before placing them in a freezer bag in a single layer. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Ingredients

Makes 6 nuggets

• 1 can Albacore tuna, drained
• 1 small egg, whisked
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• tartar sauce, (optional) for serving

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Rotary Grater
• Measuring Cups + Spoons

Method

1. Open and drain the tuna.
2. Next, add the tuna to a bowl with the grated cheese and egg.
3. With clean hands, mix well.
4. Using a measuring spoon, divide the mixture into 6 equal pieces. Shape each one into a nugget.
5. Cook in a 415F (215C) air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until crispy! Enjoy with tartar sauce and a side salad.
6. For our homemade healthy tartar sauce we mixed: 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt with sweet relish, a touch of honey dijon mustard and a pinch of salt. All to taste and measured with our heart.

Kitchen notes

• Different Cheeses: While we love a freshly grated sharp Cheddar, you can also opt for a mild mozzarella, or any of your favorite grated cheese. You can even use vegan cheese.
• Tuna Alternatives: You can also try this with canned salmon, mackerel, or sardines.
• Baked in the Oven: You can bake these in the oven, on a parchment-lined baking sheet, at 400F for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them once halfway through to achieve that golden crust all over.
• Serving Size: The Nutritional info is for 1 nugget, but we tend to enjoy a full recipe as a meal (8 nuggets).