Can I prepare the tuna patties ahead of time and cook them later?

Yes, you can make the tuna mixture, shape the patties and store them in the fridge until you're ready to pan-fry them.

Can I make these tuna patties in the air fryer?

Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 400F and spray or coat the basket with avocado oil or another high heat oil. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping the tuna cakes at the halfway mark.

Do I need to make the Avocado Lime Crema?

This dipping sauce adds a deliciously creamy and zesty tang that pairs perfectly with these tuna cakes. For a coconut-free sauce with similar flavors, try this cilantro-lime sauce from my Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe. You can serve the tuna patties with a different sauce of your choice or enjoy them plain.

How do I serve these tuna cakes?

These tuna patties are super versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or as a protein main for lunch or dinner. As a snack or appetizer: Serve with the avocado lime crema or other dipping sauces. As a main: Drizzle the avocado lime crema over the tuna patties and serve with leafy green salads like my Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad , this Cucumber Salad , or this Cucumber Mango Salsa , and other side dishes like this Vegan Potato Salad , these Golden Beets , or this Paleo Pasta Salad . Make a crispy tuna sandwich with these Butternut Squash Biscuits or a taco by wrapping the patties in these gluten-free tortillas or sweet potato tortillas and topping them with the avocado lime crema.

Tuna Patties (Tuna Cakes) (Egg-Free, Gluten-Free) • Heal Me Delicious

Name: Tuna Patties aka Tuna Cakes Recipe (Gluten-Free, Egg-Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 6 oz cans of tuna in water, drained (approx 1 1/4 cups packed tuna); 2 TBSP finely chopped chives; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup mashed sweet potato; 2 TBSP tapioca starch; 1 TBSP finely minced jalapeño (omit for AIP); 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp lime zest; 2 TBSP olive oil (for frying); 1 small avocado, mashed; 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped; 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt; 1 TBSP freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/2 tsp sea salt

Description

These egg-free and gluten-free Tuna Patties are moist inside, crispy outside and bursting with flavor! These quick and easy tuna cakes are a definite crowd-pleaser — your new favorite, healthy snack, appetizer, or dinner main. They’re paleo and AIP-friendly, too!

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 6 oz cans of tuna in water, drained (approx 1 1/4 cups packed tuna)
2 TBSP finely chopped chives
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup mashed sweet potato
2 TBSP tapioca starch
1 TBSP finely minced jalapeño (omit for AIP)
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp lime zest
2 TBSP olive oil (for frying)

Avocado Lime Crema

1 small avocado, mashed
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
1 TBSP freshly squeezed lime juice
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp sea salt

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Instructions

To a large bowl, add tuna, chives, cilantro, mashed sweet potato, tapioca starch, jalapeño, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and lime zest. Mix well to combine.
Using a spoon, portion the mixture into 9 even-sized pieces then use your hands to shape the mixture into flat, round patties, about 2 inches in diameter.* Set aside on a plate or parchment paper-lined tray.
In a skillet or frying pan, heat olive oil over low-medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the patties and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of the skillet.
Serve warm tuna patties on a plate with avocado lime crema dipping sauce.** Garnish with flaky sea salt, chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge (optional).

Avocado Lime Crema

In a food processor, blender, or in a bowl by hand with a fork or spoon, combine the mashed avocado, cilantro, coconut yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and sea salt until smooth.
Transfer the avocado lime crema to a small bowl for serving.

Notes

*Adjust the size and thickness to your preference. Note this can change the yield and the cook time.

**See the Frequently Asked Questions section for more serving suggestions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizers, Snacks
Method: Pan-fried
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired