Looking for a quick, budget-friendly dinner using canned tuna? These Crispy Tuna Patties are golden on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, and incredibly easy to make.
Packed with Parmesan, herbs, garlic, and lemon, these tuna fish cakes transform simple pantry ingredients into a delicious meal in under 20 minutes. Perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or quick weeknight meals.
Serve them with a fresh salad, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying seafood dish everyone will love.
table of contents
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Servings: 5
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Tuna Mixture
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained very well
- 1 (12 oz) can tuna in water, drained very well
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons additional panko
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
For the Patties
- ¼–½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more if needed)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Tuna Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Tuna
- Panko
- Parmesan
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Herbs and spices
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon zest and juice
- Eggs
Mix until well combined.
2️⃣ Form the Patties
Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop mixture and shape into patties.
3️⃣ Coat with Panko
Place ¼ cup panko in a shallow dish.
Lightly coat both sides of each patty.
4️⃣ Cook
Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook 4–5 patties at a time, flattening slightly.
Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown
5️⃣ Drain & Serve
Transfer to paper towels and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm with lemon wedges or sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tuna Patties
✔ Drain tuna very well
✔ Chill mixture 15 minutes if too soft
✔ Don’t overcrowd the skillet
✔ Flip carefully to keep patties intact
Serving Ideas
These tuna patties pair perfectly with:
- Lemon garlic aioli
- Tartar sauce
- Fresh green salad
- Rice or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store up to 3 days in airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze cooked patties up to 2 months.
Reheat
Reheat in skillet, oven, or air fryer for best crispiness.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes used.
Crispy Tuna Patties
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine drained tuna, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, eggs, mayonnaise, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into evenly sized patties.
- Coat each patty with the remaining panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pan fry patties for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Crispy Tuna Patties prove that simple pantry staples can turn into a flavorful, satisfying meal. With their crispy crust, savory herbs, and bright lemon flavor, they’re perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, or meal prep.
Once you try them, canned tuna will never be boring again.