This Easy Tuna Cakes recipe comes together in about 15 minutes. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these tuna cakes use pantry staples and a single skillet. Serve with a spoonful of spicy mayo and fresh lemon wedges.
These quick tuna cakes (also called tuna patties) are made from canned tuna, fresh chives and simple seasonings. They’re ideal for a light spring or summer dinner, a fast lunch over a bed of greens, or for meal prep. Make them as a main course or shape smaller patties for appetizers.
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and details.
Instructions
Step 1: Drain the tuna and add it to a large bowl. Add the egg, mayonnaise, chopped chives, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Mix with a spoon or your hands until evenly combined.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 4 to 8 patties depending on portion size—4 for main servings or 8 for appetizers.
Step 3: Whisk together the spicy mayo: mayonnaise, cayenne, paprika, lemon juice, and salt and pepper until smooth. Adjust heat to taste.
Step 4: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tuna cakes 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through. Serve with spicy mayo and lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Tuna Cakes
- Wait until a golden crust forms before flipping; flipping too early can cause patties to fall apart.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time.
- Chill formed patties for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.
- Air fryer option: air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tuna cakes with lemon wedges and spicy mayo or your favorite dipping sauce. They pair well with crisp sides like green beans, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap patties individually in parchment and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3–4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating and a comment — I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Easy Tuna Cakes Recipe (Tuna Patties)
Ingredients
- 3 cans tuna in water, drained
- 1 egg
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil (for frying)
Spicy Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the tuna and place it in a large bowl.
- Add the egg, lemon juice, mayonnaise, chives, panko, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Shape into 4–8 patties, depending on the serving size you prefer.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden and heated through.
- Meanwhile, whisk together spicy mayo ingredients in a small bowl.
- Serve the tuna cakes with spicy mayo, lemon wedges, and extra chives if desired.
Sarah’s Tips
- Don’t flip the patties too early—wait for a golden crust.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
- Chilling patties before cooking helps them hold together.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate): Calories: 292 kcal • Carbs: 8 g • Protein: 3 g • Fat: 28 g
Nutritional info is an estimate and will vary by brands and portion sizes.
See the full post for extra tips and photos.