Crispy Canned Tuna Meatballs

Name: Crispy Canned Tuna Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 canned tuna in olive oil (80 g / 2.8 oz each), drained; 3 cups baby spinach; 1 egg; 0.5 cup almond flour (for an extra protein boost) or panko breadcrumbs; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, finely grated; Zest of ½ lemon; 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating); About 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil reserved from the canned tuna; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooking spray; 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 1 to 2 tbsp (15–30 ml) Sriracha sauce; Fresh lemon juice, to taste; 0.75 cup Greek yogurt; 0.5 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 1 small clove garlic, finely grated; Zest and juice of ½ lemon; Fresh dill, finely chopped, to taste; Salt and black pepper, to taste

AJOUTER UN COMMENTAIRE

Preparation 20 min Cooking 10 min Total 30 min Level Facile

Trust me, they are delicious! Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and packed with high-quality protein. They are perfect for a quick lunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or a casual appetizer. Using tuna in olive oil adds a rich, savory flavor that makes all the difference! Served with spicy mayo or tzatziki.

Easy and Nutritious Tuna Meatballs

Canned tuna? Yes, really. Here’s how to make a delicious canned tuna dish!

I know how challenging it can be to find quick, simple recipes that are both nutritious and loved by everyone. These tuna meatballs are the perfect solution! Plus, they rely on pantry staples you likely already have on hand, with canned tuna serving as a low-cost protein source.

Cooked in just a few minutes in an air fryer or oven, these light croquettes skip traditional deep-frying by using the oil reserved from the can to get that golden-brown crust.

A budget-friendly, high-protein meal that delivers maximum crunch and flavor!

Why make this recipe?

Budget-Friendly Protein: using canned tuna provides a delicious, affordable alternative to fresh meat and seafood without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrient-Dense & High-Protein: packed with protein from the tuna and egg, plus extra vitamins and minerals from fresh spinach. Swapping in almond flour adds healthy fats and a protein boost.
Versatile & Meal-Prep Friendly: serve them over a fresh grain bowl, stuffed into a pita, or on top of a crisp salad. They adapt easily to whatever you have in the fridge.
Pantry Staples: made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand (canned tuna, eggs, spinach, garlic) for quick, low-effort meals.
Quick & Easy (30 Minutes Total): with just 20 minutes of prep and under 10 minutes of cooking, dinner is on the table in no time.
Air Fryer or Oven Method: get extra crispy results fast in the air fryer, or bake a full batch all at once on a sheet pan in the oven.
Zero-Waste Flavor Hack: repurposing the olive oil reserved from the tuna can to coat the panko breadcrumbs adds maximum flavor and golden crunch with zero waste.
Irresistible Texture: the panko coating delivers a golden, satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.

Tips for a perfect recipe:

Drain, but don’t waste the oil: save the olive oil reserved from the tuna can to mix directly into your panko breadcrumbs. It infuses extra rich flavor into the crust and helps it turn perfectly golden without adding extra fat.
Chilling option for easy handling: ff you have a few extra minutes, pop the shaped tuna cakes in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape even better.
Reheating for maximum crunch: reheat leftover tuna cakes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes to bring back that freshly cooked, ultra-crispy exterior.