Air Fryer English Muffin Tuna Melt Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 English muffins, halved
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 3 tablespoons diced celery
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 4 slices Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 325F (165C).

2. Place the halved English muffins in the air fryer and toast them for 2 to 4 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Once done, remove them and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, diced celery, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.

4. Divide the tuna mixture into 4 equal portions, then spread each portion evenly over the top of the toasted muffin halves.

5. Place one slice of provolone cheese and one slice of Cheddar cheese on top of the tuna mixture on each muffin half.

6. Return the muffin halves to the air fryer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	624
Total Fat	34g	44%
Saturated Fat	13g	65%
Cholesterol	102mg	34%
Sodium	908mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	39g	14%
Dietary Fiber	1g	5%
Total Sugars	18g
Protein	38g	76%
Vitamin C	1mg	1%
Calcium	469mg	36%
Iron	2mg	10%
Potassium	549mg	12%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind the Air Fryer English Muffin Tuna Melt

The tuna melt, a beloved American classic, traces its origins to mid-20th century diners, where quick, hearty sandwiches became popular. While the exact inventor is debated, it is widely believed that the tuna melt emerged as a creative adaptation of the traditional grilled cheese, combined with canned tuna, a staple of post-war American kitchens. Over the decades, the recipe evolved to include different cheeses, breads, and preparation methods, with the air fryer version being a modern, healthier twist that delivers a perfectly toasted, melty result in minutes.

Regional Variations and Nuances

Though the tuna melt is commonly associated with classic American diners, regional variations abound. In New England, recipes often feature sharp cheddar and rye bread, reflecting local cheese and bread preferences. On the West Coast, avocado slices or sprouts may be added for freshness, while Southern versions sometimes include pickles or a dash of hot sauce. Each region adapts the tuna melt to local tastes, but the core combination of tuna, mayonnaise, and melted cheese remains consistent.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

The tuna melt is often confused with other sandwiches, like the classic grilled cheese or tuna salad sandwich. Unlike a plain tuna salad sandwich, a tuna melt is always served warm, with cheese melted over the tuna, creating a rich, gooey texture. Compared to grilled cheese, the addition of protein from the tuna transforms it into a more filling meal, while the air fryer method ensures a crisp exterior without the need for excessive butter or oil.

Where Its Typically Served

Tuna melts are a staple of casual dining, often appearing in diners, cafs, and lunch counters across the United States. They are particularly popular as a quick lunch or light dinner option. Modern iterations, including the air fryer method, have made the dish accessible for home cooks seeking a fast, comforting meal without compromising on taste or texture.

Fun Facts and Culinary Trivia

• The first printed recipes for tuna melts date back to the 1960s, when canned tuna became widely available and affordable.
• Using an air fryer to prepare the sandwich reduces cooking fat while achieving a perfectly toasted muffin, making it a contemporary, health-conscious update to a classic comfort food.
• Tuna melts are surprisingly versatilecheese varieties, bread types, and even seasonings can be swapped to create hundreds of unique combinations.
• In the United States, tuna melt day is celebrated in some culinary circles in November, honoring this simple yet beloved sandwich.
• Though primarily an American creation, the concept of warm, cheesy tuna sandwiches has inspired similar dishes internationally, such as hot tuna paninis in Europe and melt sandwiches in Japan.

FAQ about Air Fryer English Muffin Tuna Melt Recipe