Tuna Croquettes are Hearty and Simple to Make!
Twenty minutes is all it takes to create these simple tuna croquettes (and some people call them patties!)
These crispy Southern tuna croquettes are one of the easiest budget-friendly dinners you can make for your family.
Made with canned tuna, breadcrumbs, simple seasonings, and fried until golden brown, this old-fashioned tuna croquettes recipe is packed with comforting flavor and comes together in just minutes.
If you grew up eating classic tuna patties or salmon croquettes at grandma’s house, this easy recipe will bring back all the cozy memories.
One of the best things about this easy tuna croquettes recipe is how versatile it is. You can fry them in a skillet, make them in the air fryer, or freeze them for later meals. Whether you call them tuna croquettes, tuna patties, or tuna cakes, this Southern comfort-food recipe is always a family favorite.
Our family has been making this super-easy recipe (and loads of other amazing tuna recipes for years and it’s a “go-to” meal that our family craves!
Why will Your Family love these Simple Tuna Croquettes?
The same reason we do!
There’s no chopping, grounding, thawing or pounding meat required!
And they taste amazing good. Good enough to serve to visitors too!
For health and lazy cooking reasons, tuna is an absolute staple in our home.
Every month we stock up at least 12 cans of tuna — sometimes 20!
I love to grab a pouch or can of tuna on a busy night and whip up one of my fave tuna recipes — 15 Minute Cheesy Tuna skillet, easy bacon and tuna salad tuna melts or Super-fresh Tuna Salad.
I have an inkling that right now your life is crazy busy.
So busy that getting shot, homemade meal on the table in a hurry seems like a total dream.
Simple tuna croquettes are just one of our awesome, super-easy, but crazy yummy recipes we create for people just like you!
Tuna Croquettes are Ready in Minutes!
If you’re taxed on time, but crave homemade family meals, stick around. We have oodles of those up our sleeves!
You can start planning some easy meals by checking out our easy and quick recipes to make up your weekly meal plans!
But back to our most important subject at hand: tuna croquettes.
What to Serve With Tuna Croquettes
These crispy Southern tuna croquettes pair perfectly with simple comfort-food sides for an easy family dinner. Here are some favorite side dishes to serve with tuna croquettes:
- Creamy macaroni and cheese
- Southern coleslaw
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Mashed potatoes
- Cornbread or hush puppies
- Rice or dirty rice
- Side salad with ranch dressing
- Baked beans
- Fried okra
- Sweet potato fries
For a lighter meal, serve tuna croquettes with a fresh salad and sliced tomatoes. For a classic Southern-style dinner, pair them with mac and cheese and green beans.
Air Fryer Instructions
Air Fryer Tuna Croquettes
These tuna croquettes become perfectly crispy in the air fryer with much less oil!
To cook tuna croquettes in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Place tuna croquettes in a single layer in the basket.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer size and thickness of the croquettes.
How to Freeze
How to Freeze Tuna Croquettes
Tuna croquettes freeze beautifully, making them perfect for busy weeknight meals.
To freeze uncooked tuna croquettes:
- Shape the croquettes as directed.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1–2 hours until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
To freeze cooked tuna croquettes:
- Allow croquettes to cool completely.
- Freeze in a single layer until solid.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
Tuna croquettes can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat:
Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes
Make Tuna Croquettes in 20 Minutes or Less
Because these gorgeous croquettes are sizzling hot and ready after only 20 minutes!
Add a fresh salad and a side of Jasmine rice (we live in SE Asia, so it’s always a staple!) and you’re set for a simple, crazy-yummy meal!
There’s some heat in this recipe, but and my kids don’t even think they’re — and they’re definitely on the spice patrol team!
The other night I made my updated tuna croquette recipe (the one with the lime, onion, chili pepper and panko bread crumbs) for my onion-loathing daughter.
Her response?
“You know what mom? These taste deliciousoso (that’s her new word), even though they have onions in them!”
Honest recipe review from a kid. No prompting needed.
This is also a frugal meal. With beef prices so steep, tuna is a welcome main dish in our family. I believe in frugal, simple, quick and no-fuss meals.
Of course they have to taste great too!
Ready to have a tasty new dish to serve your family that only takes minutes to prepare?
Grab a can of tuna and get cooking!
Print Tuna Croquettes
These crispy Southern tuna croquettes are one of the easiest budget-friendly dinners you can make for your family. Made with canned tuna, breadcrumbs, simple seasonings, and fried until golden brown, this old-fashioned tuna croquettes recipe is packed with comforting flavor and comes together in just minutes.
- Prep Time 5 mins
- Cook Time 20 mins
- Total Time 25 mins
- Yield 12 croquettes 1x
- Cuisine American
Ingredients
- (1) five ounce can of tuna or (1) five ounce pouch of tuna
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion, diced and sauted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp fresh lime or juice
- cooking oil
Instructions
- In large mixing bowl, place tuna and shred with hand until tuna is in tiny pieces.
- Add remaining ingredients — except Panko bread crumbs — and stir and mix until thoroughly incorporated.
- Fold in bread crumbs.
- In large skillet, heat a ½ inch inch of cooking oil on medium-high heat.
- Quickly, make croquettes a little bigger than the palm of your hand and slowly place in hot oil.
- Fry croquettes until golden brown (approximately 3 minutes per side) and then flip.
- Once patties are browned on both sides, drain off grease.
- Continue for all croquettes.
- Optional — Give each croquette a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
This looks amazing Alison! I love super easy recipes. Great for busy mums :)
Thanks for posting this! My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. She passed away a few years ago, and I never wrote down any of her recipes.
What kind of Onion should you use? I currently only have yellow and red. Which would be best?
What kind of side dishes do you make with these?