Description
These Tuna Croquettes are a delicious and healthier twist on a classic comfort food, featuring flaky tuna, mashed potatoes, and fresh dill, baked or air fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or a light meal, they come with a crispy panko crust and are served with lemon wedges and optional tartar sauce for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (5 ounce) cans chunk light tuna in water, drained and flaked apart
- 1 large russet potato (about 10 ounces), peeled and cut into small cubes (9 ounces peeled)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3/4 cup plain or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Tartar sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 18 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash and Mix: Transfer the drained potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add the drained and flaked tuna, chopped dill, light mayonnaise, minced red onion, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly. Place the mixture in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Shape Croquettes: Remove the mixture from the freezer. Using about 1/4 cup of mixture per croquette, gently roll into 8 log-shaped croquettes with your hands.
- Prepare for Coating: Place the beaten egg in a small bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in another. Dip each croquette first into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. Set the breaded croquettes on a board or plate.
- Apply Olive Oil: Spray both sides of each croquette generously with olive oil spray to ensure a crispy and golden crust.
- Cooking Method – Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 10 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time, until golden and crisp.
- Cooking Method – Oven: Alternatively, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, turning halfway through, until the croquettes are golden and crisp.
- Serve: Serve the tuna croquettes warm with lemon wedges and optional tartar sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use gluten-free panko to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Light mayonnaise helps keep the croquettes moist without adding too much fat.
- The freezing step helps the mixture firm up for easier shaping.
- Adjust the seasoning with extra salt or lemon juice according to taste.
- Ensure the air fryer basket or oven tray is not overcrowded to achieve maximum crispiness.
