Have you tried baked tuna patties? They’re delicious, especially if you love tuna. This easy baked tuna patties recipe yields flavorful, low-carb patties that work as a snack, in a sandwich, or on a salad.
Healthy Baked Tuna Patties Recipe
These baked tuna patties are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor. They’re quick to make, low in carbs, and versatile—serve them warm for dinner, cold in a salad for lunch, or as a portable high-protein snack. Make a double batch: they reheat well and are great for meal prep.
Video: Easy Baked Low Carb Tuna Patties or Tuna Cakes Recipe
Baked vs Fried
There are different ways to prepare tuna patties. Frying in a skillet gives a classic, crisp exterior, but baking reduces grease and cleanup while still creating a nicely browned crust. Baked patties take very little oil, cook evenly, and are ready in minutes. They’re excellent hot or cold and work well in sandwiches, sliders, or on greens. If you prefer extra crispness, brush lightly with oil before the second bake.
How to Make Tuna Patties or Tuna Cakes in the Oven
- Use an ice cream or cookie scoop for evenly sized patties.
- Flatten each scoop into a round patty and brush lightly with oil.
- Bake, then flip and finish baking until golden and cooked through.
- Optional: brush the top with a little more oil before the second bake for a crisper finish.
- Full recipe details with step-by-step photos are in the recipe box below.
Healthy Baked Tuna Patties
5 Servings
10 mins
25 mins
35 mins
Makes about 10 patties.
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Ingredients
- 3 cans albacore tuna (5 ounce / 142 g cans), drained
- 2-3 large eggs (see note)
- zest of 1 medium lemon
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1/2 cup ground pork rinds or almond flour (55 g)
- 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (45 ml)
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 3 Tablespoons minced onion (45 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, dill, basil, thyme, or a mix)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil (15 ml) for brushing (or more as needed)
- optional for serving: tartar sauce, mayo, ranch, lemon slices
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk the eggs with lemon zest and lemon juice. Add the crushed pork rinds or almond flour (or breadcrumbs for a higher-carb version), Parmesan, celery, onion, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then gently fold in the drained tuna until just mixed.
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Shape the mixture into patties about 2 inches (5 cm) wide and 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. A large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop speeds this step.
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Lightly brush both sides with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15 minutes, flip the patties, then bake 10 more minutes or until light golden and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. Serve with lemon slices and your choice of sauce, or enjoy as sliders or on a salad.
Notes
Substitutions: use breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or another savory cracker instead of pork rinds or almond flour. Swap dried herbs for fresh herbs, and use shallots or green onions in place of the minced onion.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
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This recipe was originally published in 2019 and republished in 2020 with an updated video.