3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets
on Apr 24, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Chicken of the sea, come through! 🐟 I love these 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets because they are so easy to prepare, economical, and addictive. They are an excellent alternative to chicken nuggets, and are packed in protein and rich in omega 3 fatty acids. These are a perfect part of a weight-loss meal, excellent for hungry kiddos, and an all around satisfying snack when you need a quick hit of protein.
Why You’ll Love 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets
Protein lovers, you’re going to be obsessed with this recipe! Just one of my 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets has a whopping 12 grams of protein! A meal-sized batch of six nuggets….72 grams of protein 🤯! Crispy, cheesy, and packed with protein—these tuna nuggets are my new air fryer obsession! And they’re ready in minutes ⏲. This weekday winner proves that humble ingredients—just tuna, egg, and cheese—can be turned into a delectable treat 🥇. Because we all deserve a cheap, easy, crave-worthy meal.
How to Prepare
🐟 To make these easy 3 ingredient nuggets, first prep the tuna. Start with canned tuna or pouches and empty the contents into a colander to drain the water or oil. I like to use Albacore tuna, which is mild in flavor and firm in texture. I usually look for pole-and-line caught or dolphin-safe tuna.
🧀 While the tuna is draining, use a box grater or a rotary grater to shred the cheese. I like to use a high-quality mozzarella and shred it by hand for maximum flavor and freshness. (Pre-shredded cheese typically has an anti-caking agent added that just doesn’t melt as well as the hand-shredded stuff.)
🥣 Next, add the drained tuna, cheese, and one whisked egg to a mixing bowl and mix until well combined. This 3-ingredient mixture is the perfect base to play with different flavor profiles! If you’re going to add any additional spices or veggies, now would be the time!
🥄 Take a measuring spoon (tablespoon works well) and divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Form each portion into a nugget shape. (Bonus points if you break out the dinosaur shaped cookie cutters 🦖🦕.)
♨️ Place the nuggets in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd – make sure they’re spaced about 1-inch apart so they cook evenly. Cook the tuna nuggets at 415F for 6-8 minutes, or until crispy. Finally, I like to enjoy mine with tartar sauce and a side salad for an easy and nutritious meal.
Nonna’s Tip 🧀
Use a box grater or rotary grater to shred the cheddar cheese by hand. It melts better and tastes better than the pre-shredded packaged stuff!
Spice it Up!
My recipe for 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets is a blank canvas and you’re the artist! You can totally spin these into different flavor profiles depending on your vibe. Here are some ideas for inspiration:
- Mediterranean: Lemon zest, oregano, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, feta in the nuggets, and tzatziki for dipping
- Italian: Basil, Italian seasoning, garlic, mozzarella, parmesan in the nuggets, and marinara for dipping
- Spicy Southwest: Cumin, smoked paprika, jalapeños, corn, pepper jack in the nuggets, and avocado crema for dipping
- Asian: Grated ginger, green onion, sesame seeds in the nuggets, and sriracha mayo for dipping
- Lemon-Dill: Fresh dill, lemon zest, garlic, mild white cheddar in the nuggets, and tartar sauce for dipping
- Classic American: Garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, pickles, cheddar in the nuggets, and ranch for dipping
Variations and Substitutions for 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets
- Pack these nuggets with veggies such as finely chopped kale or grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrition. Shredded onion is also a tasty addition.
- Feel free to use any kind of tuna you prefer instead of albacore, including chunk light or fresh tuna filets cooked to well done.
- Experiment with different flavor profiles such as lemon dill or spicy Southwest.
- Swap the mozzarella for your favorite cheese. Instead, try cheddar or melty swiss 🧀 which all pair beautifully with these tuna nuggets.
- If you don’t have access to an air fryer, this recipe can also be made in the oven! Bake at 400F for about 12 minutes for a juicier center and 15 minutes for a crispier nugget.
Best Served With
- 3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets and my Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets go perfectly with a crisp Green Goddess Salad 🥗.
- Enjoy them with my tangy Red Cabbage Slaw.
- Dip these nuggies in cool Tzatziki, tartar sauce, or Homemade Ranch.
- Pair with crunchy veggies, like this Asian Cucumber Salad 🥒 and Vegan Cucumber Rolls.
Similar Recipes
3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 can Albacore tuna, drained
- 1 small egg, whisked
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- tartar sauce, (optional) for serving
Instructions
- Open and drain the tuna.
- Next, add the tuna to a bowl with the grated cheese and egg.
- With clean hands, mix well.
- Using a measuring spoon, divide the mixture into 6 equal pieces. Shape each one into a nugget.
- Cook in a 415F (215C) air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until crispy! Enjoy with tartar sauce and a side salad.
- For my homemade healthy tartar sauce I mixed: 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt with sweet relish, a touch of honey dijon mustard and a pinch of salt. All to taste and measured with my heart.
Video
Notes
- Different Cheeses: While I love a freshly grated sharp Cheddar, you can also opt for a mild mozzarella, or any of your favorite grated cheese. You can even use vegan cheese.
- Tuna Alternatives: You can also try this with canned salmon, mackerel, or sardines.
- Baked in the Oven: You can bake these in the oven, on a parchment-lined baking sheet, at 400F for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them once halfway through to achieve that golden crust all over.
- Serving Size: The Nutritional info is for 1 nugget, but I tend to enjoy a full recipe as a meal (8 nuggets).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Common Questions
Absolutely. Albacore has a milder flavor, but you could use chunk light tuna, or even canned salmon or mackerel.
You won’t need to add any gluten to pull this recipe off! The cheese and egg act as a binder to hold everything together.
Absolutely! This 3 ingredient recipe is the perfect base for jazzing up with your favorite herbs and spices. It’s also super easy to pack them with veggies like grated carrots, zucchini, green onions, and kale.
Yes, you can! However, air frying the tuna nuggets will help give them a crispier crust. But you can totally bake them in the oven at 400F for 12-15 minutes. Flip them once halfway through to achieve that golden crust all over.
Most definitely! Simply cook according to instructions and allow them to cool before placing them in a freezer bag in a single layer. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
High Protein Recipes (over 25g)
Cheddar Egg Bake
35 mins
Easy Tuna Melt Wrap
10 mins
Chicken Bake Cups
25 mins
Hidden Veggie Chicken Soup
50 mins
Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
25 mins
My mom used to always make these with salmon growing up and it was literally one of our favorite snacks! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Tried these on a whim and wow—they’re actually SO good! Definitely making these on repeat!
Thank you for sharing this recipe. We loved it.
So happy you liked this one, Glenn! 🙏