Crispy Fried Tuna Patties

These crispy fried tuna patties have been a huge hit in my family my entire life. Modifying my own mother's recipe I bring you these easy tuna patties that are not only easy to make but wonderfully frugal.

This recipe for tuna patties is based on my own mother's recipe. The only changes I've personally made to it was adding in the seasonings and measuring the ingredients out. We grew up eating them plain with just flour, egg, and tuna. The mixture was always eye-balled to see if it looked right.

We would eat fried tuna patties and boxed mac and cheese as our family's "poor meal." It was our go-to frugal meal for when we couldn't afford much but wanted something tasty and filling. It's also a dish that I continue to make because it's comforting.

I've always gotten my husband hooked on these crispy tuna patties so now when I do make them, I have to make large batches so everyone can get their fill.

Inside every crispy shell is a soft and tender tuna patties that aren't overly fishy. It's a combination of flavor, crunch, and softness in every bite that has you going back for more.

Jump to:

• 🥘 Ingredients
• 🍽 Equipment Needed
• 🍴 Recipe Tips
• 💭 FAQs
• 🔪 Instructions
• 📖 Recipe

🥘 Ingredients

• Canned tuna
• Eggs
• Flour
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil for frying

🍽 Equipment Needed

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• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Tongs
• Frying pan

🍴 Recipe Tips

We've grown up eating this fried canned tuna so you can imagine how many different ways they were made, eaten, or presented over the years.

My mother loves hers with spicy mustard and dill pickle slices over the top. I like mine with a sprinkling of sea salt flakes. My kids like theirs plain as-is (but made mini-sized).

The best thing about these simple tuna patties is that they are very forgiving. If you add in a little too much flour or egg it's not the end of the world. Getting the ratio right can be a little tricky at first but you want it to be sort of like a thick white paste.

The more the mixture can "stick" together, the more it's going to hold the shape in the pan.

You'll also need to press down on the tops of the patties with two forks, much like you would with a peanut butter cookie before baking. It's a good way to flatten it out for even baking, and it gives it a unique shape that will crisp up nicely.

💭 FAQs

🔪 Instructions

Check out how to make tuna patties with these simple step-by-step instructions:

• Heat a pan with about 1-3 inches of oil until it's hot enough for frying.
• Combine all of the ingredients for the tuna patties in a bowl until well mixed.
• Scoop ¼ cup of the mixture into the pan and use the backside of two forks to gently press down on the patties. You should be able to fit about 3 or 4 per pan. Leave room for them to spread.
• Cook until golden and then flip and repeat to the other side.
• Remove to a paper towel lined plate and repeat until all patties have been cooked.
• Serve warm.

More great recipes to try

• Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos
• Browned Butter Garlic and Thyme Purple Mashed Potatoes
• Creamy Orange Fluff Salad
• Instant Pot Kraft Mac and Cheese
• Chicken Cream Cheese Crescent Bombs

📖 Recipe