Best White Tuna Balls Recipe: Crispy Bites Everyone Loves

Crispy and golden, these delectable white tuna balls burst with Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.

Packed with zesty herbs and tender white tuna, this recipe promises a delightful twist on traditional seafood appetizers.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and succulent marine goodness.

The secret lies in selecting fresh ingredients and mixing them with care and precision.

Seasoned with aromatic spices, these tuna balls offer a delightful protein-packed snack that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Serve them hot and watch as your guests quickly devour every last morsel of this irresistible culinary creation.

White Tuna Balls That Make a Great Snack

• Quick Assembly: Toss ingredients together in minutes without complex cooking techniques, making this crab salad perfect for busy home cooks seeking speedy meal solutions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Delivers a delightful seafood experience with creamy mayonnaise and balanced seasonings that appeal to different taste preferences, from kids to adults.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a refreshing standalone dish, sandwich filling, or elegant appetizer for casual gatherings, picnics, and summer potlucks with minimal preparation effort.
• Advance Prep Friendly: Prepare ahead of time and let flavors develop in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free meal planning and ensuring delicious results with minimal last-minute work.

What You Need to Make White Tuna Balls

• White Tuna: Fresh and flaky protein base for the recipe.

• Egg: Helps bind the tuna mixture together.
• Shredded Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and helps hold the balls together.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Fresh Onions: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic seasoning to the tuna mixture.

Simple Steps for Perfect White Tuna Balls

Step 1: Create Flavorful Tuna Mixture

• Drained white tuna
• Egg
• Shredded cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Blend all ingredients thoroughly until they form a consistent, well-mixed texture.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Tuna Spheres

Gently form the mixture into small round balls, each about the size of a golf ball.

Roll each ball in extra Parmesan cheese to create a delightful crispy coating.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carefully arrange the tuna balls in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook for 10 minutes, turning the balls halfway through to guarantee even browning and crispiness.

Step 4: Plate and Enjoy

Remove the golden-brown tuna balls from the air fryer. Transfer to a serving plate while they are hot and crisp.

Serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or light meal.

Pro Tips to Elevate White Tuna Balls

• Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to help the tuna balls hold together more effectively during cooking.
• Use finely grated Parmesan for better coating and even distribution of flavor throughout the tuna balls.
• Mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to keep the tuna balls moist and tender during air frying.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill to add a bright, fresh dimension to the tuna mixture.
• Check tuna balls a few minutes early to prevent overcooking, as air fryer temperatures can vary between models.

Flavor Variations to Spice Up White Tuna Balls

• Salmon Sensation: Replace white tuna with canned salmon for a richer, omega-3 packed protein alternative.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap tuna with mashed chickpeas or white beans, maintaining the same cheese and seasoning profile for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Parmesan cheese and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Protein Balls: Reduce cheese quantity and add almond flour or crushed pork rinds for extra crunch and lower carbohydrate content.

Great Pairings to Serve with White Tuna Balls

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tuna's delicate flavor and cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh dill, parsley, and arugula to provide a zesty contrast to the savory tuna balls and add brightness to the dish.
• Match with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick lemon-garlic aioli or tzatziki sauce to enhance the tuna balls' flavor profile and provide a cool, creamy counterpoint to the crispy exterior.
• Accompany with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a side of roasted asparagus or zucchini with a sprinkle of herbs to balance the protein-rich tuna balls and add nutritional variety to the meal.

How to Store White Tuna Balls Properly

• Store leftover tuna balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm refrigerated tuna balls at 350F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the basket for best results.
• Spread tuna balls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Place cooled tuna balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh tuna?

Yes, canned white tuna works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure to drain the tuna completely before mixing with other ingredients.

• Are these tuna balls gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, double-check your cheese and seasoning labels to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

• Can I bake these tuna balls in an oven if I don't have an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake them in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Parmesan and mozzarella are great options. Cheddar or a blend of cheeses can also add extra flavor to your tuna balls.

White Tuna Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent white tuna balls blend Mediterranean flavors into irresistible bite-sized delights that dance with zesty herbs and creamy textures. Guests will crave these elegant appetizers that promise a perfect balance of freshness and rich marine essence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 can white tuna (drained)
• 1 egg

Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Colby cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Optional:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped real onions

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Instructions

1. Combine drained tuna, egg, shredded cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl, incorporating all seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until ingredients are uniformly blended.
2. Gently form the mixture into compact spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Roll each formed ball in additional Parmesan cheese to create a crispy exterior coating.
4. Activate the air fryer and preheat to 400°F (200°C) for optimal temperature.
5. Arrange tuna balls in the air fryer basket, maintaining space between each ball to allow proper air circulation.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, rotating the balls midway through to guarantee uniform browning and crispiness.
7. Verify doneness by checking for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature is thoroughly heated.
8. Carefully remove tuna balls from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate while still warm.
9. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or serve with preferred dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Ensure tuna is well-drained to prevent soggy balls, using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Add breadcrumbs or almond flour for extra binding and crispiness, perfect for gluten-free diets.
• Try herbs like dill or parsley to enhance flavor profile and add freshness.
• Replace egg with flax egg for a vegan version, maintaining the same texture and binding properties.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 228 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg