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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently form the mixture into compact spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Roll each formed ball in additional Parmesan cheese to create a crispy exterior coating.
- Activate the air fryer and preheat to 400°F (200°C) for optimal temperature.
- Arrange tuna balls in the air fryer basket, maintaining space between each ball to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook for 10 minutes, rotating the balls midway through to guarantee uniform browning and crispiness.
- Verify doneness by checking for a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature is thoroughly heated.
- Carefully remove tuna balls from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate while still warm.
- 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