Easy Tuna Melt – Air Fryer or Stovetop

Ingredients

• 1 (6-ounce) can flaked light tuna in water, drained
• 1/4 cup avocado oil mayo (or your preferred mayo)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon celery, finely chopped (optional, for extra fiber and crunch)
• 1 tablespoon scallions, green tops only, finely chopped (optional, to dull the richness of the salad)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon garlic-infused olive oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting)
• 2 large slices of white sourdough bread (about 1/2-inch thick, or your preferred bread, gluten-free if needed)
• 2–3 ounces marble or cheddar cheese, sliced about 1/4-inch thick from a block

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat Air Fryer Oven: Preheat on the Broil setting at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. (Broil works best—using a standard air fry setting may dry out the bread.)

2. 2

   Prepare Tuna Salad: In a small bowl, using a fork, mix together tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery and scallions (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder or oil (if using).

3. 3

   Butter Bread:: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.

4. 4

   Build the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread, butter side down, on the air fryer basket or tray.

5. 5

   Set cheese slices on the bread in a single layer.

6. 6

   Spread tuna salad evenly on top of the cheese.

7. 7

   Top with the second bread slice, butter side up.

8. 8

   Toast: Broil for 8 minutes on the top rack, flipping the sandwich horizontally halfway through, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

9. 9

   Serve: Slice the tuna melt in half and serve immediately.

10. 10

    Preheat Pan: Place a large frying pan or skillet on medium-low heat (heat that lightly sizzles butter without browning too fast).

11. 11

    Prepare Tuna Salad: Mix tuna salad ingredients as described above.

12. 12

    Butter Bread:: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.

13. 13

    Build the Sandwich: Once the pan is hot, Place one slice of bread butter side down in the preheated skillet.

14. 14

    Layer the cheese slices on the bread.

15. 15

    Spread the tuna salad on top of the cheese.

16. 16

    Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.

17. 17

    Toast: Cover with a lid (or foil) and toast 3–4 minutes per side on medium low heat, flipping horizontally, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

18. 18

    Serve: Slice in half and enjoy immediately.