The Ultimate Tuna Melt

Ingredients

• 1 can (5 oz) Canned Tuna (drained)
• 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (regular or light)
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 small Shallot (diced)
• 1 stalk Celery Stalk (diced)
• ½ small Onion (thinly sliced for caramelizing)
• 3 Tbsp Butter (unsalted, softened)
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• 4 slices Bread Slices (your choice of sturdy bread like sourdough)
• 2 slices Cheddar Cheese (optional, for meltiness)

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions

   Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a pot over medium heat, add the thinly sliced onion, and stir continuously until the onions turn deep golden and sweet, about 10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: medium

2. Drain Tuna

   Open the can of tuna and pour out the liquid into a sink or fine‑mesh sieve; set the drained tuna aside.

   Time: PT1M

3. Dice Shallots and Celery

   Finely dice the shallot and the celery stalk; set them aside for the filling.

   Time: PT5M

4. Mix Tuna Filling

   In a mixing bowl combine the drained tuna, diced shallot, diced celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated.

   Time: PT2M

5. Assemble Sandwich

   Mix the remaining 1 Tbsp butter with the minced garlic. Spread this garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. Place a slice butter‑side‑down, spoon the tuna mixture on top, add a cheese slice if using, and top with the second slice butter‑side‑up.

   Time: PT3M

6. Air Fry Tuna Melt

   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the assembled sandwich in the basket and cook for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden and the filling is hot.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 375°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

15g

Fiber

2g