These four-ingredient tuna patties are my go-to quick dinner when I need something fast, satisfying, and made from pantry staples. Using canned tuna, eggs, oat flour, and Old Bay seasoning, this simple recipe comes together in minutes and fries up golden brown with a firm, tender texture. Serve them as tuna burgers, over a bed of greens, or with your favorite dipping sauce — they’re an easy, protein-packed option the whole family will enjoy.
4 Ingredient Tuna Patties (Gluten-Free & Easy!)
With only four everyday ingredients you can make tasty tuna cakes that are crisp on the outside and pleasantly firm inside. This is one of my favorite ways to transform a can of tuna into a quick, nutritious meal.
Tuna, eggs, oat flour, and Old Bay seasoning are all you need to make these protein-rich patties. They’re adaptable and pair well with lots of toppings and sides — mango-avocado salsa, a squeeze of lemon, or a simple slice of cheese all work beautifully.
Why you’ll love these 4 ingredient tuna cakes
Meal prep friendly – Make a double batch and store in an airtight container for easy protein all week. Each serving delivers a high amount of protein and reheats well in a skillet or is delicious cold over salad.
Pantry-staple ingredients – This recipe uses cans of tuna, eggs, oat flour, and seasoning, so it’s easy to make without a special grocery run.
Golden brown and crispy – Cooked in a skillet with a bit of oil, these patties develop a crisp exterior while staying tender and firm inside.
Simple ingredients for this tuna patties recipe
See the recipe card below for the exact ingredient amounts, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions.
- Tuna in water – Use canned tuna packed in water and drain it thoroughly for the best texture. Wild albacore or white tuna both work. Press excess moisture out with paper towels so the mixture isn’t too wet.
- Eggs – Eggs bind the mixture and give the patties structure so they hold together while cooking.
- Oat flour – A gluten-free binder that keeps the patties tender and helps them crisp up. You can make oat flour by blending rolled oats until fine.
- Old Bay seasoning – Adds classic seafood flavor with salt, paprika, and spices to complement the tuna.
- Avocado oil – A neutral oil for frying that helps create a golden crust; a little goes a long way.
How to make your 4 ingredient tuna patties
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix with a fork. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into four equal patties and place them in the skillet. Cook without disturbing for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for about 3 minutes, until both sides are golden brown. If preparing multiple batches, keep cooked patties on a baking sheet while you finish the rest. Serve with toppings and lemon wedges.
How to cook in the oven
For a hands-off method, bake the patties. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is great for making larger batches.
How to cook in the air fryer
Air frying produces a crisp exterior with less oil. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C), shape the patties, and cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crispness, lightly spritz the patties with oil before cooking.
Pro tips
Follow these tips for crispy tuna patties that hold together:
- Drain the tuna well – Remove excess moisture with paper towels to create a firmer mixture.
- Preheat the skillet – A hot pan helps the patties form a crust quickly.
- Cook over medium heat – Too hot will burn them; too low and they won’t crisp.
- Don’t flip too early – Let each side set for 3–4 minutes so the patties stay intact.
- Give them space – Avoid overcrowding the pan so patties crisp instead of steam.
What to serve with easy tuna patties
These versatile patties pair well with many sides and toppings:
- Top with avocado-mango salsa and serve over rice
- Garnish with parsley, cilantro, green onion, or chives
- Dip in BBQ sauce, ketchup, tartar sauce, or kefir ranch
- Add a slice of cheese or serve between buns as a tuna burger
- Break into pieces for a salad with lemon and fresh vegetables
How to store leftover fish cakes
Cool cooked patties completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in a hot skillet until warmed through, or enjoy cold over salad greens.
How to freeze these easy tuna burgers
Fully cooked and cooled patties freeze well for later use. Freeze options:
Option 1: Place patties together in a freezer bag, remove air, and label if you plan to reheat the whole batch.
Option 2 (best for single servings): Freeze patties individually on a parchment-lined sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag so you can pull out one or two at a time. Properly stored, they keep up to six months.
Substitutions
Here are some suitable swaps to adapt the recipe:
- Canned tuna: Use canned salmon for salmon patties, canned crab for crab cakes, or freshly cooked tuna if preferred.
- Eggs: A small amount of mayonnaise can help bind the mixture if you prefer not to use eggs.
- Oat flour: Substitute almond flour to keep it gluten-free and lower in carbs, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Regular panko or breadcrumbs work too but won’t be gluten-free.
- Old Bay seasoning: If you don’t have Old Bay, use a mix of sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Dill also pairs nicely for a tangy tuna flavor.
- Avocado oil: Any cooking oil such as olive oil, ghee, butter, or vegetable oil can be used for frying.
More great recipes you’ll love
- Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap
- Cranberry Hazelnut Kale Salad with Turmeric Dressing
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
- Tuna Mac and Cheese
Easy 4 Ingredient Tuna Cakes – High Protein Meal Prep!
Ingredients
- 7 oz tuna in water, drained
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup oat flour
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Avocado oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix with a fork. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Shape mixture into four equal patties and place in the pan. Cook on one side for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3 minutes, until golden brown. Repeat for additional batches and serve with your favorite toppings and lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Save this recipe for when you find yourself with cans of tuna fish!
If you try this tuna patties recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment letting me know how it turned out!
XO
Heather
Originally published in October 2012. Updated February 2026.
