4 Ingredient Tuna Cakes (Gluten-Free Tuna Patties!)

Transform cans of tuna into tasty 4 ingredient tuna cakes! Using oat flour as a binder for the tuna mixture, these healthy tuna patties are kept gluten-free. Top with whatever you love… avocado and mango salsa are my favorites. Maybe you dip them in BBQ sauce, or even break them into pieces and add them to a salad. This great recipe is an easy protein to meal prep for a light lunch or a light dinner this week!

4 Ingredient Tuna Cakes (Gluten-Free Tuna Patties!)

Today let’s take 4 humble ingredients and turn them into the tastiest tuna cakes! My favorite way to transform a can of tuna.

Tuna, egg, oat flour, and old bay seasoning are all that you need to make these protein-packed simple tuna patties.

They are a family favorite because of how they taste, but also because they are super customizable!

I love topping with my mango avocado salsa on them over a bed of greens.

My kids love to dip them in ketchup.

And my hubby loves to add a slice of cheese on top.

Our family loves them, and I bet yours will too!

Simple ingredients for this tuna patties recipe

Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions.

• tuna in water
• eggs
• oat flour
• old bay seasoning
• avocado oil, for cooking

How to make your 4 ingredient tuna patties

Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix with a fork. It shouldn’t be too wet or too dry.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.

Step 3: Shape the mixture into 4 equal portions and place on the pan. Cook on one side for 3-4 minutes, then flip. Allow the second side to cook for another 3 minutes. Both sides should be golden brown. If you are making double or triple batches, repeat the process and place cooked patties on a baking sheet. Top with your favorite toppings and lemon wedges!

How to cook in the oven

You can make these patties in the oven! It’s a great way to prep them, get them in the oven, and forget about them.

Once the easy tuna cakes are prepped, add to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. I love making a double or triple batch for the whole family to enjoy all week long!

How to cook in the air fryer

For another hands-off cooking option, try using your air fryer to crisp these gluten-free tuna patties up!

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F and shape the patties as the recipe states. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping. To get crispier tuna patties, spritz the top with a little oil.

What to serve with easy tuna patties

There are so many ways to enjoy this easy recipe. Here are some go-to ways to serve and enjoy tuna burgers.

• Top with avocado and mango salsa
• Sprinkle fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, or minced green onions on top
• Dip in BBQ sauce
• Dip in ketchup
• Add cheese on top
• Put it between 2 buns and serve tuna burger-style
• Break it up into pieces and add to a salad
• Dip in kefir ranch

What would you go for?

How to store leftover fish cakes

Leftover tuna cakes store great. Simply cool to room temperature fully, and then add to an airtight container to store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

The best part is that reheating is a breeze! Reheat on both sides in a hot skillet until warmed through, or enjoy cold over salad greens.

How to freeze these easy tuna burgers

Once your tuna patties are cooked and cooled to room temperature, you can freeze them two different ways.

The first option is to add all the patties into a freezer bag, label it, and date it. When you want to enjoy them, you’ll have to defrost all of them at once.

Another way to freeze them so that you can take them one at a time is this: add the cooled patties to a parchment paper lined sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, add the individual tuna patties into a freezer bag, label and date it. They keep well for up to 6 months!

Substitutions

Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this tuna patty recipe. 

If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!

Canned tuna – Other canned seafood work great as a substitute. Try canned salmon for salmon patties, or crab for an easy crab cake recipe. You can also use freshly cooked tuna fish in place of a canned option.

Eggs – An alternative to using eggs would be a little mayonnaise to help with binding the tuna and flour mixture together.

Oat flour – To keep the patties gluten-free, opt for almond flour in place of oat flour (this will also make them low carb!). You can also use gluten-free bread crumbs. Another option, try using panko bread crumbs or regular bread crumbs, however, they would not be gluten-free.

Old bay seasoning – A little bit of old bay seasoning adds a lot. But no worries if you don’t have it on hand! A mixture of sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper will work. Mix it up and add just sea salt and fresh dill or dried dill for a tuna pickle sandwich flavor.

Avocado oil – Use your favorite cooking oil for the skillet – extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, butter, and vegetable oil all work well here.

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

Print Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes

4 Ingredient Tuna Cakes -Easy Gluten Free Tuna Patties!

Transform cans of tuna into tasty 4 ingredient tuna cakes! Using oat flour as a binder for the tuna mixture, these healthy tuna patties are kept gluten-free. Top with whatever you love… avocado and mango salsa are my favorites. Maybe you dip them in BBQ sauce, or even break them into pieces and add them to a salad. This great recipe is an easy protein to meal prep for a light lunch or a light dinner this week!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: tuna

Servings: 2

Calories: 237kcal

Author: Heather

Ingredients

• 7 oz tuna in water, drained
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup oat flour
• 2 tsp old bay seasoning
• avocado oil for cooking

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix with a fork. It shouldn’t be too wet or too dry.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
• Shape the mixture into 4 equal portions and place on the pan. Cook on one side for 3-4 minutes, then flip. Allow the second side to cook for another 3 minutes. Both sides should be golden brown. If you are making double or triple batches, repeat the process and place cooked patties on a baking sheet. Top with your favorite toppings and lemon wedges!

Did you make this recipe?Be sure to tag me @fitmamarealfood or tag #fitmamarealfood!

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg

If you try this delicious tuna patties recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!

XO

Heather

Originally published in October 2012. Updated January 2024.