These Tuna Croquettes are a quick appetizer made with canned tuna, then fried until golden and crisp. They're soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Why These Easy Tuna Croquettes Will Be Your New Favorite Dinner or Appetizer
These tuna croquettes are one of my favorite ways to turn a simple can of tuna into something warm and comforting. I usually have everything I need right at home: canned tuna, cream cheese, onion, parsley, and a few spices. The cream cheese makes the filling extra smooth and flavorful, while the outside stays golden and crisp. They're quick to make and perfect for an appetizer or dinner, especially with a fresh salad, rice, or a little tartar sauce on the side.
I've always loved how canned tuna can transform into something so satisfying. Mixed with seasonings and cream cheese, then coated with breadcrumbs, these croquettes fry up beautifully crisp on the outside while staying soft and flaky inside.
Why You'll Love It
- Easy and Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from toddlers to grandparents loves these.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make the croquettes ahead and fry them when you're ready to eat.
Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Olive Oil & Aromatics: I always start with a splash of extra virgin olive oil, then add a finely chopped onion and a little salt to help it soften and bring out its sweetness. A bit of garlic goes in next, chopped small so it melts into the mixture and adds that subtle depth I love.
- Tuna & Seasoning: I use good-quality canned tuna, usually in oil or water depending on what I have, and season it with black pepper, paprika, and a touch of oregano. The blend gives the croquettes that gentle smokiness and herby warmth that balance perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Creamy Filling: A spoonful of cream cheese makes the filling rich and smooth. I like mixing it in while the onions are still warm, so it blends easily. A handful of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the tuna and cheese.
- Coating: A light dusting of cornstarch helps the croquettes hold their shape before coating. I dip them in egg to make the breadcrumbs stick evenly, giving that beautiful golden crunch that makes every bite so satisfying.
How to Make Tuna Croquettes
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Sauté the Aromatics: Cook chopped onion in extra virgin olive oil with salt until soft. Add minced garlic and cook until translucent. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
2. Make the Mixture: Add canned tuna, black pepper, paprika, oregano, cream cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well and shape into croquettes.
3. Bread the Croquettes: Lightly coat each in cornstarch, dip in beaten egg, and then roll in breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
4. Fry and Serve: Heat sunflower oil and fry the croquettes for 3-4 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels, let cool slightly, and serve.
Variations
- Swap the Herbs: Sometimes I use dill or chives instead of parsley; it changes the flavor in such a nice way.
- Try a Different Coating: When I'm out of breadcrumbs, I use crushed cornflakes or panko for an extra crispy crust.
- Change Up the Filling: Swap canned tuna for salmon, sardines, or even leftover fish or chicken; each adds its own delicious twist. Sure, you will like my chicken croquettes.
My Tips for Recipe Success
Chill before Frying: If I have time, I pop the shaped croquettes in the fridge for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Make Ahead and Freeze: I sometimes freeze the breaded croquettes on a tray, then store them in a container, ready to fry straight from frozen.
Store Leftovers the Right Way: I let the croquettes cool completely, then place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and I reheat them in the oven or air fryer so they stay nice and crispy.
More Appetizer Recipes!
Here are more of my favourite appetizer recipes!
Recipe
Easy Tuna Croquettes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Small Onion - Chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 Cloves Garlic - Minced
- 200 g Canned Tuna - 1 can
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper - Freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 200 g Cream Cheese
- 1 Bunch Parsley - Finely Chopped
- 30 g Cornstarch
- 2 Eggs - Beeted
- 80 g Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
- Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the onion and garlic to a mixing bowl. Add the canned tuna, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, then mix well until evenly combined. Add the cream cheese and finely chopped parsley, and stir again until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Shape the mixture into about 14-15 croquettes. Lightly dust each one with cornstarch and arrange them on a plate. Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, coat evenly with breadcrumbs, and return them to the plate, ready for frying.
- Heat sunflower oil in a pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry the croquettes in batches, turning them occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
These croquettes looks super delicious!