Description
Learn how to make crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Tuna and Sweetcorn Nuggets! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a healthy and satisfying snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g (about 1 ½ cups) peeled and cubed potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 150g (about 1 cup) cauliflower florets
- 425g (15 oz) can tuna in oil, drained and flaked
- 2 x 125g (about 9 oz total) cans corn kernels, drained
- 80g (¾ cup) coarsely grated cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 50g (â…“ cup) all-purpose flour, plus extra for coating
- 75g (1 ½ cups) panko breadcrumbs
- Sour cream, to serve
- Sweet chili sauce, to serve
- Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes: Creating a Creamy Base
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander.
- Return to Pan: Return the drained potatoes to the empty saucepan.
2. Steam the Cauliflower: Adding a Touch of Sweetness
- Steam Cauliflower: While the potatoes are boiling, place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket set over a saucepan of simmering water.
- Cook Until Tender: Steam the cauliflower for 5-10 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp.
- Combine with Potatoes: Transfer the steamed cauliflower to the saucepan with the cooked potatoes.
3. Mash the Potatoes and Cauliflower: Creating a Smooth Mixture
- Mash Together: Using a potato masher, mash the cooked potatoes and cauliflower together until smooth.
- Cool Slightly: Transfer the mashed potato and cauliflower mixture to a large bowl and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Combine Nugget Ingredients: Building the Flavorful Mixture
- Add Tuna, Corn, and Cheese: Add the drained and flaked tuna, drained corn kernels, and grated cheddar cheese to the bowl with the mashed potato and cauliflower.
- Stir to Combine: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Shape the Nuggets: Forming Bite-Sized Treats
- Line Tray: Line one baking tray with parchment paper.
- Shape Nuggets: Take heaping tablespoonfuls of the potato and tuna mixture and shape them into balls or small ovals.
- Place on Tray: Transfer the shaped nuggets to the prepared baking tray.
- Flatten Slightly: Gently flatten each nugget slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon.
6. Prepare for Breading: Setting Up the Coating Station
- Whisk Eggs: In a shallow bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs until well combined.
- Place Flour: Place the â…“ cup of all-purpose flour in a separate shallow bowl.
- Place Breadcrumbs: Place the 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
7. Coat the Nuggets: Creating a Crispy Exterior
- Flour: Carefully coat each nugget in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Egg: Dip the floured nugget into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl.
- Breadcrumbs: Dip the egg-coated nugget into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly.
- Arrange on Tray: Arrange the breaded nuggets in a single layer on the second lined baking tray.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil.
8. Air Fry the Nuggets: Achieving Golden-Brown Perfection
- Lightly Grease Basket: Lightly grease the basket of your air fryer with oil or cooking spray.
- Arrange Nuggets: Place a batch of the breaded nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each nugget for air circulation.
- Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes.
- Flip: Carefully flip the nuggets over using tongs or a spatula.
- Continue Air Frying: Continue to air fry for another 4-6 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
9. Serve: Enjoying Your Crispy Creations
- Serve Hot: Serve the Air Fryer Tuna and Sweetcorn Nuggets hot.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer sour cream and sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.