Air Fryer Tuna Stew: Easy Recipe in Under 20 Minutes

Air fryer tuna stew is a comforting and quick meal that I've been whipping up since my early recipe development days. This simple twist on a classic stew uses the air fryer to create a perfectly tender tuna base making it ready in minutes. Air fryer tuna stew is a convenient and flavorful dinner that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This air fryer tuna stew Recipe

This air fryer tuna stew recipe is pure comfort food without the fuss. Remember those weeknight dinners growing up where a simple can of tuna could be transformed into something magical? This recipe captures that same nostalgic feeling but with a faster cooking time and a slightly healthier twist. The air fryer ensures the tuna is cooked perfectly, avoiding that sometimes rubbery texture you get from other methods. The entire dish comes together in less than 30 minutes making it ideal for busy evenings. Plus the flavors are deeply satisfying, a comforting blend of savory tuna, hearty vegetables, and warming spices. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, you will enjoy Air Fryer Cod Salad too.

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer tuna stew Recipe

• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Make This air fryer tuna stew Recipe

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, gently flake the drained tuna with a fork.
3. In a large air fryer safe pot or oven proof dish, add the olive oil, chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Air fry for 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot or dish. Air fry for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the air fryer container.
7. Add the flaked tuna, frozen peas, and frozen corn to the stew. Stir gently to incorporate everything.

8. Return the air fryer safe pot or oven proof dish to the air fryer.
9. Air fry for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew is heated through.
10. Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. If you are in the mood for another delicious stew option, check out this One Pot Turkey Stew.

How to Serve This air fryer tuna stew Recipe

This air fryer tuna stew is wonderfully versatile. Serve it in a bowl on its own for a comforting and satisfying meal. Alternatively ladle it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. For a heartier meal pair it with crusty bread for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese adds richness and flavor. If you want a light and zesty flavor, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or chives to brighten the flavors.

How to Store This air fryer tuna stew Recipe

To store this recipe allow the leftover tuna stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Tips to Make This air fryer tuna stew Recipe

• Don't overcook the tuna. It can become dry and rubbery if cooked for too long, air frying for 10 minutes is usually sufficient.
• Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking. Bell peppers, potatoes, or green beans also work well in this stew.
• For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
• To spice things up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
• For a flavor variation you can try this Skillet Tuna Bowl .

Helpful Notes for This air fryer tuna stew Recipe

• Using tuna packed in water keeps the stew lighter, but you can use tuna in oil if you prefer a richer flavor. Just drain the oil well before adding it to the stew.
• Chicken broth adds a savory depth, but vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
• An air fryer safe pot or oven proof dish is essential, so verify your cookware is compatible before starting.

Variation of This air fryer tuna stew Recipe

For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you're looking for a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking. Instead of peas and corn, try other vegetables like diced sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or kale for a seasonal twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This air fryer tuna stew is a quick, comforting, and versatile meal that I hope you’ll add to your rotation. It's a delicious way to enjoy familiar flavors in a whole new way. Give this air fryer tuna stew recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Follow us on Pinterest for more easy and delicious recipes!

Air Fryer Tuna Stew: Easy Recipe in Under 20 Minutes

A quick and comforting air fryer tuna stew with tender tuna, wholesome vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 280
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 12g

Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, gently flake the drained tuna with a fork.
3. In a large air fryer safe pot or oven proof dish, add the olive oil, chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Air fry for 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot or dish. Air fry for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the air fryer container.
7. Add the flaked tuna, frozen peas, and frozen corn to the stew. Stir gently to incorporate everything.
8. Return the air fryer safe pot or oven proof dish to the air fryer.
9. Air fry for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew is heated through.
10. Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For best results use tuna packed in water.\nFeel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking.\nAdjust the seasoning to your preference.