Description

Crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside—these Potato Tuna Nuggets are the ultimate budget-friendly snack or lunchbox treat! Made with simple pantry staples like canned tuna, mashed potatoes, and breadcrumbs, they’re golden little bites of comfort with a protein punch. Perfect for picky eaters and grown-ups alike. 🐟🥔 #TunaNuggets #EasySnacks #BudgetFriendlyBites

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Tuna Mixture

2 cups mashed potatoes (about 2 large potatoes, cooked and mashed)
1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained
1 egg
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Breading

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

For Frying

Vegetable oil, for shallow frying

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, drained tuna, 1 egg, cheese (if using), green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and shape into small nuggets or patties.
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
Dip each nugget first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, coating well.
Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry nuggets in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

To bake: Place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air fryer option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Great for freezing—shape and bread the nuggets, then freeze on a tray before storing in a zip-top bag. Fry or bake from frozen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snacks
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 nuggets
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: potato tuna nuggets, canned tuna recipes, kid-friendly snacks, tuna patties, easy appetizer