I love this recipe because it transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special. The air fryer makes the parcels perfectly crisp without needing to turn on the oven, and the filling—packed with tuna, cheese, and vegetables—feels hearty yet affordable. I also love how versatile they are; I can serve them for dinner with a fresh salad or reheat them for a quick snack.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
30g butter 2 green shallots, thickly sliced 2 tbsp plain flour 310ml (1 1/4 cups) milk 80g (1 cup) coarsely grated cheddar 185g can tuna in oil, drained, flaked 120g (3/4 cup) frozen mixed vegetables (peas and corn) 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, just thawed 1 egg, lightly whisked
Directions
I start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, I add the sliced green shallots and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until soft. Then, I stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
I gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Once it thickens slightly, I bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 more minutes. I remove it from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar until melted and smooth. I transfer this sauce to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, I add the flaked tuna and mixed vegetables to the sauce and stir gently to combine. I cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 even squares and place about 1/4 cup of the tuna mixture in the center of each.
I fold the pastry corners into the center to enclose the filling and pinch them to seal. Then, I preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 2 minutes.
I lightly grease the base of the air fryer basket, brush each parcel with whisked egg, and place 4 parcels inside. I cook them for 8 minutes until light golden, then turn them over and cook for another 3 minutes until perfectly crisp and golden brown. I repeat with the remaining parcels.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8 parcels. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, giving a total time of roughly 55 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes like to add a little Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the sauce for extra flavor. When I want a bit more texture, I add finely diced red capsicum or cooked onion to the filling. For a different protein, I replace the tuna with cooked chicken or salmon, and it turns out just as delicious.
Storage/Reheating
I store the cooked parcels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 180°C for about 4–5 minutes until crisp and warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just reheat straight from frozen for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
Yes, I often swap the tuna for canned salmon for a slightly richer flavor.
How do I stop the sauce from becoming lumpy?
I whisk constantly while adding the milk slowly to make sure the sauce stays smooth and creamy.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, I bake them at 200°C for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely, I often prepare the filling a day before and keep it refrigerated until I’m ready to assemble the parcels.
What can I serve with these parcels?
I love serving them with a light green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
Can I use shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry?
Yes, shortcrust works fine, but the result is slightly denser and less flaky.
Do I need to thaw the puff pastry completely?
I let it soften just enough to cut and fold easily, but not so much that it becomes sticky.
How can I make them extra crispy?
I make sure not to overfill the parcels and brush them generously with egg wash before air frying.
Can I add herbs to the filling?
Yes, I sometimes add parsley, dill, or even a pinch of thyme for extra flavor.
Are these parcels kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy tuna and cheese filling makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Conclusion
I love how these air fryer tuna mornay parcels bring comfort and convenience together in one delicious bite. The creamy filling and crisp pastry make them perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to packed lunches. They’re simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
These Air Fryer Tuna Mornay Parcels are golden, crispy puff pastry pockets filled with a creamy, cheesy tuna and vegetable mixture. They’re an easy, comforting meal made right in the air fryer—perfect for quick dinners, lunches, or snacks.
Ingredients
30 g butter
2 green shallots, thickly sliced
2 tbsp plain flour
310 ml (1 1/4 cups) milk
80 g (1 cup) coarsely grated cheddar
185 g can tuna in oil, drained, flaked
120 g (3/4 cup) frozen mixed vegetables (peas and corn)
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, just thawed
1 egg, lightly whisked
Instructions
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the green shallots and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 more minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in grated cheddar, and mix until melted and smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Stir the flaked tuna and mixed vegetables into the cooled sauce until combined.
Cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 even squares. Place about 1/4 cup of tuna mixture in the center of each square.
Fold the pastry corners into the center to enclose the filling and pinch to seal.
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 2 minutes. Lightly grease the basket base.
Brush parcels with whisked egg and place 4 in the air fryer. Cook for 8 minutes, turn, then cook for another 3 minutes until crisp and golden. Repeat with remaining parcels.
Serve warm with a side salad or vegetables.
Notes
Add Dijon mustard or nutmeg to the sauce for extra flavor.
Use cooked chicken or salmon instead of tuna for variety.
Brush generously with egg wash for a golden, crisp finish.
Can be baked at 200°C for 20–25 minutes if preferred.
Freeze cooked parcels for up to 2 months and reheat straight from frozen.
