Editor’s Note: This recipe was originally published on March 29, 2022 and has been updated and reposted for 2026 with refreshed notes, serving ideas, and formatting.

Looking for an easy, healthy dinner that’s high in protein and actually satisfying? These paleo sweet potato tuna cakes check every box. They’re baked instead of fried, naturally gluten-free, and made with simple whole ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they taste surprisingly similar to crab cakes — making them a great option even if you’re unsure about cooking with canned tuna. Whether you follow a paleo lifestyle or simply want a lighter, nutritious weeknight meal, this recipe is an easy win.

Why We’re Making This Recipe Again

We’ve been revisiting some favorite easy meals lately, and this recipe keeps making its way back into rotation. It’s quick, made with pantry staples, and feels lighter than many traditional comfort foods — especially when you want something healthy that doesn’t feel like diet food.

Why You’ll Love It

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• High in protein and satisfying
• Naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly
• Perfect for meal prep or quick lunches
• Surprisingly delicious — more like crab cakes than tuna patties

Paleo Sweet Potato Tuna Cakes

Yields: 10-12 patties

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 23 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sweet potato (raw)
• 2 cans tuna in water (drained)
• ½ cup cassava flour
• ½ cup minced red bell pepper
• ⅓ cup jalapeno, minced and seeds removed
• 2 eggs
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• Optional: Cooking spray or parchment paper for baking sheet

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or add a layer of parchment paper. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, add all ingredients and combine using clean hands. Use a ⅓ measuring cup to scoop up the mixture and then form into patties. Place on prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Remove from oven. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, guacamole, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Also makes a great addition to a green salad.

A Healthy Dinner That Also Happens to Be Paleo

You may have heard plenty of talk about eating paleo and wondered what it actually means. The paleo diet is inspired by the idea of eating foods similar to what early hunter-gatherers may have consumed — focusing on whole, minimally processed ingredients. While we can’t know exactly what ancient diets looked like, the modern paleo approach emphasizes real foods like vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and quality protein sources while limiting highly processed ingredients. Recipes like these sweet potato tuna cakes fit naturally into a paleo lifestyle because they rely on simple, whole ingredients without grains or refined additives.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover tuna cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer to bring back their crisp texture.

You might also like these recipes: One Pan Southwest Chicken Enchilada Skillet (Easy 35-Minute Dinner) and Easy 30-Minute Ground Beef Stir Fry with Sweet & Spicy Sesame Sauce.

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