Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi (gluten free, vegan option)

It was so hard to find sushi recipes that cater to more than one food allergy or restriction when I first found out about my almond allergy and that I was celiac and lactose intolerant. Afterwards, it was so important that every single one of my recipes cater to people with multiple dietary restrictions and/or food allergies! I love making sushi at home, like my gluten free lazy sushi, my gluten free tuna avocado roll or my gluten free peanut avocao roll!

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi is always my sushi restaurant favorite order. This Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice recipe bursts with flavor and convenience, making it perfect for hectic weeknights or a light and quick snack. Ditch the takeout menus and impress your taste buds with this dish you can whip up this easy recipe in just 15 minutes! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients such as tuna, sticky rice, avocado and spicy mayo. There is even a vegan Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi option that uses carrots instead of tuna!

These Spicy “Tuna” Crispy Rice Sushi is gluten free and can be made dairy free and vegan. The crispy rice is made in the air fryer, without oil which makes it a good for you meal!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Speed Demon: Skip the stovetop with microwavable rice and let your air fryer work its magic on the crispy rice cakes. Minimal prep, especially with the vegan option using carrot “tuna”, means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
• One-Pan Master: Save time and dishes by using your air fryer for both cooking the rice and creating the crispy base. No need to juggle multiple pans and create a mountain of cleanup.
• Weeknight Warrior: This Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi recipe is your weeknight savior, ready in under 15 minutes. Need more meal prep options? Simply make the rice cakes ahead of time and assemble when hunger strikes.
• Dietary Champion: Gluten-free by nature, this recipe caters to diverse dietary needs. Opt for the vegan “tuna” option for a dairy-free treat. Bonus: air frying keeps the fat content low without sacrificing flavor.
• Flavor Fiesta: Customize the spice level and toppings to your liking. Whether you’re team tuna or team carrot, this recipe offers endless possibilities to tantalize your taste buds.
• Furthermore, this vegan version of the recipe for spicy tuna has added vegetables.
• The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi makes a great appetizer.
• These crispy rices is air fried with no oil and no butter.
• You only need an air fryer and a microwave and a square pan for this crunchy rice. You don’t even need a rice mold!

INGREDIENTS & SUBSTITUTIONS

Sticky rice or japanese sushi rice: Any kind works, but white rice or short grain rice is best. Sticky rice is best to make the rice squares so the rice sticks together. You can use microwavable rice or make the rice in the rice cooker.

rice wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang. Lemon juice or white vinegar can sub in a pinch.

Raw tuna: Sushi-grade for raw and safe spicy tuna mixture. You can also use other fresh fish such as salmon or shrimp. Any fish you’d like in a poke bowls works here.

Vegan option: Carrot tots and carrots blended for a “tuna” texture. Tofu or chickpeas could also be used.

Spicy mayo: Mayo mixed with sriracha. Customize the spice level! Vegan mayo works great. I also like kewpie mayo that I get at my local asian grocery store.

Avocado: Adds creamy richness and good for you fats. Mash the avocado for a creamy avocado topping. Cucumber slices are a refreshing substitute.

Sesame seeds: A classic sushi sprinkle. Optional but tasty.

Soy sauce: Boosts savory flavor. Coconut aminos work well for a gluten-free option.

Air fryer

This homemade spicy tuna crispy rice should be made in an airy fryer. But, if you do not have an air fryer, shallow fry them in a large frying pan or large skillet on medium heat with cooking oil spray, sesame oil, olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil or any neutral oil. Pan fry the crispy rice bites on each side until browned. Do not drench in spray or use a lot of cooking oil to help keep this Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi recipe lower in fat. 

TASTE & TEXTURE

The crispy sushi rice cakes are crispy without being oily. The carrot tots mixed with spicy mayo have a similar mashed texted as spicy mayo without being too wet. This Spicy “Tuna” Crispy Rice Sushi is spicy. If you want less spicy you can use less sriracha. Also, make this Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi spicier by adding dots of sriracha on top after fully prepared. You can also add wasabi on top if desired! 

Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Savory rice with a hint of vinegar. Creamy mayo meets spicy sriracha in the topping. Tuna brings umami depth, or carrot surprise with sweetness and earthiness. Cool avocado adds freshness. Light and bite-sized, perfect for sharing or solo snacking. Fun finger food with flavor twists.

HOW TO MAKE

STEP 1

Cook the rice: Prepare the microwavable rice according to package instructions. While hot, option to mix in the rice vinegar. Add to aline loaf pan and press firmly to create a 1-inch thick layer. Press firmly. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

STEP 2

Chill and air fry: Remove the rice from refrigerator and cut into small rectangles with a sharp knife. You can also use a cookie cutter to get the right shape.  Preheat your air fryer to medium-high heat or 390°F (200°C). Once preheated, arrange the rice cakes in a single layer and cook for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

STEP 3

Prepare the topping – spicy tuna recipe: Mix the sliced sushi-grade ahi tuna with mayo and sriracha in a small bowl to your desired spice level.

Prepare the topping – Vegan version: Food process the carrots until finely chopped. Combine the mashed carrot tots and chopped carrots in a bowl. Mix the vegan mayo, sriracha, choped carrots and tots together in a large bowl.

STEP 4  

Assemble and enjoy: Arrange the crispy rice cakes on plates. Top each with avocado slices, followed by your prepared tuna or vegan “tuna” mixture. Garnish with avocaodo and optional toppings and enjoy!

EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS

• This vegan spicy “tuna” is made with carrot tots. If you do not have carrot tots you can also sub tater tots with 1 tbsp of pureed carrots to get the orange coloring and carrot flavoring. 
• Make sure to use sushi grade ahi tuna, sashimi grade tuna or sushi-grade tuna so you know the raw fish is safe to eat raw.
• These crispy rice cakes made with sticky rice and get crispy while cooking in the airy fryer. If you do not have an air fryer you can pan fry them. You can spray with cooking oil spray and pan fry each side until browned. Do not drench in spray or use a lot of cooking oil to help keep this recipe good for you.  
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the rice cakes in a thin layer of oil until crispy.
• For a creamier vegan “tuna” mixture, add a splash of plant-based milk or water.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha in both Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi versions to your desired spice level.
• Feel free to use your favorite toppings such as jalapeño slices, spicy salmon, green onions, bang bang sauce,  sprinkle of sesame seeds, eel sauce or lime juice.
• You an also serve with a fried rice to feel like you’re at a dinner party at your favorite sushi restaurant but actually in the comfort of your own home!

HOW TO SERVE & STORE

You can store the leftover Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Sushi in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 3 days. To eat, remove from fridge 1 hour before consuming to allow the return to room temperature.