Can I use oil-packed sardines?

Yes. Drain them well and use less olive oil on the bread.

Can I make the aioli ahead?

Yes. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Will the toasts get soggy?

They can if assembled too early, so top them right before serving.

Can I serve this as lunch?

Yes. Use larger toast slices and serve with salad or soup.

Back to Recipes

Appetizers

Air Fryer Sardine Toast Bites with Lemon Aioli

Name: Air Fryer Sardine Toast Bites with Lemon Aioli
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 16 thin baguette slices; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 can sardines, drained; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 small garlic clove, grated; 2 tablespoons pickled red onion; 1 tablespoon capers; Fresh dill and black pepper, for serving

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Jun 28, 2026

Mediterranean 17 mins air-fryersardinestoastappetizerpantrypinterest-trendsv2

These Air Fryer Sardine Toast Bites make canned fish feel party-ready with crisp toast, lemon aioli, capers, dill, and pickled red onion.

Air Fryer Sardine Toast Bites with Lemon Aioli

Prep 12 min

Cook 5 min

Total 17 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Mediterranean

Ingredients

Servings 4

16 thin baguette slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can sardines, drained
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, grated
2 tablespoons pickled red onion
1 tablespoon capers
Fresh dill and black pepper, for serving

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sardine Toast Bites with Lemon Aioli

Instructions

Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil.
Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F for 3 minutes.
Air fry the bread for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden.
Stir mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic to make lemon aioli.
Spread aioli on each toast and top with sardines.
Finish with pickled onion, capers, dill, and black pepper.

Air Fryer Sardine Toast Bites with Lemon Aioli process image

Tips

Air Fryer Model Notes

Toast slices in a single layer so they crisp evenly. Very thin bread may finish a minute early in hot basket models.

Crispiness Control

Brush with only a little oil and let the toast cool for a minute before adding aioli. Warm toast plus cold topping gives the best texture.

Doneness Cues

The bread should be dry and golden at the edges but not hard all the way through. Sardines are already cooked, so they only need assembling.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Re-crisp plain toasts at 325 degrees F for 1 to 2 minutes. Add sardines and aioli after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use oil-packed sardines?: Yes. Drain them well and use less olive oil on the bread.
Can I make the aioli ahead?: Yes. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
Will the toasts get soggy?: They can if assembled too early, so top them right before serving.
Can I serve this as lunch?: Yes. Use larger toast slices and serve with salad or soup.

Ingredient Replacements

Use canned tuna, smoked trout, or canned salmon instead of sardines. Gluten-free baguette slices work well, and Greek yogurt can replace half the mayonnaise. Pickled shallots can stand in for pickled red onion.

Storage

Store toasted bread, aioli, and sardines separately. Assemble just before eating for the best crunch.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

More Recipes

Explore more recipes you may like.

Reviews

Rate this recipe and share a photo of your result.

No reviews yet.

Air Fryer Sardine Toast Bites with Lemon Aioli

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions