Air-Frying Tuna: Is It Possible?

Tuna steaks are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and cooking them in an air fryer yields excellent results. The air fryer method is faster and simpler than traditional cooking methods like oven baking or pan-searing, and it ensures a juicy, tender, and flaky texture without overcooking or drying out the fish. The high heat of the air fryer seals in the moisture and flavours, creating a perfectly cooked tuna steak every time. You can also reheat your tuna steaks in the air fryer, and it is a healthier option as it cuts back on unnecessary fats.

Tuna steak cooking times and temperatures

Tuna steaks are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. They are low in fat and high in protein, and a good source of Omega-3s, B vitamins, and other essential nutrients.

The key to successfully cooking tuna steaks in an air fryer is understanding how to adjust the cooking time and temperature to suit your taste and the specifications of your air fryer model. Air fryers vary in wattage and heating elements, so it's important to get to know your air fryer before cooking tuna steaks.

The default setting for most air fryer tuna steak recipes is 400°F (200°C) for around 10 minutes, which typically yields a tuna steak that is seared on the outside and medium-rare in the centre. However, if you prefer your tuna steak more on the rare side, you can reduce the cooking time to 7-8 minutes. The internal temperature for rare tuna is 115°F (46°C) and 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.

If you want to cook your tuna steaks well done, you can increase the cooking time to 10 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through to ensure even cooking. It is important to keep an eye on the steaks while they are cooking, as air fryers cook tuna rapidly, and overcooked tuna can become dry and rubbery.

For a simple recipe, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Brush the sauce on both sides of the tuna steaks. Place the steaks in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

You can also experiment with different marinades, such as an Asian-inspired soy sauce, ginger, and garlic mix, or a lemon pepper seasoning. Remember to always defrost frozen tuna steaks before cooking and pat them dry to avoid steaming in the air fryer.

Marinating tuna

Tuna steaks are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. They are low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy choice for dinner. When cooking tuna steaks in an air fryer, it is important to note that the timing and temperature settings may vary depending on your preferred level of doneness and the model of your air fryer.

To marinate tuna steaks, start by whisking together the marinade ingredients in a shallow dish or large bowl. For an Asian-inspired marinade, you can use a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a small amount of oil. If you want to balance out the saltiness, you can add a little brown sugar. You can also experiment with other ingredients such as lemon juice, sesame oil, and fresh herbs and spices.

Once you have prepared your marinade, add the raw tuna steaks to the dish or bowl, ensuring that they are in a single layer. Cover the dish or bowl with plastic wrap and let the tuna steaks marinate for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If you want to prepare the tuna steaks ahead of time, you can marinate them for up to 4 to 6 hours, but be careful not to exceed this time, as the fish may become soggy and chewy.

After the tuna steaks have finished marinating, remove them from the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps to promote even browning during the air frying process. Now, your tuna steaks are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Reheating tuna steaks

To reheat your tuna steaks, first preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 390°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your tuna steaks. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and rub them with oil. You can use olive oil or avocado oil for this recipe. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the tuna steaks in the basket and cook for 3 to 5 minutes for a rare to medium-rare steak. If you prefer your tuna steaks more well-done, cook for an additional minute or two on each side. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer and the thickness of the tuna steaks, so it's important to keep an eye on the steaks as they cook.

When the tuna steaks are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. For a truly rare middle, cook the tuna steaks while they are still cold or partially frozen. You can serve the reheated tuna steaks with sushi rice and nori as part of a sushi bowl, or as an appetizer with a drizzle of sesame oil, black pepper, and sliced green onions.

Tuna steak doneness

However, cooking time can vary depending on the desired doneness. For a rare tuna steak, reduce the cooking time to 7-8 minutes, or 30-60 seconds per side, and aim for an internal temperature of 115°F (46°C). For a well-done steak, increase the cooking time to 12-14 minutes, or 3 minutes per side, and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

It is important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on the thickness of the steak. Additionally, different air fryer models have varying wattages and heating elements, which can affect the cooking time and temperature. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the steak to prevent overcooking and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

To check the doneness of a tuna steak, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C).

Some additional tips for cooking tuna steaks in an air fryer include:

• Preheat the air fryer before cooking the tuna to achieve a seared exterior without overcooking the interior.
• Marinate the tuna steaks before cooking to enhance the flavour and moisture of the steak.
• Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel before marinating to remove any excess moisture.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the steaks in a single layer with space around each piece to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time for an even cook and a perfect sear on both sides.
• Let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.

Tuna steak serving suggestions

Tuna steaks are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some suggestions:

Salads

A fresh, green salad is a classic pairing with tuna steaks. Consider a simple salad with mixed greens, or a more substantial salad such as a Niçoise salad with fresh tuna, or a Tuscan-style salad with white beans. For a more filling option, add some rice, pasta, or new potatoes. If you're looking for something with a bit of spice, try a Cajun-style salad with red pepper flakes.

Vegetables

Steamed or roasted vegetables are a great option to serve with tuna steaks. Try broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or green beans. For a more substantial side dish, roast some Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. If you're short on time, you can quickly stir-fry some vegetables while the tuna steaks are resting.

Appetizers

If you're serving tuna steaks as an appetizer, slice them thinly and serve them sushi-style, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chives or green onions.

Marinades and Sauces

Tuna steaks can be marinated in a variety of sauces to add extra flavour. A soy sauce marinade is a popular choice, adding a rich, umami flavour. Alternatively, try a sweet teriyaki sauce, or a spicy Cajun crust. For a more subtle flavour, a simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice, or a squeeze of lime, can enhance the taste of the tuna.

Sides

Some other side dish options include quinoa salad, air fryer peppers, or air-fried halloumi fries. If you're serving the tuna steaks as a main course, consider adding some new potatoes and a tasty glaze or butter sauce.

Cooking Methods

Tuna steaks can be cooked in a variety of ways, including searing, grilling, pan-frying, baking, and, of course, air frying. Searing the tuna steaks will give them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside rare, which enhances their delicate taste and retains their juiciness.

Remember to consider the cooking time and temperature to ensure your tuna steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Enjoy experimenting with different recipes and serving suggestions!

Frequently asked questions