Air Fryer Frozen Tuna: Can You Do It?

Tuna steaks are a versatile and delicious meal packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including oven-baking, pan-searing, and air frying. While oven-baking requires careful monitoring to prevent overcooking and pan-searing often results in a messy splatter, air frying simplifies the process by ensuring even cooking with minimal oil and less cleanup. This method is also quick and easy, making it a convenient weeknight meal. One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is that you can cook frozen tuna steaks without having to defrost them first, saving time and effort.

Marinating frozen tuna steaks

Yes, you can cook frozen tuna steaks in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy method that simplifies the cooking process and allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality tuna steak at home. The air fryer's even heat distribution ensures a perfect sear on the outside, encapsulating the juices and flavours, with a medium-rare centre.

When marinating frozen tuna steaks, it is recommended to start with frozen tuna to achieve a perfect medium-rare steak. If you begin marinating at room temperature, the steak may overcook due to the quick cooking time in the air fryer.

Firstly, prepare the marinade by combining your choice of ingredients in a small bowl. A simple and popular marinade includes olive oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. For a more complex flavour profile, you can add ingredients like lemon juice, basil, oregano, garlic powder, ginger, honey, rice vinegar, or cayenne pepper.

Brush the marinade on both sides of the frozen tuna steaks and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also marinate the steaks overnight in an airtight container in the fridge for maximum flavour.

After marinating, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the timer for 1 minute and cook each side for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your desired doneness.

For a medium-rare steak, cook the tuna for a total of 4 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). If you prefer your tuna well-done, increase the cooking time to 2 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Once the desired cooking time is reached, remove the tuna steaks from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board. Finally, slice the steaks against the grain into uniform slices and serve immediately.

The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tuna steaks and the model of your air fryer, so it is essential to keep an eye on the steaks during the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking frozen tuna steaks. While some recipes do not require preheating, doing so for about 3 to 5 minutes helps achieve a perfect, evenly distributed sear on the tuna steak. The ideal temperature for preheating is 400°F (200°C).

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. For a rare steak, an internal temperature of around 115°F (46°C) is ideal, while 125°F (52°C) is recommended for a medium-rare finish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, keeping in mind that air fryers cook quickly, so it is essential to keep an eye on the steak to prevent overcooking.

Additionally, when preheating your air fryer, make sure to place the grill pan inside if you have one. This will ensure that your tuna steaks are cooked evenly and effectively.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with placing the seasoned or marinated tuna steaks inside. Remember to arrange them in a single layer, leaving some space around each steak to allow hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for frozen tuna steaks in an air fryer depend on the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the steaks, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to get familiar with your air fryer and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and doneness of the tuna steaks.

For a medium-rare frozen tuna steak, cook at 370°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking process. Alternatively, you can cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For a crispier texture, brush the steaks with oil or melted butter before cooking.

If you prefer your tuna steaks rare, cook for 7-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until the internal temperature reaches 115°F (46°C). For a medium-rare steak, cook for 4 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C).

For a quick and easy option, preheat the air fryer to 300°F (149°C) for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle salt on both sides of the tuna steaks. Place the steaks in the basket without overlapping and cook for 3 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 250°F (121°C) and cook for an additional 2 minutes, resulting in a total cooking time of 5 minutes.

Tuna steak doneness

Tuna steak is a versatile dish that can be cooked in many ways, including in an air fryer. The air fryer method is simple and quick, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality tuna steak at home without the fuss of extensive cleanup.

When it comes to tuna steak doneness, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, tuna steak is typically cooked to a range of doneness levels, from rare to well done. Rare tuna steak is seared on the outside and pink or red on the inside, with an internal temperature of around 115°F to 125°F. Medium-rare tuna has an internal temperature of 130°F-140°F, while well-done tuna steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F and above. It is uncommon to cook tuna steak beyond medium-rare, as it tends to become dry.

To check the doneness of your tuna steak, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. The ideal doneness temperature will depend on your personal preference for the level of doneness. However, it is important to note that tuna steak is a delicate protein that can quickly go from rare to medium in just 30 seconds.

Additionally, the cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the thickness of the tuna steak and the model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

When cooking frozen tuna steaks in an air fryer, the total cooking time can range from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks and the air fryer model. It is crucial to preheat the air fryer, and some recipes recommend marinating the steaks before cooking for added flavour.

Storing leftovers

If you have cooked more tuna steaks than you can eat in one sitting, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is important to refrigerate the tuna steaks within two hours of cooking to maximise their shelf life. The steaks should last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them for longer, you can put them in the freezer. Make sure the tuna has reached an internal temperature of 130°Fahrenheit before storing it in a freezer-friendly container. The steaks will maintain their best quality for about 2 to 3 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.

If you are storing a tuna salad, it is important to refrigerate it promptly and use an airtight container to prevent the transfer of flavours and odours from other foods in your refrigerator. Keep your refrigerator set to below 40°Fahrenheit to slow down bacterial growth. It is generally not recommended to freeze tuna salad, as it can alter its texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions