Air-Fried Tuna: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Tuna steaks are a great option for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. While cooking tuna at home can be tricky, air fryers provide excellent control over the cooking process, helping you achieve smooth and buttery tuna that is tender, juicy, and moist. With an air fryer, you can enjoy restaurant-quality tuna steak at home without the fuss or extensive cleanup. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cooking tuna in an air fryer, provide tips on selecting the best tuna steak, and guide you through the cooking process with easy-to-follow recipes. We will also suggest some serving ideas and tips to elevate your tuna steak experience.

Air fryer tuna steak recipe

Air fryer tuna steaks are a quick, simple, and delicious meal that can be made in less than 15 minutes. The air fryer method is preferred over oven-baking and pan-searing as it is faster, less messy, and yields more consistent results.

Ingredients:

• Tuna steak
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Soy sauce
• Basil
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cooking spray

Optional ingredients:

• Balsamic glaze
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tamari
• Dried rosemary
• Thyme
• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Salsa Fresca
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Cilantro
• Jalapenos
• Lime
• Chives
• Green onions

Steps:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Brush the prepared sauce on both sides of the steak.
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket. Cooking spray can be used on the base of the basket to prevent sticking.
• Cook the tuna steak for 2 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak. For a well-done steak, cook for 3 minutes on each side.
• Once cooked, carefully remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
• Serve the steak hot with a drizzle of lemon juice and a garnish of sesame seeds and green onions.

Tips:

• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and personal preference for doneness.
• The internal temperature for rare tuna should be around 115°F (46°C) and 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
• For a crunchy crust, coat the tuna steak in sesame seeds before cooking.
• For a Mediterranean twist, replace the original seasoning with dried rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of oregano.
• For a marinade, combine soy sauce, minced ginger, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Add the tuna steaks and let them marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Tuna steak cooking time and temperature

Tuna steaks are a great option for a quick, simple, and delicious meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of just 4 minutes. The air fryer's speed and simplicity make it a convenient option, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality tuna at home without the fuss of extensive cleanup.

The cooking time and temperature for tuna steaks in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cooking the tuna steaks for around 10 minutes for a medium-rare finish. However, if you prefer your tuna rare, you can reduce the cooking time to 7-8 minutes, resulting in an internal temperature of 115°F (46°C). For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C).

It is important to note that different air fryer models may have varying wattages and heating elements, which can affect the cooking time and temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to get familiar with your air fryer and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, the FDA recommends cooking seafood to an internal temperature of 145°F to prevent foodborne illnesses, but this may result in dry and tasteless tuna.

To achieve the perfect tuna steak, it is crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures that your tuna is cooked to your desired level of doneness without overcooking it. Marinating the tuna steaks beforehand can also enhance their flavour and moisture.

When it comes to serving, tuna steaks are versatile. They can be served as an appetizer, sliced thinly and served sushi-style, or as a main course with a variety of sides. A simple salad with a citrus vinaigrette or vegetables like green beans, carrots, or asparagus are great options to accompany the tuna.

Reheating tuna steaks in the air fryer

Reheating tuna steaks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect reheated tuna steak:

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Steaks

Start by choosing a good-quality piece of tuna for the best results. Fresh tuna is recommended, but you can also use thawed tuna. Look for tuna that is moist, shiny, and bright red in colour. If using frozen tuna, ensure it is fully defrosted before cooking. Pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380-390ºF (some sources recommend 360ºF). Preheating the air fryer ensures that your tuna steaks develop a nice colour in the short reheating time. It is recommended to preheat for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Tuna Steaks

Drizzle or rub olive oil on both sides of the tuna steaks. You can also use avocado oil or another oil of your choice. Next, season generously with salt and pepper, or coarse salt if you have it. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, basil, oregano, or pink peppercorns for a unique flavour and aesthetic.

Step 4: Reheat the Tuna Steaks

Place the seasoned tuna steaks in the air fryer basket and reheat for 3-5 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and your desired doneness. For a rare to medium-rare steak, 3-4 minutes should be sufficient. If you prefer your steak well done, you may need up to 5 minutes. Keep in mind that the FDA recommends cooking all seafood to an internal temperature of 145ºF to prevent foodborne illness, but consuming rare tuna is a popular choice.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the tuna steaks are reheated to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. You can serve the tuna steaks with a drizzle of lemon juice or sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chives, or green onions. For a light meal, serve the tuna on a bed of mixed greens or with a fresh salad. Alternatively, create a tasty poke bowl with sushi rice, nori, and your choice of toppings and sauces.

Remember, the key to mastering this recipe is understanding how to adjust the cooking time and temperature to suit your air fryer and your personal preferences. Always keep an eye on your tuna steaks to prevent overcooking, and feel free to experiment to achieve the perfect result for your taste!

Tuna steak marinade

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

Ingredients:

• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl and whisk vigorously. Place the tuna steaks in a gallon Ziploc bag, pour in the marinade and turn to coat. Press out the excess air, seal the bag, and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

If you want to add a little extra flavour, you can let the tuna steaks marinate for longer – up to 4 to 6 hours. However, be careful not to exceed this time, as the fish can start to become soggy and chewy.

Once the tuna steaks are done marinating, you can cook them in an air fryer, on a grill, or on a stovetop.

For an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Brush the prepared sauce on both sides of the steak and place it in the air fryer. The cooking time will depend on your preference for doneness, ranging from 7-10 minutes.

For a grill or stovetop, place the steaks on a preheated grill or skillet on medium-high heat and cook for a total of 6 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.

Once the tuna steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Enjoy your juicy and flavourful tuna steaks!

Tuna steak serving suggestions

Tuna steaks are a versatile dish, and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, baking, and air-frying. The best sides to go with tuna steaks are those that are simple yet elevate the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your tuna steak:

Salads

A fresh, light salad is a great way to balance the richness of the tuna. You could try a simple green salad, or get creative with different ingredients. For example, a tuna Niçoise salad with fresh tuna, or a Caesar salad with thick tuna steaks is a fresh twist on a classic. A Tuscan-style salad with white beans and greens is another option, or you could try a quinoa salad.

Vegetables

Steamed vegetables are a healthy and light option to pair with tuna steaks. Broccoli, carrots, asparagus, and green beans all work well. Roasted vegetables are another option, such as roasted Brussels sprouts, or peppers. Green beans are a popular choice, and can be infused with soy sauce for an extra savoury touch.

Rice, potatoes and pasta

Something heavier like rice, pasta, or potatoes can also work well with tuna steaks. New potatoes with a tasty glaze or butter sauce could be a good choice.

Other sides

If you're feeling adventurous, why not try something like a crunchy Asian-style slaw, or air fryer halloumi fries? If you want to keep things simple, a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the flavour of tuna steaks while keeping things fresh and simple.

Appetizer ideas

If you're serving the tuna steak as an appetizer, you can slice it thinly and serve it sushi-style, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chives or green onion.

Marinade ideas

When it comes to marinades, a simple soy sauce option is a good choice, adding a delicious rich, umami and salty flavour. You could also add some brown sugar to balance out the saltiness. Alternatively, try a spicy Cajun crust, or a sweet teriyaki sauce.

Cooking tips

When cooking tuna steaks in an air fryer, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and how well you like your steak cooked. For rare tuna, reduce the cooking time to around 7-8 minutes, and for medium-rare, cook for around 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions