Air-Fried Tuna: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Tuna steaks are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, with very little prep time and fast cooking. The air fryer helps to seal in the juices and flavours of the tuna, giving it a perfect, even sear. It's also a healthier option than other cooking methods, as it cuts back on unnecessary fats.

There are a few simple steps to follow to make tuna in an air fryer. First, pat the tuna steaks dry and place them in a shallow dish. Then, make a marinade using ingredients such as oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Brush the marinade onto the tuna steaks and leave to marinate for around 30 minutes.

Next, preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 7-8 minutes, and for well-done, cook for 12-14 minutes. Once the tuna is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

You can serve the tuna steaks with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, salad, or rice. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy tuna steak!

Choosing the right tuna steaks

First, consider the type of tuna. Ahi tuna, also known as bigeye tuna, is a popular choice for steaks due to its deep red colour, high fat content, and rich, buttery flavour. Yellowfin tuna, often labelled as "ahi tuna" in stores, is lighter in colour and has a milder flavour with a firmer texture. While both options are suitable for air frying, your choice will depend on your preference for colour, taste, and texture.

Next, select the right cut. Look for tuna steaks that are bright red, with a minimum thickness of 1 1/4 inches. This thickness ensures the tuna cooks evenly in the air fryer, giving you that perfect sear on the outside while maintaining a juicy, tender centre. Steaks cut from the loin tend to be more tender, while those cut from the belly have a more robust flavour.

When it comes to freshness, opt for sushi-grade tuna if you plan to serve it rare or raw. For cooked tuna steaks, choose fresh tuna over frozen whenever possible, as it tends to have a better texture and flavour. If you must use frozen tuna steaks, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or immerse the vacuum-sealed package in a bowl of cold water.

Lastly, consider the sustainability of your tuna. The majority of the world's tuna supply comes from the Pacific Ocean, but it's important to choose a sustainable source. Look for tuna that is caught using environmentally friendly methods, such as pole-and-line or troll fishing, and avoid overfished areas like the Indian Ocean.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect tuna steaks for your air fryer creation, ensuring a delicious and responsible dining experience.

Marinating the tuna

Firstly, prepare your chosen marinade. A popular option is a ginger-soy marinade, which can be made by combining ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. You can also add in garlic or other spices like red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick. If you're looking for a more citrusy option, consider a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.

Once you've prepared your marinade, it's time to coat the tuna steaks generously. Place the raw tuna steaks into a large sealable bag with the marinade and ensure both sides are well-coated. Allow the tuna to marinate for at least 20 minutes, but for deeper flavour, you can leave it for up to 30 minutes or even overnight.

After the tuna has soaked up all those delicious flavours, it's time to prepare the air fryer basket. Lightly spray it with olive oil or another non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.

Now, remove the steaks from the marinade, giving them a slight shake to remove any excess. It's important not to pat the steaks dry, as this natural moisture will help create that perfect sear in the air fryer.

Place the steaks inside the prepared air fryer basket and you're ready to start cooking!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking tuna steaks in an air fryer depend on your desired level of doneness. Here is a breakdown to help you achieve the perfect tuna steak:

Air Fryer Temperature:

The ideal temperature for cooking tuna steaks in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F (180°C-200°C). This temperature range will give you a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside at your desired doneness.

Air Fryer Timing:

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your tuna steaks and your desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide:

• For rare tuna steaks, cook for 7-8 minutes. The internal temperature should be around 115°F (46°C).
• For medium-rare tuna steaks, cook for 8-10 minutes. The internal temperature should be around 125°F (52°C).
• For well-done tuna steaks, cook for 12-14 minutes. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).

It's important to note that the timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, wattage, and the thickness of your tuna steaks. Always keep an eye on your tuna steaks while they're cooking to prevent overcooking.

Additionally, if you're cooking frozen tuna steaks, it's best to defrost them completely before air frying. You can also cook them straight from frozen, but you'll need to add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're thoroughly defrosted and cooked.

Resting the tuna

The resting period ensures that your tuna steak will be juicy and moist, preventing it from drying out. It gives the tuna steak a chance to relax and settle, allowing the flavours to enhance and intensify. This step is especially important if you want to achieve that perfect, restaurant-quality tuna steak.

The resting time can vary depending on your preference and the size of the tuna steak. For smaller steaks, a couple of minutes should suffice, while larger steaks may need a bit more time. Use this time to prepare any side dishes or garnishes, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

Remember, the key to a great tuna steak is not just in the cooking but also in the resting. This step may seem simple, but it makes a significant difference in the final texture and taste of your dish. So, be patient, let the tuna steak rest, and then enjoy the delicious results!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer tuna steaks, and it's a great dish to dress up and make look like you've been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Here are some ideas:

Salsa Fresca

Top the tuna steak with a homemade salsa fresca. Just chop up some ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos, and squeeze in a bit of lime. It's as fresh and vibrant as it is easy to whip up.

Asian Twist

Try drizzling your tuna steak with a mix of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. It's a flavor explosion that pairs well with the meaty goodness of the tuna and makes a perfect dipping sauce.

Simple Lemon and Parsley

Sometimes, less is more. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley can elevate your tuna steak to gourmet levels with minimal effort.

Salad

If you have leftover tuna steak, it tastes great when eaten cold and mixed into a salad.

Tuna Poke Bowl

You can serve the tuna with sushi rice and nori as part of a sushi bowl. Serve them drizzled with sesame oil, sprinkled with black pepper, and sliced green onion as an appetizer.

Hearty Meal

For a heartier meal, pair the tuna steaks with roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Complement the dish with a side of quinoa or roasted potatoes for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Light and Refreshing

For a light and refreshing meal, serve the tuna steaks on a bed of mixed greens or alongside a fresh salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette.

Frequently asked questions