Air Fryer Tuna Steaks: The Perfect Quick-Cooking Method

Tuna steaks are a delicious and healthy meal option that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, but most recipes recommend cooking tuna steaks at 400°F (200°C) for around 10 minutes to achieve a medium-rare centre. If you prefer your tuna steaks well done, you can cook them for a few minutes longer, and if you like them rare, you can reduce the cooking time.

Tuna steak cooking time and temperature

Tuna steaks can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on how well done you like your tuna steak. For a tuna steak that is seared on the outside and medium-rare in the centre, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for around 10 minutes. If you prefer your tuna steak well done, you can cook it for 4 to 6 minutes at 380°F.

To cook your tuna steak, first preheat your air fryer basket for 5 minutes. Then, place the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket and set the timer for 1 minute. Cook for 30 seconds, then flip the tuna steaks over and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two before slicing.

According to the FDA, the centre of your steaks should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. The best way to determine this is with an instant-read thermometer.

Marinading tuna steaks

Tuna steaks are best cooked in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for around 10 minutes. This will give you a tuna steak that is seared on the outside and medium-rare in the centre.

Tuna is a mild-flavoured fish, so it's ideal for taking on the flavours of a marinade. You can marinate tuna steaks for 15 minutes to 2 hours, but 30 minutes to an hour is the sweet spot. Marinating for too long can ruin the texture of the fish.

For an Asian-inspired marinade, combine olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, cilantro, jalapeno, sugar, and garlic in a small dish. Place the tuna steaks in a large plastic storage bag and pour in the marinade, ensuring the fish is fully coated. You can also add rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and brown sugar to this marinade.

If you want to prep your steaks ahead of time, you can allow them to marinate overnight for maximum flavour.

Tuna steak garnishes

Tuna steaks are best served with a garnish of green onions and/or sesame seeds. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to finish.

When choosing your tuna steaks, opt for fresh, high-quality, wild-caught ahi tuna. The steaks should be firm, deep red, and without a strong fishy smell. Before placing them in the marinade, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel so they can really soak up the flavour.

Don't marinate the tuna for too long, or it will start to break down the texture. However, the longer you season the tuna steaks, the more of a flavour explosion it will be. Consider prepping the steaks ahead of time and allowing them to marinate overnight for maximum flavour.

Once cooked, let the tuna steaks rest for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

Tuna steak doneness

To achieve the perfect doneness, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to determine the internal temperature of the tuna steak. According to the FDA, the centre of the steak should reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cooking time may also vary depending on the thickness of the tuna steak and the specific model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the tuna steaks while they are cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, marinating the tuna steaks before cooking can enhance their flavour and texture. However, be careful not to marinate them for too long, as this can start to break down the texture of the tuna.

Tuna steak seasoning

Tuna steaks can be cooked in an air fryer in around 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This will give you a tuna steak that is seared on the outside and medium-rare in the centre. If you prefer your tuna steak well done, you can cook it for a few minutes longer.

Tuna steaks can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• A marinade of honey, lemon, garlic, cumin, cilantro, parsley, and paprika.
• A spicy rub of olive oil, lemon zest, coriander, black pepper, ginger, salt, and cinnamon.
• Marinade the tuna steaks in a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, honey, and savory spices.
• For a sushi-like flavour, serve with a homemade spicy mayo.

Frequently asked questions