Air-Fried Ahi Tuna: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Making ahi tuna in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a restaurant-quality meal at home. It's a versatile dish that can be seasoned and flavoured in many ways, and the high heat of the air fryer seals in moisture and flavour, resulting in a tender and juicy texture without overcooking the fish.

Marinating the tuna

Firstly, prepare your chosen marinade. A variety of marinade recipes can be used, depending on your taste preferences. A simple marinade can be made by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Alternatively, you can experiment with other ingredients such as honey, ginger, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, sesame oil, brown sugar, or chilli flakes. Adjust the measurements according to the number of tuna steaks you plan to marinate.

Once you have prepared your marinade, place your tuna steaks in a glass dish or bowl. Pour the marinade over the tuna steaks, ensuring that they are fully coated. Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the tuna steaks to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. You can also marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes if you are short on time. For the best results and more intense flavour, it is recommended to marinate the tuna steaks for longer, up to one hour.

While the tuna steaks are marinating, you can prepare the air fryer and set the temperature and cooking time. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 380°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, with longer cooking times resulting in a more well-done steak. Remember to refer to a reliable recipe for specific temperature and timing guidelines.

Once the tuna steaks have finished marinating, remove them from the refrigerator and wipe off any excess marinade. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each piece for even cooking. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your chosen recipe, adjusting the timing as needed based on your desired level of doneness.

When the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the tuna steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This final step allows the juices to redistribute within the steak, resulting in a more succulent and flavourful dish.

Cooking the tuna

Now that you have your ingredients and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the tuna!

First, pat the tuna steaks dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the marinade or seasoning adhere better and promotes even browning during cooking. You can also brush the tuna steaks with olive oil or avocado oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Be generous with the seasoning, as this will add flavour to the tuna. If you want to add more flavour to your tuna, you can marinate it in a mixture of honey, ginger, and coconut aminos (or soy sauce) for 20 minutes to an hour before cooking.

Next, place the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space around each steak so that hot air can circulate freely. Set the air fryer temperature to between 360-400°F (180-200°C) and cook the tuna for 2-3 minutes on each side for a rare or medium-rare steak. If you prefer your tuna well-done, cook it for 4-6 minutes on each side. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the tuna while it's cooking.

Once the tuna is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the steak, making it more succulent and flavourful. Finally, slice the tuna and serve it with your favourite sides or on top of a salad or poke bowl. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked air fryer tuna!

Resting the tuna

The resting time can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your personal preference. For a medium-rare steak, a resting time of 1-2 minutes is usually sufficient. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can let it rest for a little longer, up to 3 minutes. Keep in mind that the internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise slightly as it rests, so it's important not to overcook it in the air fryer.

While the tuna is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. Some great side dish options include roasted or grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. A fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette also pairs well with the tuna. For a heartier meal, you can serve the tuna with quinoa or roasted potatoes.

If you're serving the tuna as an appetizer or as part of a sushi bowl, you can slice it into thin pieces after it has rested. Drizzle with some lemon or lime juice to add a fresh, zesty flavour. You can also sprinkle on some sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavour.

Remember, the key to successful tuna steak cooking is not only in the cooking process but also in the resting step. By allowing the tuna to rest for a few minutes, you'll be rewarded with a juicy and flavourful steak that's worth the wait.

Slicing the tuna

When slicing the tuna, it is best to use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even cuts. Cut the tuna against the grain and at a slight angle for the most aesthetically pleasing presentation. The thickness of the slices will depend on your preference and intended use. For example, if you plan to use the tuna in a salad or poke bowl, you may want to slice it thinly. However, if you are serving it as a main course, slightly thicker slices may be preferable.

The number of slices you get from each steak will depend on the size and thickness of the tuna steak, as well as the thickness of your slices. For a typical 10-ounce tuna steak, you can expect to get anywhere from 8 to 12 slices, depending on the thickness.

Once sliced, you can serve the tuna as-is or with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. It is best to enjoy the tuna while it is still warm, as this will allow you to savour the full range of flavours and textures.

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Leftover tuna is excellent on a salad or in a sandwich.

Serving the tuna

There are many ways to serve your freshly cooked ahi tuna. Here are some ideas to elevate your tuna steak and make it look like you've been slaving away in the kitchen for hours.

Salsa Fresca

Top your tuna steak with a homemade salsa fresca. Chop up some ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos, then squeeze in some lime. This topping is 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.

Citrus and Herb

Before air frying the tuna steaks, brush them with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and your favorite herbs such as cilantro and chives. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and zesty flavor.

Cajun Spice

Add some Cajun seasoning to the oil, salt, and pepper mixture for a spicy kick.

Soy Sauce, Honey, and Ginger

Mix soy sauce, honey, and minced ginger with the oil, salt, and pepper mixture, then brush it onto the tuna steaks before air frying.

Sesame Crust

Mix sesame seeds with the oil, salt, and pepper mixture and coat the tuna steaks with the mixture before air frying. This creates a crunchy and nutty crust that adds texture and flavor to the tuna.

Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle balsamic glaze over the cooked tuna steaks before serving for a sweet and tangy taste.

Salad

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.

Hearty Meal

For a more filling option, 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.

Asian-inspired

Serve the tuna steaks on a bed of rice or alongside steamed jasmine rice for an Asian-inspired twist.

Sushi Bowl

You can also serve the tuna with sushi rice and nori as part of a sushi bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle with black pepper, and add sliced green onions as an appetizer.

Poke Bowl

Create a poke bowl with sesame mayo or sriracha mayo, creamy Asian dressing, and toppings such as fresh tropical fruit (like sliced mango, lychee, or pineapple), cucumber rounds or ribbons, sprouts or microgreens, toasted sesame seeds, and cold pre-steamed broccoli florets.

Frequently asked questions