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

Tuna steaks are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and cooking them in an air fryer ensures a perfect, even sear. The high heat of the air fryer seals in moisture and flavour, creating a tender and juicy texture without overcooking or drying out the fish. This method also simplifies the cooking process, reducing the need for a watchful eye and avoiding messy splatters.

How to choose the right tuna steak

When choosing a tuna steak, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best possible product. Here are some factors to consider:

Freshness

Tuna has a high oil content, which means it can go off more quickly than other types of fish. Therefore, it is important to buy it as fresh as possible. Look for tuna with firm, dense, red or dark red flesh. Avoid any tuna that looks dull or has discoloured patches. Fresh tuna should also have a clean, ocean-like smell and moist (but not slimy) flesh.

Sustainability

When purchasing tuna, it is important to consider sustainability. Look for tuna that is from a sustainable source, such as those certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. This will help ensure that you are not contributing to overfishing or harmful fishing practices.

Thickness

Thicker tuna steaks are generally preferable as they cook better and are less likely to dry out. Look for steaks that are at least 1-inch (2.5cm) thick.

Grade

If you plan to cook your tuna rare or medium-rare, consider purchasing sushi or sashimi-grade tuna. While there are no specific regulations around the term "sushi-grade", it indicates that the fish is of high quality and safe to be consumed raw.

Frozen vs Fresh

Fresh tuna is usually best, but frozen tuna can be a good option if you don't have access to fresh tuna. Look for frozen steaks that have been flash-frozen right after being caught, as these can be fresher than fresh tuna. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

Wild-Caught vs Farmed

Wild-caught tuna is generally considered a more sustainable option. However, there are also quality, well-regulated farms that produce good-quality tuna. Look for information on the packaging or ask your fishmonger about the source of the tuna.

Remember, when choosing a tuna steak, it's important to trust your senses. Fresh tuna should look, smell, and feel fresh. Don't be afraid to ask your fishmonger to pass the tuna over the counter so you can inspect it before purchasing.

How to prepare the tuna for the air fryer

Preparing tuna for the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare tuna for the air fryer:

Choosing the Right Tuna:

• Look for thick, meaty tuna steaks: Opt for slices that resemble those served at upscale seafood restaurants.
• Freshness and quality: For the best flavour and texture, choose fresh tuna that looks moist, shiny, and bright red. If using frozen tuna, ensure it's properly defrosted before cooking.
• Type of tuna: Ahi tuna, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna are popular choices, with Ahi being higher-end sushi-grade tuna.

Marinating the Tuna:

• Simple marinade: You can brush the tuna with olive oil and sprinkle lemon pepper, salt, and black pepper on both sides. Alternatively, create a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder, and brush it onto both sides of the tuna.
• Marinade time: Marinate the tuna for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Don't exceed 4-6 hours, as the fish may become soggy and chewy.

Preparing the Air Fryer:

Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to between 360°F and 400°F. Preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a perfect sear on the tuna.

Cooking the Tuna:

• Dry the tuna: Before placing the tuna in the air fryer, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Season: Drizzle or rub the tuna with oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like Cajun spice, sesame seeds, or a soy sauce mixture.
• Cook time: For rare tuna steaks, cook for 2 minutes on each side. For medium-rare, increase the cooking time to 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness and the thickness of the tuna steaks.
• Flip halfway through: To ensure even cooking, flip the tuna steaks halfway through the cooking process.
• Rest the tuna: Once the tuna is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavourful steak.

How long to cook the tuna for

The cooking time for your tuna steak will depend on your air fryer model, the thickness of your tuna steak, and your desired level of doneness.

For a rare tuna steak, cook for 5-8 minutes. If you prefer your tuna medium-rare, allow for 7-10 minutes of cooking time. If you like your tuna well-done, increase the cooking time to 12-14 minutes.

It's important to keep an eye on your tuna steak while it's in the air fryer, as the cooking time can vary slightly, and you don't want to end up with overcooked tuna.

To check if your tuna steak is cooked to your liking, use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature. For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 110-115°F (46-46°C). For medium-rare, go for 125°F (52°C), and for well-done, cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

If you don't have a food thermometer, you can also check the doneness of your tuna steak by cutting into it and checking the colour. For rare, the tuna should be red in the centre. For medium-rare, it will be light pink, and for well-done, the tuna will be cooked through with no pink remaining.

How to tell when the tuna is cooked

The best way to tell when your tuna steak is cooked is to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The ideal temperature depends on your desired level of doneness. Here is a temperature chart for tuna steak, along with suggested cooking times:

• Rare: Cook for 2 minutes on each side (4 minutes total) for an internal temperature of 110–115°F (46–46°C).
• Medium-rare: Cook for 3 minutes on each side (6 minutes total) for an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C).
• Medium: Cook for 4 minutes on each side (8 minutes total) for an internal temperature of 135–145°F (57–63°C).
• Well-done: Cook for 5 minutes on each side (10 minutes total) for an internal temperature of over 145°F (63°C).

Note that the FDA recommends cooking all raw fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to prevent foodborne illness. However, tuna cooked to this temperature tends to be dry and tasteless.

When cooking your tuna steak, it's important to keep a close eye on the clock. Overcooked tuna can become rubbery and unappealing. Additionally, don't skimp on the quality of your tuna; invest in a good-quality, thick tuna steak for the best results.

How to serve the tuna

There are many ways to serve air fryer tuna steaks, depending on your preferences and the type of meal you want to create. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course

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. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and zesty flavour.

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.

If you're looking for an Asian-inspired option, serve the tuna steaks on a bed of rice or alongside steamed jasmine rice. You can also add a crunchy and nutty crust by mixing sesame seeds with the oil, salt, and pepper mixture before coating the tuna steaks and air frying.

As an Appetizer

Slice the tuna steaks thinly and serve them sushi-style. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chives or green onions for freshness. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as wasabi mayonnaise.

In a Poke Bowl

Create a poke bowl by serving the tuna with sushi rice, nori, sesame oil, black pepper, sliced green onion, and your choice of toppings and sauces. Some suggested toppings include fresh tropical fruit (like mango, lychee, or pineapple), cucumber rounds or ribbons, sprouts or microgreens, and toasted sesame seeds.

With a Salsa Fresca

Top the tuna steak with a homemade salsa fresca made by chopping ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos and squeezing in some lime. This adds a fresh and vibrant twist to your dish.

With an Asian Twist

Drizzle your tuna steak with a mix of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This combination pairs well with the meaty flavour 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.

Frequently asked questions