Air-Fried Tuna Steaks: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Tuna steaks are a delicious and healthy meal that can be prepared in an air fryer in just a few minutes. This cooking method seals in the moisture and flavours, resulting in a tender and juicy texture without overcooking or drying out the fish. The high heat of the air fryer creates a perfectly golden sear, and the short cooking time ensures that the tuna is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to season tuna steaks for the air fryer

There are many ways to season tuna steaks for the air fryer, and the method you choose will depend on your taste preferences and how much time you have. Here is a guide on some popular seasoning options:

Citrus and Herb

Before air frying the tuna steaks, brush them with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. You can also add your favourite herbs such as cilantro and chives. For a fresh and zesty flavour, serve with a squeeze of lime juice.

Cajun Spice

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

Soy Sauce, Honey and Ginger

Mix soy sauce, honey and grated ginger with the oil, salt, and pepper mixture. Brush this mixture onto the tuna steaks before placing them in the air fryer.

Sesame Crust

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

Balsamic Glaze

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

Mediterranean

If you're looking for a Mediterranean twist, replace the original seasoning with a mix of dried rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of oregano. For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes.

Asian-Inspired

For an Asian-inspired flavour, marinate the tuna steaks in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. This simple marinade only needs 10 to 15 minutes to add a wonderful flavour to the tuna.

How to prepare the air fryer for tuna steaks

Preparing your air fryer for tuna steaks is a simple process. First, decide on your desired temperature and cooking time, bearing in mind the model of your air fryer and your desired level of doneness. Most recipes suggest a temperature of between 360°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C) for around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how well done you like your tuna.

Next, preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes. While it's heating up, prepare your tuna steaks by patting them dry with a paper towel and brushing or rubbing them with oil. You can also season the steaks with salt and pepper, or a marinade of your choice, at this stage.

Once your steaks are prepared and your air fryer is preheated, you're ready to cook! Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're in a single layer with some space around each steak so that hot air can circulate freely. Now, you can air-fry your tuna steaks to perfection!

How long to cook tuna steaks in an air fryer

The cooking time for tuna steaks in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness, with rare tuna steaks requiring less time and well-done steaks needing a few extra minutes.

For rare tuna steaks, cook for 2 minutes on each side, or a total of 4-5 minutes. Check the colour of the tuna after the first 2 minutes—the edges should be grey and not pink.

For medium-rare tuna steaks, cook for 3 minutes on each side, or a total of 6 minutes.

For well-done tuna steaks, increase the cooking time to 12-14 minutes. You can also check the internal temperature of the steaks with a food thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for well-done tuna.

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

Tips for Cooking Tuna Steaks in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the steaks.
• Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute and enhance the flavour.
• If using frozen tuna steaks, ensure they are fully defrosted and patted dry before cooking.

How to know when tuna steaks are done

There are a few ways to tell when your tuna steaks are done. Firstly, the FDA recommends cooking all raw fish to an internal temperature of 145ºF to prevent foodborne illness. However, tuna cooked to this temperature tends to be dry and tasteless.

If you prefer your tuna well-done, the internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C). For rare tuna, the internal temperature should be 115°F (46°C), and for medium-rare, aim for around 125°F (52°C).

You can also check the doneness of your tuna steaks by sight and touch. A rare tuna steak will be bright red or pink in the centre, while a medium-rare steak will be light pink, and a well-done steak will be opaque brown throughout. To the touch, a rare steak will feel soft and squishy, while a medium-rare steak will offer a little resistance, and a well-done steak will be firm.

Another way to tell if your tuna steaks are done is to use the flake test. Insert a fork at an angle into the thickest part of the steak and twist gently. If the tuna flakes easily, it is done.

How to serve air-fried tuna steaks

Air-fried tuna steaks are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to elevate your air-fried tuna steaks and make them the star of your meal:

Light and Refreshing Options:

• Serve the tuna steaks on a bed of mixed greens or alongside a fresh salad. A citrus vinaigrette or a squeeze of lime juice can add a refreshing twist.
• Create a poke bowl by serving the tuna steaks with sushi rice, nori, sesame oil, black pepper, sliced green onions, and your favourite toppings such as fresh tropical fruit, cucumber, sprouts, or cold pre-steamed broccoli florets.
• For a simple yet elegant presentation, pair the tuna steaks with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley.

Heartier Options:

• For a more substantial 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 added texture and flavour.
• Try an Asian-inspired twist by serving the tuna steaks on a bed of rice or with steamed jasmine rice on the side.
• For a crunchy and nutty element, coat the tuna steaks with a mixture of sesame seeds and oil before air frying, creating a delicious sesame crust.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze over the cooked tuna steaks for a sweet and tangy flavour profile.

Appetizer or Main Course:

The serving size and presentation can also vary depending on whether you're serving the air-fried tuna steaks as an appetizer or main course:

• As an appetizer, thinly slice the tuna steaks and serve them sushi-style, perhaps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chives or green onions for freshness.
• As a main course, consider serving the tuna steaks with a side of rice and vegetables, such as roasted cauliflower rice or grilled asparagus.

Leftovers and Reheating:

If you have any leftover tuna steaks, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Allow the tuna steaks to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality.
• To reheat, place the tuna steaks in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes, ensuring you don't overcook them. Alternatively, you can quickly reheat them in a pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute per side.

Frequently asked questions