Specifically, air fryer tuna steak, a quick-cooking seared tuna cut often served rare in Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines, typically made with ahi (yellowfin) or albacore tuna and seared at high heat to keep the center rare.
If you're like us, you love anything that's easy to make and super tasty.
We're all about getting that perfect sear without fussing over a skillet. The air fryer makes it simple - so simple you'll wonder why you didn't start doing this earlier.
We've tested this out multiple times (all for science, of course). Nothing beats the combo of crispy outside and tender inside.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Alright, let's get our tuna game on! Here's what you need to make that air fryer tuna steak magic happen:
- 2 tuna steaks: Fresh is best, but frozen works too-just make sure to thaw them first.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Keeps it juicy and adds a nice sear.
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce: For that umami punch.
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice: A little zing to brighten things up.
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder: Because who doesn't love garlic?
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper: Freshly ground, if you can.
- ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness.
- Salt to taste: Season away!
Grab these ingredients and you'll be on your way to some seriously tasty tuna. Ready to dive in?
Let's get our air fryer and make some magic!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tuna Steak
First things first, make sure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. For best results set it to 400°F (200°C), which helps things cook evenly and develop that sear; for similar crisping techniques see air fryer chicken wings tips.
Next up, don't overcook the tuna! We recommend starting with about 8 minutes per side for a medium-rare steak (depending on the thickness of your steaks), or until the center reaches about 115-120°F (46-49°C). This timing works well for 1-inch (2.5 cm) steaks; adjust +/- a couple minutes for thicker or thinner cuts.
You can always cook them longer if you prefer them more well-done.
Another little tip we love is to sprinkle sesame seeds or furikake seasoning on top before cooking. It adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that takes this dish to another level.
And of course, let your tuna steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them nice and tender.
For similar high-heat timing and sear tips, see juicy steak bites for quick searing.
Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Equipment
- 1 Air-fryer
Ingredients
- 2 tuna steaks about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika and salt.
- Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides of the steaks with the marinade mixture.
- Place the tuna steaks in your air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook for 2 minutes on one side, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side (adjust cooking time depending on desired doneness).
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or furikake seasoning on top before serving, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy these delicious air fryer tuna steaks! 10. Try them with a side of rice and some sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
For fattier cuts that stay juicy under high heat, see easy air fryer ribeye for weeknights. If you prefer a leaner cut that still slices tender after a short cook, try flat iron steak for tender slices.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
