Air fryer tuna steak! Have you ever had it before? Tuna steak is a thick cut of tuna fish known for its firm texture and rich flavor. When cooked using an air fryer, the tuna steak can develop a nicely seared and crispy exterior while retaining its moistness and flavor on the inside. Air-frying tuna steak allows you to enjoy a quick, delicious, and restaurant-quality seafood meal in the comfort of your own home. You'll surprise yourself with how simple and delicious this dish can be! This convenience of the air fryer method brings you a delicious, healthy meal in just minutes.
Jump To
Shopping for the perfect tuna steaks
Shopping for the perfect fresh tuna steaks involves selecting high-quality, fresh, and sustainable options. Here's a guide to help you choose the best tuna steaks:
There are different types of tuna, including bluefin tuna, yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, etc. Yellowfin and bigeye tuna are often preferred for their taste and texture. Ahi tuna is also known as yellowfin tuna. Choose the type that suits your preferences.
Look for tuna steaks that have a vibrant, deep red-to-pink color. Avoid tuna that appears dull or brownish. The flesh should be firm and bounce back when pressed gently. Avoid steaks that feel mushy or leave an indentation. Fresh tuna should have a clean and slightly oceanic scent. If the tuna has a strong fishy odor, it might be less fresh. Bloodlines are dark lines running through the tuna flesh. While some bloodlines are natural, overly large or discolored bloodlines can indicate older fish. Choose steaks with minimal bloodline presence.
If you're unsure about the freshness or origin of the tuna, don't be afraid to ask questions when selecting tuna steaks at the seafood counter. They can provide information and recommendations based on what's available.
Frozen Options:
If fresh tuna is unavailable or you plan to use it later, consider high-quality frozen tuna. Frozen tuna can be just as delicious when handled properly!
Remember, choosing high-quality tuna is essential for achieving your dishes' best taste and texture.
Simple ingredients
Tuna steaks: You can get tuna in most grocery stores. I used ahi tuna steaks in this recipe. I also asked the seafood department people for the sushi-grade ahi tuna, which is my favorite type of tuna!
Olive oil and sesame oil: A mixture of these two oil helps create a crispy and golden-brown exterior on the tuna. It also helps seal in moisture, preventing the tuna steak from drying out during the cooking process
Soy sauce and brown sugar: Combining soy sauce and sugar as a marinade or glaze before air frying can add a delightful umami-rich flavor and a touch of sweetness to the tuna steak.
Garlic powder: It adds a rich and savory garlic flavor to the tuna.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
Red chili flakes: If you prefer a spicy flavor.
Roasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, lime juice, or lemon wedges: They are for garnish.
Dipping sauce options: There are quite a few options for dipping! Such as soy sauce, ponzu sauce, teriyaki glaze, wasabi, or a citrus-based vinaigrette
Step-by-step instructions to air frying the tuna steak
Gather all the ingredients and pat both sides dry with a paper towel.
Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Marinate the tuna steaks for about 15 minutes, turning them occasionally.
Preheat your air fryer to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). Once the air fryer is preheated, place the tuna steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there's some space between the steaks to allow for even air circulation.
Cook the tuna steaks at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. It took me about 10 minutes for a well-done tuna steak. If you prefer medium or medium well, reduce the time accordingly.
Check the internal temperature of the tuna using a digital meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of around 120-130°F (49-54°C) for rare to medium-rare. Keep in mind that tuna continues to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer due to residual heat.
Once cooked to your preferred level, carefully remove the tuna steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak.
Use a sharp knife to slice the tuna steaks against the grain into thin or thick slices. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Serve the air-fried tuna steaks on a plate with your choice of side dishes.
Air frying is a great choice for cooking tuna steaks for a quick, fuss-free meal!
Other cooking methods options
Air-frying tuna steak is a healthy way to cook tuna. Besides air frying tuna steak, you can also cook tuna steak using various traditional cooking methods such as grilling and pan-searing. Each method imparts a slightly different flavor and texture.
Pan-Searing: Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any oil with a high smoke point. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the tuna steaks in the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side for rare to medium-rare, or adjust the time based on your desired level of doneness.
Grilling: Preheat the grill to high heat. Brush the tuna steaks with a light layer of oil to prevent sticking. Place the steaks on the grill. Grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side for rare to medium-rare. Once the tuna steaks are cooked, remove them from the heat source. Let the steaks rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Remember that tuna cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked. Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the tuna steaks and the cooking method used.
Storing and reheating air fryer tuna steak
If you have leftover cooked tuna steak, let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Place the tuna in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air. Refrigerated leftover tuna steak should be consumed within 1-2 days to maintain its quality and safety.
While air fryer tuna steak is best enjoyed fresh, if you need to reheat leftover tuna, do so gently to avoid overcooking. You can briefly warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or the microwave at low power.
If you have raw tuna steaks you won't use immediately, you can freeze them. Wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag. Remember to label with the date and use within three months for best quality. Cooked tuna can be frozen, but freezing can affect its texture.
Conclusion
This air fryer tuna steak recipe is easy and perfect for busy weeknights. You can enjoy a delicious air-fried tuna steak meal in no time. Prepare the tuna steaks with your favorite seasonings and mix-ins for different flavors. I hope you enjoyed this post, and let me know what you think by leaving a comment below. Happy air frying!:)
Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)
Ingredients
- 2 tuna steaks about 5 ounces and 1-inch thick each ahi, yellowfin tuna, or bigeye
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- sesame seeds chopped green onions, lemon wedges (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional if you prefer spicy flavor
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and pat both sides dry with a paper towel.
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Marinate the tuna steaks for about 15 minutes, turning them occasionally.
- Preheat your air fryer to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). Once the air fryer is preheated, place the tuna steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there's some space between the steaks to allow for even air circulation.
- Cook the tuna steaks at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. It took me about 10 minutes for a well-done tuna steak. If you prefer medium or medium well, reduce the time accordingly.
- Check the internal temperature of the tuna using a digital meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of around 120-130°F (49-54°C) for rare to medium-rare. Keep in mind that tuna continues to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer due to residual heat.
- Once cooked to your preferred level, carefully remove the tuna steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the tuna steaks against the grain into thin or thick slices. Garnish with roasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Serve the air-fried tuna steaks on a plate with your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply