This air fryer tuna steak recipe is perfect for a restaurant-quality meal that involves barely any work, thanks to the magic of cooking with an air fryer! With a sweet heat ginger soy marinade, this easy tuna steak recipe is perfect for when you are craving a little flavor thrill. For best results, marinade the tuna steaks for 1 hour before air frying for 10 minutes
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As much as I love to grill tuna steak, sometimes I want a quick and easy meal that doesn’t involve firing up the grill or going outdoors.
This Air Fryer Ahi Tuna is the recipe I turn to on those occasions.
You get all the flavor of grilled tuna with the ease of your air fryer.
Make it once, and these ginger soy tuna steaks are sure to become one of your favorite air fryer dinner recipes.
Looking for more easy air fryer recipe ideas? Don't miss this air fryer chicken breast and air fryer turkey breast. For even more inspiration, check out my air fryer cookbook.
Ingredient Talk
I used a one-pound ahi tuna loin for this, but yellowtail works just as well.
For cooking, stick with avocado or regular olive oil. I skip extra-virgin for anything over 350°F, since it can sometimes start smoking around 375°F.
If you are gluten-free, tamari or coconut aminos are good substitutes for soy sauce. I’ve tested this with both and was pleased with the outcome.
I used traditional brown sugar, but a brown sugar substitute like Swerve works if you want it sugar-free. Honey or maple syrup are good swaps, too.
I’ve tested this with a little garlic powder and thyme in the marinade, and they were nice additions.
Choosing Tuna Steaks
First, consider the size of the steaks. Tuna steaks can vary widely in size, so it's important to choose steaks that will fit comfortably on your air fryer.
Second, think about how you want your tuna cooked. Tuna is best when it's served rare or medium-rare, so you'll want to choose steaks that are at least an inch thick.
Finally, take a look at the color of the tuna. The meat should be pinkish-red in color, with a good shine. Avoid tuna that looks dull or gray, as this is a sign that the fish is past its prime.
Serving Suggestions
This main course recipe is perfect for serving with simple side dishes. Some great ideas include Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, Green Beans with Bacon, Air Fryer Asparagus, and Instant Pot Carrots.
Tools Needed to Make Air Fried Tuna Steaks
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- Shallow Dish
- Mason Jar or Bowl
- Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Liners with Holes (optional; but recommended)
- Instant Read Thermometer
Storage
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
How to Cook Tuna Steak in an Air Fryer
See recipe card for quantities.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade and pour the remaining marinade over the raw tuna steaks.
After that, turn or brush to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
To Cook
Preheat your air fryer to 375° F.
Next, remove the tuna steaks from the marinade and place tuna steaks in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
Cook for 4 to 6 minute, or to desired doneness. (Use an instant-read thermometer to determine that the internal temperature is to your liking.)
Remove the steaks from the air fryer and allow to rest.
Finally, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice if desired.
Enjoy this easy tuna steak recipe immediately!
Determining Doneness
According to the FDA, the center of your steaks should reach at least an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The best way to determine this is with an instant read thermometer.
If you wish to cook to medium-rare, which is what chefs recommend, the internal temperature you are shooting for is 125° F. The temperature will continue to rise as it rests, to reach 130°F.
Air Fryer Tuna Steaks with Ginger-Soy Marinade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound tuna steak
- ½ cup avocado or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten free Tamari
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- For serving:sesame seeds chopped green onions, lime wedges
Instructions
- Pat the tuna steaks dry and place in a shallow dish.
- In a mixing bowl or mason jar, combine the avocado oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, red chili flakes, salt and pepper.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade. Pour the remaining marinade over the steaks and turn to coat.
- Refrigerate for one hour.
- Heat your air fryer to 375 ° F.
- Remove the fish from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to to drip off.
- Place it in your preheated air fryer.
- Cook the fish for 4 to 6 minutes for medium-rare, or to desired temperature. (Actual cooking time will depend on the desired internal temperature and the size and thickness of the fish.)
- Remove from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle with some of the remaining sauce and top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve with lime wedges and additional sauce.
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