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 flavor-packed dish 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 ahi 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.
Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Tuna Steaks
- Tuna Steak: I used a one-pound ahi tuna loin steak. Use Yellowtail tuna if you like.
- Oil: Use avocado or olive oil. I don’t recommend extra virgin olive oil for cooking
- Soy Sauce: You can use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way - be careful not to overdo the sesame oil.
- Brown Sugar: I used traditional brown sugar, but Swerve brown sugar substitute would work to keep this recipe sugar-free. Honey or maple syrup would also work in this recipe.
- Ginger: Ginger adds a surprising amount of heat. Adjust the amount you use to your personal preference.
- Seasonings: Red chili flakes, salt, and pepper round out the tuna steak marinade for the perfect flavor. You could also use garlic powder or time.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can!
Marinating adds to the flavor, but you could always sprinkle the seasonings directly on the tuna steaks, and then air fry them.
If you are short on time and still want all the marinade's flavor, try marinating at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Ahi Tuna is also known as yellowfin tuna or bigeye tuna. Ahi tuna is a migratory fish, meaning that it travels long distances in the ocean. It is often found in tropical and subtropical waters.
Ahi tuna has a dark blue back and silver sides. It is often served raw sashimi or sushi.
It can also be seared, grilled, or roasted. Ahi tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Many people love the flavor and texture of tuna, whether it's served in sushi rolls or as a simple salad topping. However, there have been some concerns about the safety of eating raw tuna.
Some experts maintain that raw tuna can be contaminated with harmful bacteria like E. coli, which puts people at risk for food poisoning.
Others argue that proper preparation techniques and ensuring you have a quality fish can help to minimize these risks.
For example, by ensuring that tuna is frozen to the correct temperature first or blending it with other ingredients that have strong disinfecting properties, we can reduce the risk of getting sick from raw tuna.
There may be some risks, but many people can enjoy it raw.
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 healthy shine. Avoid tuna that looks dull or gray, as this is a sign that the fish is past its prime.
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.
How to Cook Tuna Steak in an Air Fryer
See recipe card for quantities.
First, start by patting your tuna steaks dry with a paper towel and placing them in a shallow dish.
Make the Tuna Steak Marinade
Next, make the tuna steak marinade by combining the avocado oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a medium to large bowl and whisking them together.
Alternatively, you can place the fish marinade ingredients in a mason jar and shake to combine.
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!
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
- Do you love chicken thighs but hate the mess they make when frying? Well, say goodbye to the messy fryer and hello to your new best friend – the air fryer! In just minutes of hands on time, you can have crispy, delicious air fryer chicken thighs.
- It's hard to believe that something as simple as a pizza pocket could be so delicious, but air fryer pizza pockets are definitely a crowd pleaser. This easy recipe only requires a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
- Looking for a delicious and easy way to enjoy asparagus? Then you'll love this air fryer asparagus recipe! It's simple to prepare and takes just minutes to cook.
- Chicken wings are a classic party food. Air fryer chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and much easier to make than traditional chicken wings.
Air Fryer Tuna Steaks (Fast & Easy!)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
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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