My air fryer tuna steak recipe is a simple and delicious meal. Ahi tuna is marinated in a light sauce and cooked to perfection. This recipe will rival your local restaurant and it’s so easy to make at home.

My favorite air fryer tuna recipe

My air fryer ahi tuna recipe was developed because my husband LOVES ahi steak. He typically grills it but we wanted to try a cooking method that didn’t involve firing up the grill outside.

After some experimenting, we found the perfect temperature and cook time to get the fish just right and now it has become a regular on our menu rotation.

Some of our other favorite air fryer seafood recipes are air fryer crab cakes, popcorn shrimp, shrimp and sausage and of course fish sticks.

What is Ahi Tuna?

Ahi tuna, or yellowfin, is a lean, white fish that is often used for sushi. Ahi has a mild flavor and is full of protein and nutrients.

Tuna steak is different from the canned tuna you use for tuna salad. They are available in a meaty raw “steak” form that holds together well unlike many flakey fish. It’s typically seared on the outside and cooked rare or medium-rare on the inside leaving it that beautiful red color.

Ahi tuna can typically be found in the seafood section at most grocery stores. We were even able to find it at Costco.

Ingredients needed for air fryer tuna steak

This is a simple with an easy marinade. You could also leave off the marinade and simply season with a little salt and pepper.

• Ahi tuna steak – These can also be called yellowtail tuna. Pick sashimi grade tuna if possible. You can use fresh tuna steaks or frozen for this recipe.
• Lime juice – Adds a brightness to the flavor and a little acidity.
• Soy sauce – Soy sauce brings in a touch of salt to the marinade.
• Sesame oil – Adds a rich depth of flavor to the tuna.
• Garlic – One clove of minced garlic is all you need. You could replace with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Green onions – Not totally necessary but I find it adds some color and freshness.
• Black pepper – This is used to season the fish right before it cooks.
• Air fryer – I used a Cosori 5.8 qt for this recipe. You can read my full review of this machine to see if it might be a good fit for your family.

How to cook air fryer tuna steak

No need to be intimidated by cooking fish at home. You won’t believe how simple it is to cook seared tuna steak in the air fryer. ***Don’t want to use a marinade? Keep reading to find out how.

1. Remove tuna from the refrigerator and place on a plate. Pat dry with a paper towel and set aside.
2. Mix together the lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and green onion in a small bowl.
3. Carefully add tuna steaks to a sealable. Pour in the marinade mixture and seal the bag. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Preheat the air fryer 4-5. This will make the basket hot and help to sear the tuna.
5. Place the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380 degrees for 3-4 minutes. ***The amount of cook time will depend on how done you like your ahi steak.
6. Carefully remove from basket. Let rest for 3-4 minutes, slice and serve. ***Optional, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips for the best air fryer ahi tuna

• Don’t let the tuna sit too long in the marinade. The marinade can actually start to “cook” the tuna. About 15 minutes is perfect.
• Make sure to preheat the air fryer. This will help you get a little sear.
• When slicing, cut against the grain with a sharp knife. Try and slice about 1/4-inch thick slices.

How long does it take to cook tuna steaks in the air fryer?

Typically yellowfin tuna is cooked rare or medium-rare so that it doesn’t dry out. These cook times are approximate keeping in mind each air fryer cooks a little different. The pictures and video show a total cook time of 3 minutes at 380 degrees F.

• Rare: 110-115 degrees F (2 minutes)
• Medium-Rare: 125-130 degrees F (3-4 minutes)
• Medium: 135-145 degrees F (4-5 minutes)
• Well-done: 150 degrees F (5 minutes)

Do I have to marinate the fish?

You do not need a marinade to make this recipe.

1. Preheat air fryer for 4-5 minutes.
2. Lightly brush top and bottom of tuna steak with olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Use the recipe cook times and cook according to the recipe.

Air fry tuna steak from frozen

No time to thaw, no problem. Frozen tuna steaks can also be cooked in the air fryer. Place the frozen tuna in the basket and cook at 380 degrees F for 6-8 minutes.

How to thaw frozen fish

If you buy your ahi steaks frozen and you want to thaw them out before cooking, place them on a plate in the refrigerator overnight-24 hours before cooking.

What to serve with air fryer tuna steaks

There are many wonderful sides that go with this fish. Here are a few favorites:

• Vegetables: Corn, roasted vegetables, zucchini
• Rice: White, brown or seasoned rice
• Potatoes: Baked potato, sweet potato slices, roasted potatoes
• Dipping sauce: Soy sauce, boom boom sauce, sriracha mayonnaise

How to store leftover tuna steak

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 1 day in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees F. You can also reheat on the stove.

Tuna Steak in Air Fryer FAQs

Looking for more tuna recipes? Be sure to check out this list of 14 ahi tuna recipes.

More easy air fryer recipes

• Air fryer ribeye
• Air fryer pork loin
• Air fryer whole chicken
• Air fryer meatloaf