Air Fryer Tuna Steak

5 from 9 votes
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This air fryer tuna steak is a simple and delicious meal. Ahi tuna is marinated in a light sauce and cooked to perfection with the help of an air fryer.

Plate of sliced tuna.


 

In the mood to try something different for dinner? This air fryer tuna steaks recipe is just for you. With a cook time of less than 5 minutes, this dinner comes together quick and easy.

Seafood in the air fryer cooks up fast and is always a hit. Some of our other favorite 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.

Is it safe to eat raw tuna?

Yes, it’s safe to eat tuna rare if it’s a fresh, high quality, sushi-grade fish. Make sure that the tuna is firm to the touch and a bright red or pink color. It’s also not recommended to eat raw tuna when pregnant.

Ingredients needed

This is a simple ahi tuna recipe 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.
Tuna steak, bowl of pepper, onion, juice, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil.

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.
Bowl of marinade and tuna in air fryer.

Recipe Tips

  • 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?

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.

How to Serve

There are many wonderful sides to pair with tuna steak. Here are a few favorites:

How to store

Store leftover tuna steak 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

Can you cook ahi tuna all the way through?

Yes, you can cook ahi tuna all the way through. Keep in mind that the longer you cook the tuna, the dryer it might become.

Do you rinse off tuna steaks before cooking?

Tuna steaks do not need to be rinsed. You can pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.

What temperature do you cook tuna steaks?

We are cooking tuna at 380 degrees F in the air fryer.

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

More easy air fryer recipes

Sliced tuna on a plate.
5 from 9 votes

Ahi Tuna Steak Air Fryer

By Heather Seeley
Air fryer tuna steak has a delicious marinade and can be cooked in less than 5 minutes. A super easy and tasty air fryer meal.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
Total: 18 minutes
Servings: 2

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 2 yellowfin ahi tuna steaks
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Remove tuna from the refrigerator and place on a plate. Pat dry with a paper towel and set aside.
  • Whisk lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, green onion, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
  • Place tuna in a sealable bag.
  • Pour marinade in bag and seal. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  • Preheat air fryer at 380 degrees for 4-5 minutes.
  • Place tuna steaks in air fryer basket and season with ground black pepper.
  • Cook at 380 degrees F for 3 minutes. Check the internal temperature to get your desired doneness.
  • Carefully remove from the basket. Let the tuna rest for 4-5 minutes. Slice into thin strips and serve.

Video

Notes

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
Medium-Rare: 125-130 degrees F
Medium: 135-145 degrees F
Well-done: 150 degrees F
  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 1072mg | Potassium: 482mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3718IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
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