Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak Recipe
These yellowtail tuna steaks are air-fried to perfection in just 15 minutes, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make dish. Customize the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste preferences for a great way to enjoy a perfect weeknight meal!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tuna Steak Poke Bowl!
It’s so much better than the poke bowls you get out at restaurants!
You can customize the ingredients and toppings.
You can cook the tuna to your desired doneness.
Cooking tuna steaks just takes just a few minutes!
It’s great for a busy weeknight; this super easy meal comes together in 15 minutes.
It’s flavorful and really beautiful!
You get restaurant-quality tuna steak when you cook it in the air fryer!
It’s versatile. You can choose the amount, doneness, toppings, and how spicy the spicy mayo really is depending on your personal taste!
Ingredients
Tuna - My husband used to be a fishing charter captain, so he loves going fishing in his spare time. He just went off the coast of San Diego and caught a lot of yellowtail tuna. They were able to clean the fresh tuna, cut it, and vacuum seal it for us. They shipped it out to us frozen, so we just keep it in the freezer and have it once a week!
Salt - Use a coarse sea salt for maximum flavor.
Black pepper - Use as much or as little as you prefer.
Olive oil - You can swap this for coconut oil, avocado oil, or butter.
Soy sauce - You can use tamari as a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos as a soy-free, gluten-free alternative!
Tips to Get the Best Air Fryer Tuna Steak!
For the best air fryer tuna steaks, preheat the air fryer for 4 minutes while you prepare the tuna; this will ensure you are putting the fish in a hot air fryer to cook!
Don’t overcook the tuna. If you want this medium-rare tuna, take it out sooner than you think. It will continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes as it comes out.
Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing it.
Use good-quality tuna for this tuna steak air fryer recipe!
Cooking Times Based on Preference
Rare: 110-115ºF (about 90 seconds each side)
Medium-rare: 125-130ºF (about 2 minutes each side)
Medium: 135- 145ºF (about 3 minutes each side)
Well-done: over 150ºF (about 5 minutes each side)
How to Thaw Frozen Tuna Steaks
Thaw overnight in the fridge on a plate. It has moisture so if you want to keep things from getting wet, just place it on a plate.
If you need a quicker method, submerge it in a bowl of cold water!
Can You Cook the Tuna Steaks on the Stove?
Yes! It's my husband's go-to way to cook tuna steak; he has truly perfected it.
To do this, just heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s warm, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Allow it to heat up for just a few seconds, and add the seasoned tuna.
Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, then let it rest for 1 minute before slicing!
More Tuna Recipes!
Air Fryer Tuna Steak Ingredients
2 (4 - 6 oz.) raw yellowtail tuna steaks
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Poke Bowl
2 portions of microwavable sticky rice
1 avocado, sliced
1 mango, cubed
1/3 English cucumber, cubed
3 green onion, cut on a bias
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1 lime, cut into wedges
Spicy Mayo
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1-2 teaspoons sriracha
Squeeze of lime
How to Make Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Let the tuna rest at room temperature for a few minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 390F for 4 minutes while you prepare the tuna.
Pat the tuna steaks dry completely with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil and soy sauce, and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides. Rub it in with your fingers or a brush.
Place tuna steaks in the air fryer for 2 minutes, flip them, and cook them for an additional 2 minutes. The total time will depend on your preference. This cooking method will yield a medium-well tuna steak.
Assemble the Poke bowl:
Cook the sticky rice according to the package directions. Place it in a bowl for serving.
Chop the remaining ingredients.
Once the tuna is done, slice it and place it on the rice.
Add the desired toppings like avocado slices, mango and cucumber.
Mix together the spicy mayo by combining mayonnaise, sriracha and lime in a bowl. Mix well to combine. Drizzle that over the bowl.
Finish with a sprinkle of green onions, soy sauce, spicy mayo, and sesame seeds.
Storage
Leftover tuna steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it is best to consume it fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
FAQ
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For that deliciously seared exterior and a tender, juicy center, I recommend setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help you achieve that desirable caramelization on the outside while preserving the moisture and flavor of the tuna inside. Cooking at this temperature will make the outside crisp and flavorful without overcooking the steak.
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The cooking times for tuna steak in an air fryer will vary based on your preferred level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
Rare: Cook for about 90 seconds on each side. The internal temperature should reach 110-115ºF.
Medium-rare: Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should reach 125-130ºF.
Medium: Cook for about 3 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should reach 135-145ºF.
Well done: Cook for about 5 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should be over 150ºF.
Remember not to overcook the tuna. If you prefer your tuna medium rare, take it out of the air fryer a bit earlier than you think, as it will continue to cook for 1-2 minutes after you remove it. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Using a good-quality tuna will ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish.
If you prefer cooking the tuna steaks on the stove, you can heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a teaspoon of olive oil, and cook the seasoned tuna for about 2 minutes on each side. Let it rest for a minute before slicing.
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Marinating tuna steak before air frying it can add a delicious flavor boost to your dish. Before you start marinating, make sure to pat the tuna steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
To make a tasty marinade, you can combine ingredients like soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite herbs and spices for a delicious soy sauce marinade. Place the tuna steak in a shallow dish or Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat all sides of the steak. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
When you're ready to air fry the tuna steak, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry again with a paper towel to remove any excess marinade. Follow the instructions in the previous section to cook the tuna steak in the air fryer, adjusting the cooking time as needed based on your preferred level of doneness.
Marinating the tuna steak not only infuses it with delicious flavors but also helps to keep it moist and tender during the cooking process.
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Lemon pepper: The zesty combination of lemon and black pepper adds a refreshing tanginess to the tuna steak. Sprinkle some classic lemon pepper seasoning on both sides of the steak before air frying for a burst of citrusy goodness.
Garlic and herb: Season tuna steaks with a classic combination of garlic and herbs. Mix garlic powder and dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, for the perfect tuna steaks.
Cajun spice: For those who enjoy a kick of heat and bold flavors, Cajun spice is an excellent choice. The blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices adds a delightful spiciness to the tuna steak.
Asian sesame: Give your air fryer tuna steak Asian-inspired flavors by seasoning it with a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from honey or brown sugar. This flavor profile creates a savory and slightly sweet glaze on the tuna steak.
Mediterranean herb blend: If you're a fan of Mediterranean flavors, try a combination of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and a touch of dried lemon zest. This herb blend will bring out the freshness of the tuna steak and transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.
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It's important to choose a high-quality tuna steak. Look for one that is fresh and has a vibrant color, without any signs of discoloration or dryness.
Marinating the raw tuna before cooking can help keep it moist and add more flavor. Consider using a marinade with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Let the tuna steak marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before air frying.
When it comes to cooking the tuna steak in the air fryer, avoid overcooking it, as it can lead to dryness. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, and then place the marinated tuna steak in the air fryer basket. Cook the tuna steak for a shorter time than you would in other cooking methods, as the air fryer tends to cook food faster.
To retain moisture, refrain from flipping the tuna steak too often. Instead, flip it only once halfway through the cooking process. This will help to lock in the juices and prevent excessive drying.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the tuna steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature of a medium-rare tuna steak should be around 125-130°F (52-55°C). Overcooking can result in a drier texture, so monitoring the temperature closely is essential.
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When it comes to using different types of fish for air fryer cooking, the possibilities are endless for tuna. Whether you prefer steaks, fillets, or even smaller portions like cubes or strips, your air fryer can definitely cook it.
Tuna Steaks: Tuna steaks are a popular choice for air fryer cooking. They are thick cuts of tuna that hold their shape well during the cooking process. Simply season the steaks with your favorite marinade or spices, preheat the air fryer, and then place the steaks in the air fryer basket. Cook them at a high temperature for a short period of time, and you'll end up with perfectly seared and juicy tuna steaks.
Tuna Fillets: If you prefer a more delicate and flaky texture, tuna fillets are a great option for air frying. With their thinner profile, they cook a bit faster than steaks. Season the fillets with herbs, spices, or a flavorful sauce, and place them in the air fryer basket. Set the cooking time accordingly, and you'll have tender and succulent tuna fillets in no time.
Tuna Cubes or Strips: For quicker cooking, you can also use tuna cubes or strips in the air fryer. These smaller portions cook even faster than steaks or fillets. Toss the cubes or strips with your desired seasonings or marinade, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook them until they are crisp and golden on the outside while still tender and moist on the inside.
This air fryer tuna steaks recipe is the best way to enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked tuna steak in just a few minutes. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can customize the dish to your liking, whether you prefer rare, medium-rare, or well-done tuna. Try this recipe for a quick & easy weeknight meal!
Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (4 - 6 oz.) raw yellowtail tuna steaks
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Poke Bowl
- 2 portions of microwavable sticky rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 mango, cubed
- 1/3 English cucumber, cubed
- 3 green onion, cut on a bias
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha
- Squeeze of lime
Instructions
- Let the tuna rest at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F for 4 minutes while you prepare the tuna.
- Pat the tuna steaks dry completely with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil, soy sauce, sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides. Rub it in with your fingers or a brush.
- Place the tuna steaks in the air fryer for 2 minutes, flip them and cook them for an additional 2 minutes. The total time will depend on your preference. This cooking method will yield a medium-well tuna steak.
- Cook the sticky rice according to the package directions. Place it in a bowl for serving.
- Chop the remaining ingredients.
- Once the tuna is done, slice it and place it on the rice.
- Add the desired toppings like avocado slices, mango and cucumber.
- Mix together the spicy mayo by combining mayonnaise, sriracha and lime in a bowl. Mix well to combine. Drizzle that over the bowl.
- Finish with a sprinkle of green onions, soy sauce, spicy mayo and sesame seeds.
I am someone who has a hard time paying $6 for a specialty drink I could (probably) make at home, let alone with more wholesome ingredients. So I had to try it. Troy and I put our minds to the test to come up with a copycat version of this Starbucks, Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso.