Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
Air-fryers are known to cook just about everything and fish is no exception. There are plenty of options to choose from: salmon steaks, delicious shrimp, and even tuna steaks!
This is the easiest and healthiest way to prepare your tuna for your next lunch or dinner.
Types Of Tuna And Which To Use
Contrary to popular belief, tuna are not a single species, but an entire group of fish containing over a dozen different subspecies of fish.
However, out of all the types of tuna in the sea, only five make for a regular food option, at least in our part of the world. These are albacore, bigeye, blue fin, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna.
Each of these tunas brings a different texture taste, texture, and color to the table. Thanks to these characteristics, each type of tuna is suited for a certain type of meal, like salads, while others are perfect for steaks and sushi.
- Skipjack tuna – When you buy canned tuna, you are probably getting this variety. In fact, over 70% of the US canned tuna market comes from skipjacks. The skipjack meat is tender and perfect for canning, as it can be broken into small pieces.
- Albacore tuna – This is the second most canned variety of tuna in the U.S market. Albacore tuna boasts a light, flesh, and very mild flavor. It comes in larger chunks in comparison to skipjacks and is usually a pricier version.
- Yellowfin tuna – This tuna is characterized by a pale pink color and mild flavor. Yellowfin tuna is the most versatile tuna. You can find this in cans, as steak, and in sushi. Yellowfin tuna is popular for many reasons but the two most important are:
- It is cheaper than bluefin tuna, but it still offers plenty of value for the money.
- Yellowfin tuna is a lot leaner than bluefin, and has a much milder taste.
- Bigeye tuna – Large and stout, bigeye tuna boast bright and firm meat, with loads of flavor. This tuna is a great option for people who prefer fatty, flavorful fish, but do not want to spend too much money. That is not say that bigeye are cheap; a good piece of bigeye sashimi can go over $20.
- Bluefin tuna – The bluefin tuna is known as king of the tuna family, and rightfully so. Thanks to a number of attributes, bluefin boast a richness of flavor you just will not find in another fish. Bluefin tuna is most exclusively found in the form of sashimi. A single piece of this tuna can cost from $20-200.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- It is quick – The tuna steaks only require a short marinade and cook so quickly in the air fryer. You will have your lunch or dinner in less than 30 minutes!
- It is flavorful – The marinade is very simple, but regardless, it gives plenty of flavor.
- It is easy – The recipe is so straightforward, but results are delicious. Just marinate the tuna and let the air fryer do the rest. This is a super easy meal but a great option if you want to impress.
How Long To Cook Tuna
The thing I love about the air fryer is that it’s so easy to cook your food exactly to your desired doneness.
Some like their tuna on the rarer side, and that takes around 5 minutes. If you like yours well done, then air-fry the tuna for 10 minutes.
Is It Safe To Eat Raw Tuna?
You have probably heard about ahi tuna and noticed that this type of tuna is eaten raw.
The name “ahi” is Hawaiian and basically refers to yellowfin tuna. So it is not some type of extra specialty tuna, just yellowfin.
Ahi tuna is commonly used in sushi, so it is completely safe to eat raw, in moderation.
If you want to have your tuna on the rarer side, you can eat it without any fear. Rarer tuna has an interesting, almost buttery texture that many people appreciate.
Can I Use Frozen Fish?
When it comes to fish and seafood in general, it is best to use fresh ingredients. The frozen fish and seafood can absorb a lot of water. Still, if properly treated, the frozen tuna can be used too.
Thaw the tuna in a fridge, overnight, and make sure you pat it dry with paper towels before marinating.
If your tuna is not well dried with paper towels, the water will affect your cooking so you will end up with something more similar to steamed than fried tuna.
Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Yield: 2 steaks
Ingredients
- 2 4oz tuna steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To serve with:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
1. To make the tuna, preheat air-fryer at 370°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow dish, combine lemon juice, and olive oil. Add tuna steaks and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
3. Let the tuna rest in marinade for 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket and fry at 370°F, 6 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
Different cooking times:
- Rare – 110-115°F for 1 ½ minutes per side
- Medium rare – 125-130°F for 2 minutes per side
- Medium – 135-145°F for 4 minutes per side
- Well done – over 150°F for 6 minutes per side
Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
These air fryer tuna steaks are as easy to make as they are delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 4oz tuna steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To serve with:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
To make the tuna, preheat air-fryer at 370°F for 5 minutes.
In a shallow dish, combine lemon juice, and olive oil. Add tuna steaks and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Let the tuna rest in marinade for 10 minutes.
Transfer the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket and fry at 370°F, 6 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
Notes
Different cooking times:
- Rare - 110-115°F for 1 ½ minutes per side
- Medium rare - 125-130°F for 2 minutes per side
- Medium - 135-145°F for 4 minutes per side
- Well done - over 150°F for 6 minutes per side
