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The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » 30-Minute Meals

2 minute Air Fryer Tuna Steak

Dec 7, 2021 · Last updated: Apr 16, 2025 by Julia · 3 Comments · this post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe
air fryer tuna steak on a bed of cauliflower puree and tomato salsa pinterest

These air fryer tuna steak slices are marinated in dark sauce, then perfectly seared in an air fryer until medium-rare, have a smoky flavor, and simply just melt in your mouth.

For more seafood recipes try my air fryer salmon, chimichurri steak, foolproof seared tuna tacos, or tasty baked trout.

Tuna Steak Video

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Ingredients

  • Ahi Tuna (yellowfin tuna) - you can use fresh or frozen tuna. If frozen, thaw tuna in cold water until soft. Place it in a zip lock bag submerged in water, changing it every 20-30 minutes to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid warm water to prevent rapid bacteria multiplication.
  • Sweetener - I prefer maple or agave syrup here over honey for their milder taste, but all options work in the marinade.
  • Lime juice - fresh is always best. Other alternatives are lemon or orange juice.
  • Garlic powder - always freshly minced.
  • Olive oil - helps to combine the marinade ingredients; slight separation is okay. Stir well before adding the ahi tuna steak. Sesame oil is my another favorite for fish marinades.
  • Sesame seeds for serving (optional).

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

Tuna steak is best served medium rare, quickly seared over high heat. If you prefer, cook it to medium, but avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Sushi-grade tuna is considered the highest quality and safe for raw consumption, though ‘’sushi grade’’ isn't an official designation.

How To Make Tuna Steak In Air Fryer

I used a large tuna steak (about 11 ounces) slice from the fish market and cut it in half.

STEP 1: Add all the marinade ingredients except salt and pepper to a large bowl or zip-lock bag.

Add tuna steaks and make sure they are coated nicely.

Leave to marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Reserve the marinade for later.

STEP 2: Preheat the air fryer to 370 Fahrenheit according to manufacturer directions (mine is for 4 minutes). My Air Fryer is Cosori 5.8 quart.

I like to add pepper to the steak before air frying but the correct way is to season with salt and pepper after slicing.

STEP 3: Add the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket and air fry for 2 minutes on each side or until desired doneness.

If uncertain about overcooking, cook for just 1 minute (ensure the air fryer is preheated!).

STEP 4: Meanwhile, reheat the marinade (sauce) in a small saucepot over medium heat. Reduce it slightly and use it as a sauce on top!

Transfer to a paper towel to remove the excess liquid, rest for 1-3 minutes and serve immediately.

Cooking Temperatures

Rare: 110-115ºF (1 minute and 30 seconds per side)
Medium-rare:
125-130ºF (2-3 minutes per side)
Medium:
135- 145ºF (4 minutes per side)
Well-done:
over 150ºF (6+ minutes per side)

How To Cook Seared Tuna Steak In Skillet

For a 4-6 ounce, 1 ½ inch thick tuna steak:

  • Heat a nonstick skillet with oil over medium heat.
  • Sear the tuna for 1 ½ minutes on each side until medium-rare (or until a thermometer reads 118-120 Fahrenheit at the center after resting).
  • Let it rest for 1-2 minutes on a plate before slicing evenly.
  • Season with sea salt and black pepper.

Note: Different burners yield varying results, so use your discretion and aim to avoid overcooking the tuna steak.

If the sliced tuna appears too raw, briefly cook it in the hot pan for a minute. However, once overcooked, there's no remedy.

How To Serve Air Fryer Tuna Steak

Asian-style cooked noodles or rice are always a great choice (in my humble opinion)!

  • Mango Habanero Salsa
  • Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico De Gallo)
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Cream Cheese
  • Braised Cabbage
  • Oriental Coleslaw
  • Fried Rice

Tips

  • I use Cosori 5.8-quart Air Fryer. Although it is a bit big, it perfectly fits two ahi tuna steaks. It comes with a digital screen and a free book with plenty of air fryer recipes.
  • If you are not comfortable eating tuna medium rare, you can follow the FDA recommendation and cook it until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Tuna color - raw tuna varies in color, so be mindful and research it upfront.
  • Buy tuna from a reputable seafood seller or restaurant that is knowledgeable about seafood handling. Keep fish cold or frozen and prevent cross-contamination. Remember to wash your hands before and after handling uncooked tuna.

Storing Leftover Tuna

Properly sealed, this ahi tuna steak will keep in the fridge for 2 days.

I wouldn't leave it to consume the next day but if you need to, refrigerate it and reheat it in the oven at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit on a baking sheet or baking dish until just warm.

Easy Air Fryer Recipes

  • air fryer cauliflower in small metal serving dish
    Air Fryer Cauliflower
  • air fryer brussel sprouts with bacon and parmesan on a plate with chipotle aioli sauce
    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
  • air fryer tilapia with pesto in a plate with cherry tomatoes and parmesan
    Air Fryer Tilapia With Pesto
  • cooked air fryer zucchini slices on a bowl with red dipping sauce bowl.
    Air Fryer Breaded Zucchini Chips

Air Fryer recipe index HERE.

Did You Like This Recipe?

Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Recipe Card

air fryer tuna steak on a bed of cauliflower puree and tomato salsa

Air Fryer Tuna Steak Recipe

Julia
These air fryer tuna steak slices are marinated in dark sauce, then perfectly seared in an air fryer until medium-rare, have a smoky flavor, and simply just melt in your mouth.
5 from 1 vote
Print SaveSaved! Pin
Prep Time 3 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 minutes mins
Marinating 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 79 kcal

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INGREDIENTS
  

Ahi Tuna

  • 2 6-8 ounces tuna steaks, thawed or fresh

Ahi Tuna Steak Marinade

  • 3 ½ tablespoon soy sauce, low sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoon lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon olive oil

For Serving (optional)

  • Fresh Tomato Salsa, see notes
  • Mashed Potato and Cauliflower Puree, see notes
  • More olive oil or cooked/reduced (same) marinade for drizzling on top
  • Sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • I used a large tuna steak (about 11 ounces) slice from the fish market and cut it in half.
  • In a large bowl or zip lock bag add all the marinade ingredients except salt/pepper. Add tuna steaks and make sure they are coated nicely.
  • Leave to marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes. Reserve the marinade for later.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 370 Fahrenheit according to manufacturer directions (mine is for 4 minutes). My Air Fryer is Cosori 5.8 quart. I like to add pepper to the steak before air frying but the correct way is to season with salt and pepper after slicing.
  • Add the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket and air fry for 2 minutes on each side or until desired doneness. If uncertain about overcooking, cook for just 1 minute (ensure the air fryer is preheated!).
  • Meanwhile, reheat the marinade (sauce) in a small saucepot over medium heat. Reduce it slightly and use it as a sauce on top!
  • Transfer to a paper towel to remove the excess liquid, rest for 1-3 minutes and serve immediately.

VIDEO

NOTES

Properly sealed, this ahi tuna steak will keep in the fridge for 2 days.
Skillet instructions:
  • Heat a nonstick skillet with oil over medium heat.
  • Sear the tuna for 1 ½ minutes on each side until medium-rare (or until a thermometer reads 118-120 Fahrenheit at the center after resting).
  • Let it rest for 1-2 minutes on a plate before slicing evenly.
  • Season with sea salt and black pepper.
A quick guide to tuna steak doneness:
  • Rare: 110-115ºF (1 minute and 30 seconds per side)
  • Medium-rare: 125-130ºF (2-3 minutes per side)
  • Medium: 135- 145ºF (4 minutes per side)
  • Well-done: over 150ºF (6+ minutes per side)

ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES

Click here to add your own private notes.

NUTRITION

Calories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 1763mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 24IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?@theyummy_bowl and tag #theyummy_bowl! Thank you!

FAQs

How can you tell if ahi tuna is sushi grade?

Ahi tuna typically has a grade label, with Grade #1 being the highest quality. This indicates that the fish was handled properly and frozen immediately after catching.

In summary, the safest raw-consumption options are tuna and farmed salmon.

Can you eat raw ahi tuna the next day?

Consume defrosted and prepared raw ahi tuna on the same day for best results.

If handled properly, eating within 1-2 days can be safe. After preparation, store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower for 1-2 days.

Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. david razowsky

    November 27, 2023 at 6:10 pm

    I see sesame seeds in the picture but not in the recipe.

    Reply
    • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      November 29, 2023 at 8:50 am

      sesame seeds are optional and are for serving purposes.

      Reply
  2. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

    December 24, 2021 at 11:11 pm

    5 stars
    Melt in your mouth tuna!

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

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the yummy bowl julia author

I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for busy people. Whether you're craving something deliciously healthy or a bit indulgent, you'll discover a variety of satisfying and comforting dishes here.

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