Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Air fryer tuna steak is cooked in just 6 minutes at 200°C, so the outside sears while the middle stays pink and tender. Tuna dries out fast, which is why a short, hot cook and a brief rest matter more than any fancy seasoning. A brush of olive oil, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon are all you need for a quick supper.
- Total
- 31 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 9 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 275kcal
Choosing and handling tuna steaks
Look for steaks that are glossy and deep red or pink, with no brown patches or fishy smell. Aim for a thickness of about 2.5cm: thinner steaks overcook before they colour, and much thicker ones need a longer cook.
Tuna is lean, so there is little margin for error. The brief rest at room temperature before cooking and the two minutes after cooking are what keep the steak tender. Never rinse the fish, just pat it dry.
Preparing air fryer tuna steak
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Bring to room temperature Take the tuna out of the fridge before cooking. Pat the steaks dry with kitchen paper, as a dry surface sears better and holds the seasoning.
- Season Stir the olive oil, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over both sides of each steak.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for so the basket is hot when the fish goes in.
- Cook Lay the steaks in the basket in a single layer, with a little space between them. Cook for , turn them over with tongs and cook for more for a seared outside and a pink centre.
- Rest and serve Lift the steaks onto a plate and leave them for , then serve with a squeeze of lemon juice. For medium, add to each side. For well done, cook per side.
What to serve with air fryer tuna steak
Sliced and fanned over a bowl of salad is a good way to serve it, or alongside new potatoes and green beans. A wedge of lemon is the minimum, and a spoonful of capers or salsa verde adds a sharp contrast.
The same method works for beef, so air fryer steak is a good next recipe. If you have tinned tuna in the cupboard, pasta with tuna and capers makes a cheaper midweek supper.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Tuna Steak
- The tuna is dry and grey all the way through.
- It was cooked for too long or the steaks were thin. Steaks under 2cm thick need only 2 minutes per side, so check one early and take it out as soon as the edges turn opaque.
- The seasoning slides off the fish.
- The surface was wet. Pat the steaks completely dry before brushing on the oil, and do not salt them long before cooking, as salt draws out moisture.
- The middle is still cold and raw.
- The steaks went in straight from the fridge or were much thicker than 2.5cm. Let them stand for 15 minutes first, and add 1 minute to each side for steaks of 3cm or more.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Tuna Steak
How long do you cook tuna steak in the air fryer?
Six minutes at 200°C, turned halfway, for steaks 2.5cm thick. That gives a seared outside and a pink centre. Add 1 minute per side for medium.
Can you eat tuna steak pink?
Yes, as long as it is fresh, good-quality fish. Searing the outside deals with the surface, so the middle can stay pink. If you prefer it cooked through, give it 4 minutes per side.
Can you cook tuna steak from frozen in the air fryer?
No. Thaw the steaks fully in the fridge overnight first, then pat them dry. Cooking from frozen leaves the outside overdone before the centre is ready.
What do you serve with tuna steak?
A crisp green salad, new potatoes, steamed green beans or a spoonful of salsa verde all suit it. Keep the sides light, as the fish is the main event.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 76 ratings
