Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal? These air fryer tuna steaks are it! With only a few ingredients, you’ll have perfectly seared tuna steaks basted in a sweet, savory Asian-inspired sauce.
The air fryer gives the tuna steaks a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside rare and tender. And the sauce – a blend of honey, coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, vinegar, oils, and spices – adds the most incredible caramelized glaze. Each bite literally melts in your mouth!
Served over rice or greens, these tuna steaks make for a fast and easy dinner the whole family will love. Read on for the simple prep and cooking steps. I promise, this will become your new go-to weeknight recipe!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast Fusion Flavors- This recipe brilliantly fuses Asian and Hawaiian flavors to create a sauce that perfectly complements the fresh tuna. The garlic, ginger, sesame oil, coconut aminos, and honey blend together for a sweet, salty, and savory combination you’re bound to love.
Insanely Easy to Make- From start to finish, you can have these mouthwatering tuna steaks on the table in under an hour. Simply whip up the easy sauce, let it marinade, then air fry for a few minutes per side right in your countertop convection oven. Dinner made simple!
Air Fryer Magic- The hot air circulates around the tuna steak evenly cooking it while keeping it tender and moist inside. And unlike pan frying or baking, the excess oils drip away leading to a healthier meal that’s lower in fat and calories.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this tuna steak air fryer recipe you will need:
For The Fish
- 2 Tuna Steaks
For The Sauce
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Coconut Aminos
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1″ Ginger (minced)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
👨🍳 How To Make
To make the perfect air fryer tuna steaks you will need:
Step 1
Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a medium bowl.
Step 2
Place the tuna steaks inside the bowl and cover them with the sauce. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 3
Preheat the air fryer to 390F (200C). Place the tuna steaks in the basket, and air fry for 3 minutes on each side. That’s it! Enjoy these tasty air fryer tuna steaks!
💡Tips
1. Marinate Overnight
While the recipe says 30 minutes for marinating, letting the tuna steaks soak up all that delicious flavorful sauce overnight in the refrigerator is even better.
The longer marinade time allows the ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and other ingredients to really permeate the meat. Just be sure to bring the fish back to room temperature before cooking.
2. Choose Fresh Tuna
When selecting tuna to make this recipe, it’s important to start with the freshest fish possible. Look for tuna steaks that are bright reddish-pink in color with a fresh sea smell.
Dull or brownish tuna is old and will not taste as good. Getting sushi-grade or restaurant-quality tuna, if available, ensures you’ll have the best tasting air fried tuna steaks.
3. Check Internal Temperature
While the recipe lists a cook time, using an instant read thermometer is the best way to gauge doneness. Air fry the tuna to an internal temperature of 110-125°F to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of rareness. Remember, tuna is best when still a little rare in the center.
4. Perfecting the Marinade
The marinade in this recipe is crucial for imparting flavor to the tuna. When combining the ingredients, ensure that the honey is fully dissolved into the mixture for an even distribution of sweetness.
Fresh garlic and ginger are preferred over their powdered counterparts for a more vibrant flavor. It’s essential to mince these ingredients finely to maximize their taste and ensure they adhere well to the fish.
Also, consider the salt content of the coconut aminos when adding additional salt. For an extra twist, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lime juice to the marinade for some added zing.
5. Let Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, it’s tempting to serve the tuna steaks immediately, but letting them rest for a few minutes can make a significant difference. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful.
A resting period of 3-5 minutes should suffice. During this time, you can prepare a simple side dish or garnish, such as a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables, to complement the rich flavors of the tuna.
Variations
Here are 6 delicious variations on the air fried tuna steak recipe:
1. Asian-Glazed: For a sweet and tangy explosion, replace the coconut aminos with soy sauce and add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce. Brush the glaze onto the tuna during the last minute of air frying for a sticky caramelization. Serve with fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
2. Lemon-Herb Fiesta: Ditch the coconut and ginger for a Mediterranean vibe. Swap the aminos for lemon juice, add a handful of chopped fresh parsley and oregano to the sauce, and toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes and crusty bread to mop up the flavorful juices.
3. Sesame Crusted Delight: Coat the tuna steaks in a mixture of toasted sesame seeds, panko breadcrumbs, and a pinch of cayenne pepper before air frying. This crispy crust adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender fish. Pair it with a dipping sauce made from equal parts soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for an extra punch.
4. Cajun Spice Up: Turn up the heat with a smoky Cajun twist! Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the sauce and sprinkle the tuna with paprika before air frying. Serve over a bed of spicy black bean and corn salad for a Tex-Mex feast.
5. Greek Island Escape: Replace the vinegar with red wine vinegar, add chopped kalamata olives and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce, and sprinkle the tuna with dried oregano before air frying. Serve with grilled zucchini slices and a dollop of creamy feta cheese.
6. Tropical Paradise: Embrace the sweetness of Hawaii with a pineapple teriyaki glaze. Blend half a cup of pineapple chunks with the coconut aminos, garlic, and vinegar for a fruity twist. Marinate the tuna for an hour for maximum flavor, then air fry as usual. Serve with grilled pineapple slices and coconut rice for a tropical treat.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, place the cooked tuna steaks in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer freezer storage, wrap the raw tuna steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, ensuring no air remains inside. Place in freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Side Dish Ideas
1. Coconut Basmati Rice: This fluffy, aromatic rice base cradles the tuna steak like a warm hug. The subtle sweetness of coconut milk complements the honey in the marinade, while the basmati’s delicate floral notes add a touch of elegance.
2. Sesame Miso Slaw: This crunchy, tangy slaw offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fish. Thinly shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed in a creamy sesame-miso dressing, bursting with bright flavors and textures.
3. Grilled Pineapple Skewers: This tropical duo is a match made in culinary heaven. Chunks of juicy pineapple caramelize slightly on the grill, bringing out their natural sweetness and balancing the savory marinade on the tuna.
4. Edamame Salad with Avocado and Mint: This light and healthy salad keeps the focus on the star of the show – the tuna. Steamed edamame adds a satisfying protein boost, while creamy avocado and refreshing mint offer pops of contrasting textures and flavors.
5. Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries: Who can resist crispy, golden fries? These sweet potato fries, air-fried for a healthier twist, offer a satisfying contrast to the tuna’s delicate texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen tuna steaks instead of fresh?
It’s best to thaw frozen tuna steaks completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking. But yes, you can use thawed, previously frozen tuna in this recipe with good results.
2. Do I really need to marinate the tuna or can I skip that step?
Marinating is very important for flavor and moisture! The marinade also helps create a nice sear on the outside of the tuna while keeping the inside moist. So we don’t recommend skipping this step.
3. What’s the best way to avoid the tuna steaks sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil before adding the tuna steaks. Using a non-stick air fryer basket can also help prevent sticking. And don’t move the tuna steaks around during cooking.
4. What sides go well with air fryer tuna steak?
Some delicious sides to serve with the tuna steaks are brown rice, veggies like asparagus or brussel sprouts, a fresh green salad, couscous or quinoa, roasted potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Why Tuna is a Healthy and Nutritious Fish
Tuna is widely considered one of the healthiest fish you can eat. Here are some of the main reasons why tuna is so nutritious:
High in Protein – A 3 ounce serving of tuna contains about 25 grams of protein. This high-quality protein helps build muscle, repair tissues, and keep you feeling full for longer.
Low in Calories – Despite being high in protein, tuna is surprisingly low in calories. A 3 ounce portion only contains around 110 calories. This makes it a great food option if you’re trying to lose weight.
Rich in Omega-3s – Tuna is an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA. These important fats have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and help lower triglycerides.
Contains Vitamins and Minerals – In addition to protein and healthy fats, tuna contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Notably high amounts of niacin, vitamin B12, selenium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.
May Reduce Heart Disease Risk – Eating fatty fish like tuna on a regular basis has been linked with lower rates of cardiovascular disease in numerous studies. The combination of omega-3s and other nutrients is likely responsible.
Air Fried Tuna is Healthy and Delicious
While tuna is tasty when cooked in oil, choosing to air fry it makes it even healthier. Air frying uses circulating hot air to cook foods, rather than submerging them in oil. This cooking method provides many benefits:
Lower in Total Fat and Calories – Fried tuna coatings absorb less oil, meaning more calories from fat can be avoided. The calorie count can be nearly 50% less compared to deep frying.
Retains Nutrients Better – Cooking tuna at a high heat for too long can damage the quality of the proteins and omega-3s. Air frying is gentler, retaining more vitamins and minerals.
Quick and Easy for Weeknights – With minimal prep and a short cook time, air fried tuna can be on the dinner table fast. Air frying also avoids the smell and mess of using oil.
That’s it – these air fryer tuna steaks are easy to make and packed with delicious flavor from the tasty marinade. The air fryer cooks the tuna steaks quickly to perfection.
Be sure to check the website for more great recipes you can make in your air fryer. Have you tried cooking tuna or other fish in your air fryer? Share your experience in the comments! I’m always looking for new recipe ideas to test out.
Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
- 2 Tuna Steaks
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Coconut Aminos
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1″ Ginger (minced)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a medium bowl.
- Place the tuna steaks inside the bowl and cover them with the sauce. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390F (200C). Place the tuna steaks in the basket, and air fry for 3 minutes on each side. That’s it! Enjoy these tasty air fryer tuna steaks!
