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Air Fryer Tuna Steak

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Perfectly seared ahi tuna steaks with a light crust on the outside and a vibrant pink center, cooked in the air fryer in just 6 minutes total.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ahi tuna steaks, 6–8 oz each, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce or teriyaki glaze
  • For serving:
  • Sesame seeds, sliced green onions, sliced avocado, steamed rice, soy sauce, wasabi, brined ginger

Instructions

  1. Pat the tuna steaks dry. Rub both sides with olive oil or sesame oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If using a soy-based glaze, brush it on now. Optional: press steaks into a shallow dish of sesame seeds for a crust.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket.
  3. Place tuna steaks in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
  4. For rare to medium-rare: cook for 4 minutes total, flipping halfway. For medium: cook 6 minutes, flipping halfway. For fully cooked: cook 8 minutes, flipping halfway (internal temp 145°F).
  5. Rest tuna steaks for 2–3 minutes. Slice against the grain into ½-inch slices and serve with desired accompaniments.

Notes

Preheat thoroughly — starting in a hot air fryer creates a better sear immediately.

Watch the time closely: tuna goes from perfect to overcooked in about 60–90 seconds. Check at the early end of the range.

Use a thermometer for precision: 115–120°F = rare, 125–130°F = medium-rare, 135°F = medium, 145°F = fully cooked.

For an Asian-leaning profile, use sesame oil instead of olive oil.

Quick Ponzu Sauce: mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh citrus juice, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ¼ teaspoon grated ginger. Drizzle over sliced tuna before serving.

Find it online: https://airfrycentral.com/air-fryer-tuna-steak-sear-without-a-pan/