Tuna Steak in the Air Fryer
Juicy tuna steak with a crisp surface and pink centre, ready in under 20 minutes in the air fryer. A quick and elegant dish that brings a classic Mediterranean twist to a light lunch.
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 Brush
Ingredients
- 4 pcs tuna steaks (150 g each) Ideally sushi-grade
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic Finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest From an unwaxed lemon
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground
1 tbsp fresh thyme Or 1 tsp dried
0.5 pcs lemon In wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Take the 4 pcs tuna steaks (150 g each) out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking so they reach room temperature. Pat them dry with kitchen paper.
- Mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper and 1 tbsp fresh thyme together in a small bowl to make a quick marinade.
- Brush the marinade thoroughly over both sides of the tuna steaks, and let them rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
Cooking in the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 190 °C fan.
- Place the tuna steaks in the basket in a single layer without overlapping, so the heat can circulate freely.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes for medium-rare with a pink centre. Turn the steaks gently halfway through. If you want them more well done, give them 1-2 minutes extra — but keep an eye on them, as tuna easily turns dry.
- Let the steaks rest on a cutting board for 2 minutes, so the juices redistribute before serving.
Serving
- Serve immediately with 0.5 pcs lemon cut into wedges and a fresh salad, steamed vegetables or air-fryer asparagus on the side.
Notes
Tips for the perfect result:
Choose tuna steaks of the highest possible quality — ideally sushi-grade. A short cooking time is crucial: tuna turns dry and tough if overcooked, so keep a particularly close eye on the final minute. The steaks should stay pink in the middle. Variation:
Brush with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds before cooking for an Asian twist. Serve with soy sauce, fresh ginger and a little wasabi instead of lemon. Serving:
Goes wonderfully with oven-baked sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad with rocket and avocado, or air-fryer asparagus. A drizzle of good olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon just before serving lifts the flavour. Portion size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you can cook the steaks in two batches — keep the first batch warm under foil in the meantime.
Choose tuna steaks of the highest possible quality — ideally sushi-grade. A short cooking time is crucial: tuna turns dry and tough if overcooked, so keep a particularly close eye on the final minute. The steaks should stay pink in the middle. Variation:
Brush with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds before cooking for an Asian twist. Serve with soy sauce, fresh ginger and a little wasabi instead of lemon. Serving:
Goes wonderfully with oven-baked sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad with rocket and avocado, or air-fryer asparagus. A drizzle of good olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon just before serving lifts the flavour. Portion size:
If your air fryer is smaller, you can cook the steaks in two batches — keep the first batch warm under foil in the meantime.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 35gFat: 14gSaturated fat: 3gPolyunsaturated fat: 4gMonounsaturated fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.5mgNet carbohydrates: 0.5g
