Tuna steak is a lean, meaty, high-protein dinner, and the air fryer sears it in minutes. Like a good beef steak, it's best left a little pink in the centre so it stays juicy. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does tuna steak take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry tuna steak at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes for cooked through, or 4–5 for a pink, seared centre.
Q: Should tuna be pink in the middle?
A: Fresh tuna is best seared and pink inside; cook it fully if you prefer, but it dries out quickly past that point.
Times & temperatures
| Doneness | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Seared / pink centre | 200°C / 400°F | 4–5 min |
| Cooked through | 200°C / 400°F | 6–8 min |
| From frozen | 190°C / 375°F | 10–12 min |
The recipe
Sesame Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Ingredients
- 2 tuna steaks
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Method
- Brush the tuna with sesame oil and soy.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook 4–5 min for pink, 6–8 for through.
- Scatter with sesame seeds and rest 1 min.
Tips
- Don't overcook — tuna dries fast; pull it while still pink if you can.
- Pat dry before seasoning for a better sear.
- Serve with green beans or a crunchy salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does tuna steak take in an air fryer?
Around 4–5 minutes at 200°C for a seared, pink centre, or 6–8 minutes for cooked through. It dries out quickly, so don't overdo it.
Can tuna be pink in the middle?
Yes — fresh tuna steak is best seared and pink inside. Cook it fully if you prefer, but expect a drier result.
Is air fryer tuna steak healthy?
Very — it's lean, very high in protein at around 34g per serving, and cooked with just a little oil.