Easy Teriyaki Tuna in the Air Fryer: Simply Delicious

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Air fryer Teriyaki Tuna Steaks

This recipe takes fresh tuna to the next level, infusing it with a sweet and savoury teriyaki flavour while locking in its juicy tenderness.

Forget dry, overcooked fish – the air fryer delivers a beautifully caramelised crust and a melt-in-your-mouth centre in just minutes.

Naturally gluten-free, this recipe caters for everyone and the sweet teriyaki glaze makes it a hit with picky eaters.

This recipe also works perfectly using salmon fillets.

Contents
  1. Why You'll Love These Teriyaki Tuna Steaks
  2. Air Fryer Teriyaki Tuna Steaks
  3. How To Cook Air Fryer Teriyaki Tuna
  4. Air Fryer Tuna Cooking Times by Doneness
  5. Can You Cook Frozen Tuna In The Air Fryer? 
  6. How To Cook Frozen Tuna Steaks In Air Fryer
  7. More Air Fryer Recipes
  8. Pro Tips
  9. What Do You Serve With Air Fryer Teriyaki Tuna Steaks?
  10. Storing, Refrigerating, and Freezing Your Air-Fried Teriyaki Tuna Steaks

Why You’ll Love These Teriyaki Tuna Steaks

  • Marinade: The teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savoury glaze that complements the tuna steaks perfectly.
  • Healthy Option: Tuna is a great source of lean protein and contains essential Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health.
  • Quick and Easy: Teriyaki tuna steaks are simple to prepare and cook, making them a great option for a quick meal.
  • Versatility: These steaks can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, vegetables, or salad.
  • Texture: Tuna steaks, when cooked properly have a firm texture that is different from other types of fish, providing a more “meat-like” option.
  • Sustainability: Depending on the source, tuna can be a sustainable seafood choice, which is beneficial for those concerned with environmental impact.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Tuna Steaks

Fresh Raw Tuna Steaks

Ingredients

Serves 2

  • 2 x 200g tuna steaks
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mirin (What is mirin?)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tsp cornflour
  • Sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onion for garnishing

How To Cook Air Fryer Teriyaki Tuna

  1. Mix the soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. This is your teriyaki marinade. Add the tuna steaks to the bowl and let marinate for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 190C / 380F for 5 minutes.
  3. Place the marinated tuna steaks in the air fryer basket and reserve the marinade. Set the timer for 8 minutes. Turn the steaks halfway through.
  4. Meanwhile, pour the remaining marinade into a small pan. Combine the lime juice and cornflour to create a slurry and stir this into the marinade. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens.
  5. Once the tuna steaks are cooked, let them rest for a minute or two, then slice them into thick strips.
  6. Drizzle over the teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.

Air Fryer Tuna Cooking Times by Doneness

  • Pick your thickness: Measure your tuna steak and find its thickness in the chart.
  • Choose your doneness: Do you like it rare (pink), medium (a little pink), or well-done (no pink)?
  • Cook for the listed time: Look at the chart to see how long to cook based on your thickness and doneness.
  • Double-check with a thermometer: Don’t trust the timer completely! Stick a meat thermometer in the thickest part of your tuna to make sure it’s safe to eat (at least 63°C/145°F).
  • Tip: Medium-rare or medium is best for tuna, as it keeps it juicy.

Remember, air fryers can cook differently, so start with the shorter time and check with your thermometer for perfect tuna every time!

Thickness (cms)Rare 49C/120FMedium-Rare 57C/135FMedium 63C/145FWell-Done 74C/165F
1.25 – 1.52-3 minutes3-4 minutes4-5 minutes5-6 minutes
2 – 2.53-4 minutes4-5 minutes5-6 minutes6-7 minutes
2.5 – 34-5 minutes5-6 minutes6-7 minutes7-8 minutes
3 – 3.55-6 minutes6-7 minutes7-8 minutes8-9 minutes
3.5 – 46-7 minutes7-8 minutes8-9 minutes9-10 minutes

Can You Cook Frozen Tuna In The Air Fryer? 

Yes, you can but for this recipe, I would advise thawing the steaks completely before marinating.

If you don’t have time and you just want to cook a plain tuna fillet, it can be cooked from frozen.

How To Cook Frozen Tuna Steaks In Air Fryer

Season the tuna steaks well.

Preheat the air fryer to 180C/360F for 5 minutes.

Place the seasoned steaks into the air fryer basket and air fry for 10-15 minutes depending on your level of doneness. Refer to the chart above.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Remember to turn the steaks halfway through the cooking time.

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Pro Tips

  • Thickness Counts: The cooking time is ideal for a steak that’s about 2 cm thick. Adjust accordingly if yours are thicker or thinner (see chart above).
  • Room Temperature: Let your steaks sit out for a bit before cooking. They cook more evenly that way.
  • Resting Time: Let your tuna steaks rest before cutting.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Give each steak its own space in the air fryer to ensure proper air circulation.

What Do You Serve With Air Fryer Teriyaki Tuna Steaks?

Tuna Steaks With Air Fried Vegetables

Air-fried Vegetables: Prepare a mix of air-fried vegetables such as peppers, broccoli, carrots, and sugar snap peas seasoned with soy sauce and ginger.

Steamed Rice: Serve the tuna steaks with a side of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the teriyaki sauce.

Avocado Salad: Prepare a simple avocado salad with ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice for a creamy and refreshing side dish.

Sesame Cucumber Salad: Slice cucumbers thinly and toss them with a dressing made of rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.

Garlic Green Beans: Air fry green beans with minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce for a quick and tasty vegetable side dish.

Air Fried Asparagus: Air fry asparagus spears until tender and lightly charred, then drizzle them with a sesame soy glaze for a simple dish.

Storing, Refrigerating, and Freezing Your Air-Fried Teriyaki Tuna Steaks

Leftovers? No problem!

Here’s how to keep your air-fried teriyaki tuna steaks fresh and flavourful:

Refrigeration

  • Let your tuna steaks cool completely before storing them.
  • Transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in cling film.
  • Place them in the coldest part of your refrigerator (usually the back bottom shelf).
  • Well-stored tuna steaks will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

  • Freeze tuna steaks individually for the best results.
  • Wrap each steak tightly in cling film and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Label the bag with the date and contents.
  • Properly frozen tuna steaks can last for up to 3 months.

Thawing

  • When ready to enjoy again, thaw your tuna steaks in the refrigerator overnight.
  • You can also thaw them under cold running water for a faster option, but ensure the bag remains sealed to prevent water contamination.
  • Never thaw tuna at room temperature! This can promote bacterial growth and spoilage.

Reheating

  • You can reheat your thawed tuna steaks in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.
  • Alternatively, reheat them gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Additional Tips

  • If you anticipate freezing your tuna steaks, marinate them before cooking. Freezing won’t affect the marinade’s flavour, but it might impact the texture slightly.
  • If you find the thawed tuna steaks seem dry, consider serving them with a drizzle of the leftover teriyaki marinade or your favourite sauce.

Can I substitute tuna steaks with another fish? 

While tuna works best in this recipe, you can try using swordfish or halibut steaks with similar adjustments in cooking time.

What if I don’t have mirin? 

Substitute with sake mixed with 1 tbsp sugar, or dry sherry.

Can I omit the honey? 

Yes, the teriyaki glaze will still be flavourful without it.

How thick should the marinade coating be? 

Aim for a light, even coating on all sides of the tuna steaks.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? 

Yes, preheating ensures the tuna cooks evenly and develops a crispy crust.

Can I crowd the air fryer basket? 

No, overcrowding will impede air circulation and prevent even cooking. Cook the tuna steaks in batches if necessary.

What if my air fryer doesn’t have temperature settings? 

Refer to the “cooking times for doneness” chart to estimate cooking time based on your desired level.

How do I know when the tuna is done? 

Use a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. It should reach at least 63°C (145°F) for well-done, or your chosen doneness level.

Is it safe to eat tuna rare or medium-rare? 

Yes, as long as the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). Medium-rare is often recommended for the best flavour and texture.

Will the teriyaki glaze burn in the air fryer? 

No, as the cooking time is relatively short. If concerned, reduce the glaze’s sugar content or baste the tuna instead of fully coating it.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze? 

Add or reduce honey or brown sugar to your taste preference.

Can I add other spices or flavours to the marinade? 

Experiment with ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, or Sriracha for personalised variations.

How long will leftovers last? 

Properly stored in the refrigerator, they should last 2-3 days.

Can I freeze the leftover tuna steaks? 

Yes, freeze them individually for up to 3 months. Thaw properly before reheating.

Will reheating affect the texture? 

The tuna might lose some crispness when reheated. Use the air fryer again for a few minutes to revitalise the crust.

Annemarie

Hi, I’m Annemarie

Having recently retired, I found myself looking for a new project to channel my energy.

That’s when the idea struck to create a dedicated UK air frying website.

Combining my passion for cooking and the desire to promote healthy eating in busy households, I began developing a collection of recipes tailored for those looking for quick and nutritious meals.

Join me on my journey and discover delicious ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste.

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