If you’re looking for a dinner that feels a little bit special but takes hardly any effort, these air fryer tuna steaks are just the thing. Coated in sesame seeds and cooked to perfection in just a few minutes, they’re crisp on the outside, beautifully tender in the middle, and bursting with fresh flavour. It’s the kind of dish that looks restaurant-worthy on the plate, but is actually perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying.
I’ve paired the tuna with a simple chilli-lime yoghurt, a handful of leafy greens, and a spoonful of sweet corn salsa to keep things bright and balanced. The yoghurt drizzle is creamy and zesty with a hint of heat, and takes seconds to mix together. No cooking required. The whole meal comes together in under 10 minutes, making it ideal when you need dinner in a hurry but still want to eat well.
Using the air fryer takes the guesswork out of cooking tuna. It gives a beautiful seared finish while keeping the centre juicy and just slightly pink. Although you can adjust the timing depending on how you like yours. A quick spray of oil is all you need to help the sesame seeds stick and crisp up as they cook.
This recipe is light, fresh and protein-packed, and it’s easily customisable too. You can swap the tuna for salmon, switch out the yoghurt for tahini or avocado, or toss in whatever salad bits you have in the fridge. Whether you’re trying to eat more healthily, looking for new ways to use your air fryer, or just fancy something a bit different for dinner, this one ticks all the boxes.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 3-4 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and kitchen roll
Ingredients for Air Fryer Tuna Steak
2 tuna steaks (I used fresh not frozen)
1 tbsp of sesame seeds
Spray oil
1 bag of green leaf salad
1 red chilli, thinly sliced
A lime, cut into wedges
3 tbsp of Greek yoghurt
1 tbsp of dried parsley
Shop-bought corn salsa
Method
So start by preparing your tuna steaks. Use kitchen paper to pat them dry. This will help the sesame seeds stick better and ensures a good sear in the air fryer. Lightly spray both sides of the tuna with oil, then sprinkle over the sesame seeds, pressing gently so they adhere to the surface. You can coat just one side or both, depending on your preference. So both will give a lovely crunch.
Next, place the tuna steaks in the air fryer basket. It’s best to cook them in a single layer with a bit of space around each one so the hot air can circulate properly. Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 4 to 5 minutes for medium rare. If your tuna steaks are on the thinner side, check them at 4 minutes to avoid overcooking. Tuna is best when it’s still slightly pink in the middle. If you prefer it more well done, you can add another minute or two.
So while the tuna is cooking, prepare the chilli-lime yoghurt. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yoghurt, dried parsley, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Give it a stir, then taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. You can add a little chopped fresh chilli here too if you like things spicy!
Once the tuna is cooked, it’s time to assemble your plate. Lay a bed of green salad on each plate, top with a tuna steak, then drizzle with the yoghurt sauce. Add a spoonful of corn salsa, scatter over the sliced red chilli, and finish with a wedge of lime on the side.
Serve immediately and enjoy while everything is fresh, warm, and full of flavour.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Here’s some top tips to get the best result every time you cook tuna steaks in your air-fryer.
1. Choose quality tuna:
Because this dish is so simple, the quality of the tuna really makes a difference. Look for fresh or defrosted tuna steaks that are firm and evenly cut. If you are using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
2. Don’t skip the oil spray:
A light spray of oil helps the sesame seeds stick to the tuna and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. It also prevents the tuna from drying out during cooking. You don’t need much, just a quick mist on each side.
3. Cook to your liking:
The recommended 4 to 5 minutes at 200°C (390°F) will give you medium-rare tuna with a slightly pink centre. If your steaks are particularly thick, you may need a little longer. For rare, aim for around 4 minutes; for well done, go up to 5 or 6 minutes. But keep an eye on it, as tuna can dry out quickly.
4. Customise the toppings:
Not a fan of chilli? Leave it off or swap for sliced spring onion. You can switch the parsley for fresh herbs like dill or coriander, or even stir a little garlic or lemon zest into the yoghurt for extra zing. The salad can be anything leafy you have on hand. Spinach, rocket, or even a crunchy slaw works well.
5. Make it a meal prep star:
While tuna is best served freshly cooked, you can prep the yoghurt drizzle and salad components ahead of time. The corn salsa and dressing also hold up well for a couple of days in the fridge, making this a great option for quick lunches or dinners.
Related Recipes
If these air fryer sesame crusted tuna steaks hit the spot, here are five more fresh and flavour-packed seafood recipes from the blog that are perfect for your next quick meal:
Air Fryer Fish Tacos
Crispy fish, zesty slaw, and a drizzle of sauce all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. These tasty fish tacos are an easy crowd-pleaser and ideal for Friday nights or easy entertaining.
Air Fryer Salmon Noodles
A nourishing bowl of sticky salmon, crunchy veg, and slurpable noodles. Ready in minutes, this one is packed with flavour and so perfect for weeknight dinners.
Air Fryer Scampi
This is a pub classic made much lighter! These golden, crispy scampi are so easy in the air fryer and pair beautifully with chips, peas, or a simple salad. It is so great for a quick fake-away night.
Air Fryer Salmon Salad
Flaky salmon served over crisp greens with a punchy dressing – this is the ultimate fresh and fuss-free lunch or light dinner. Great for meal prep too!
Air Fryer Cod
Cooking fish in foil is an absolute game changer. It keeps everything so beautifully moist, locks in flavour, and means there’s barely any washing up at the end.
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