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Air Fryer Tuna Steaks With Wasabi Mayo - Fast, Flavorful, and Foolproof

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Tuna steaks (ahi/yellowfin or albacore), about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, 6–8 ounces each
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • Lime (zest and juice)
  • Garlic, finely grated or pressed
  • Fresh ginger, finely grated (optional but recommended)
  • Black pepper
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for crust or garnish)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Wasabi paste (adjust to taste)
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Scallions or chives (optional garnish)
  • Mixed greens or steamed rice (for serving)

Method
 

  1. Prep the tuna: Pat tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Dry fish sears better and prevents steaming.
  2. Mix a quick marinade: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, the zest of 1/2 lime, 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1 small grated garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger. Add a few grinds of black pepper.
  3. Coat the tuna: Brush the marinade over all sides of the tuna. If using sesame seeds, press them onto the surface now. Let sit 10 minutes while you make the sauce.
  4. Make the wasabi mayo: Stir together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 to 2 teaspoons wasabi paste (to taste), 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and a squeeze of lime. Adjust salt, wasabi, and lime until it’s bright and creamy.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly oil the basket or use a parchment liner made for air fryers.
  6. Cook the tuna: Place steaks in the basket with space around them. Air fry for 3 to 5 minutes total for rare to medium-rare, flipping once halfway. For medium, go 5 to 6 minutes. Aim for an internal temp of 110–120°F for rare, 125°F for medium-rare, and 130°F for medium.
  7. Rest briefly: Transfer to a plate and let rest 2 minutes. This helps the juices settle.
  8. Serve: Slice against the grain. Spoon or drizzle the wasabi mayo over the top. Finish with chopped scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime. Serve with greens or rice.