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Recipe from Simpler Savory

The recipe

30 Minute Low Carb Air Fryer Tuna Steaks

Prep
10 min
Cook
8 min
Total
18 min
Servings
4 servings

Nutrition Facts

Serving multiplier

Nutrition values scale; ingredient amounts stay as written.

Original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
260

2× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
520

3× the original author values. Recipe yield: 4 servings.

calories
780
Values are reproduced from the source recipe; this site only applies the selected linear multiplier and does not estimate nutrients.

Ingredients

  • 4 tuna steaks (1 to 1.5 inches thick, 5 to 7 oz each) — yellowfin or ahi, patted very dry
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil — or light olive oil, plus more for basket
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt — divided, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika — optional, for warmth
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper — optional, for heat
  • 1 lemon — zest and wedges for serving (or lime)
  • 4 teaspoons soy sauce or coconut aminos — 1 teaspoon per steak, optional
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil — optional
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds — optional, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs — chives, cilantro, or parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions — thinly sliced, optional
  • 1 perforated parchment liner — or lightly oil the basket to prevent sticking

Instructions

  1. Pat tuna steaks completely dry with paper towels until the surface feels tacky; moisture prevents browning.
  2. Brush both sides with avocado oil, then season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder; add smoked paprika and cayenne if using.
  3. If desired, drizzle about 1 teaspoon soy sauce or coconut aminos per steak and rub to coat; add a few drops of sesame oil.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so the basket is hot and ready to sear.
  5. Lightly oil the basket or use a perforated parchment liner to prevent sticking.
  6. Arrange tuna in a single layer with space between. Air fry for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until edges begin to brown.
  7. Flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes more for medium-rare (springy center, rosy middle). Add up to 1 minute for medium; avoid overcooking.
  8. Transfer steaks to a plate and rest 2 to 3 minutes to let juices settle.
  9. Zest lemon over the tuna, then squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice on top; sprinkle sesame seeds if using.
  10. Shower with chopped herbs and sliced green onions for freshness and crunch.
  11. Slice against the grain for neat pieces or serve steaks whole alongside lemon wedges.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days. For best texture, enjoy cold or reheat gently: air fry at 300°F for 1 to 2 minutes just to remove the chill. Avoid microwaving or high heat to prevent drying. Slice before chilling for quicker cooling and tender bites; serve cold over a crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette to keep it low carb.

Source: https://simplersavory.com/30-minute-low-carb-air-fryer-2/