Air fryer tuna steak is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed meal while staying on track with the carnivore diet. This recipe delivers a rich, buttery texture with a perfectly seared exterior, all without the hassle of pan-frying.
Paired with a homemade garlic aioli, the dish enhances the natural flavors of the tuna without overpowering them.
Since it requires minimal ingredients and effort, it’s ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.
How to Enhance the Flavor with Garlic Aioli
Garlic aioli adds a creamy, rich component to the tuna steak while keeping it 100% carnivore-friendly. Unlike store-bought sauces, this homemade aioli uses simple, clean ingredients like egg yolk, tallow, and a pinch of salt.
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To elevate the flavor even further, consider these variations:
- Lemon Infusion – A splash of lemon juice brings a light, tangy contrast to the richness of the aioli.
- Herb-Infused Aioli – Fresh parsley or dill can add an aromatic element.
- Spicy Kick – A pinch of cayenne or black pepper provides a subtle heat.
- Extra Garlic – For a stronger garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw.
Serving Ideas for Carnivore Diet Tuna Steak
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways while staying within the carnivore diet. Here are some simple serving ideas:
- As a Main Dish – Enjoy the tuna steak with a generous dollop of garlic aioli on the side.
- With Carnivore-Friendly Sides – Pair with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or bone marrow for a nutrient-dense meal.
- Topped with Butter or Tallow – Melted butter or tallow enhances the richness and keeps the dish satisfying.
- Chilled for Later – Let the tuna steak cool and enjoy it as a cold, high-protein snack later in the day.
Tips for Achieving the Best Tuna Steak Texture
For the best results, follow these key tips to ensure a perfect air fryer tuna steak:
- Use High-Quality Tuna – Opt for fresh or frozen wild-caught tuna for superior taste and texture.
- Don’t Overcook – Tuna is best enjoyed medium-rare (about 130°F internal temperature). Overcooking can lead to dryness.
- Season Generously – Salt enhances the natural umami flavor of the tuna. Use a high-quality sea salt for the best results.
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Ensuring the air fryer reaches 375°F before cooking helps create a perfect sear.
- Flip Halfway Through – Turning the tuna steak ensures even cooking on both sides.
This tuna steak with garlic aioli recipe is a must-try for anyone following the carnivore diet and looking for easy air fryer meals.
With simple ingredients and a quick cooking method, it delivers high protein, great taste, and a satisfying texture with minimal effort.
Easy Tuna Steak with Garlic Aioli Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 4 to 6-quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 tuna steaks about 6 oz each
- 2 tbsp clarified butter or tallow
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup homemade aioli egg yolk + animal fat, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Pat the tuna steaks dry and season both sides generously with salt.
- Grease the air fryer basket with clarified butter or tallow.
- Place the tuna steaks in the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
- Prepare the garlic aioli while the tuna steaks cook (see below).
- Serve the tuna steaks hot with the homemade aioli on the side, if desired.
Notes
Homemade Garlic Aioli (Strict Carnivore Diet):
- Whisk 1 egg yolk with 1/4 cup melted tallow or clarified butter until emulsified.
- Add salt to taste. (Garlic can be omitted for a stricter version.)
Variations (Flexible Carnivore Diet):
- Garlic Aioli: Add 1 minced garlic clove to the aioli for a richer flavor.
- Lemon Garlic Butter: Stir 1 tbsp lemon juice and minced garlic into melted butter and drizzle over cooked tuna steaks.
- Pepper and Herbs: Add black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill to the tuna before air frying.
- Olive Oil Option: Use olive oil to grease the air fryer basket instead of tallow or clarified butter.
Nutrition
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.