Tuna steaks cooking times
How long to cook tuna steak: 1–2 min per side pan-fried, 2–3 min per side under the grill, 2–3 min per side on the barbecue and 5–7 min in an air fryer at 200°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook tuna steak
Times are for steaks about 2 cm thick.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry | 1–2 min per side | in a very hot pan | For pink in the middle; 3 minutes per side for cooked through. |
| Grill | 2–3 min per side | under a very hot grill | – |
| Barbecue | 2–3 min per side | over hot direct heat | – |
| Air fryer | 5–7 min | 200°C (400°F) | For pink in the middle. |
Before you start
Oil and season. Tuna is best seared and pink in the middle; cooked through, it’s dry.
How to tell it’s done
Seared outside, pink in the middle.
Questions
How long to pan-fry tuna steak?
1–2 min per side in a very hot pan. For pink in the middle; 3 minutes per side for cooked through.
How long to grill tuna steak?
2–3 min per side under a very hot grill.
How long to barbecue tuna steak?
2–3 min per side over hot direct heat.
How long to cook tuna steak in an air fryer?
5–7 min at 200°C (400°F). For pink in the middle.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.