Air Fryer Red Snapper

If you’re looking for the best way to cook red snapper, try using your air fryer or Ninja Foodi! Air Fryer Red Snapper recipe cooks quickly and easily, so you can enjoy this high-protein fish with your favorite side dishes.

Can red snapper be cooked in an air fryer? Yes, the air fryer is a great way to cook any red snapper quickly and easily!

Red snapper is a type of fish that is usually red or pink in color. It has a mild flavor and a firm texture. When cooked, red snapper is moist and flaky making it a great main course for any meal!

Red snapper is a low-calorie, low-carbohydrates, low-fat protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. It’s also naturally keto and low carb! One 4-ounce serving of red snapper contains only 110 calories and 2 grams of fat!

Use it to make delicious air fryer fish tacos with your favorite tortillas or chips, make them into air fryer fish sticks, or serve on its own with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite spices!

✅Why The Air Fryer Is The Best Way To Cook Red Snapper

• The air fryer uses dry circulating heat to cook food. This means that the outside of the fish will form a golden brown crust as it stays tender on the inside.
• It cooks quickly. Because the heat constantly circulates, the air-fried fish cooks quickly in under 15 minutes.
• No need to turn on the oven. Air frying is the way to go if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook fish. You won’t have to heat up your oven, and your kitchen will stay cool. Fish is one of the easiest air fryer recipes!
• It’s a healthy cooking method. When you cook in the air fryer, little to no oil is needed. This means that you can enjoy your fish without deep frying.

🐟Key Ingredients & Helpful Tools

• Red Snapper Fillet – You can find fresh red snapper fillets at your local grocery store or fish market. You can also use frozen red snapper.
• Cooking Oil – A light brush of avocado oil or cooking oil spray helps the texture of the fish cook properly without adding any flavor. It also helps the seasonings stick.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Used to enhance the flavor of the fish.
• Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi – Use any air fryer you have. We love using the Ninja Foodi because its highly versatile and reliable.

💧How To Cook Red Snapper In Air Fryer

1️⃣Preheat the air fryer: Turn your air fryer to 375F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.

2️⃣Prepare the red snapper: Pat the fish completely dry with a paper towel. Brush a layer of avocado oil on both sides, then sprinkle with salt and pepper or your favorite dry seasonings.

3️⃣Air fry the red snapper fillets: Place the red snapper in the preheated air fryer basket. Set the timer to 10 minutes. Flip halfway. A half-inch fillet should fully cook in 12 or 15 minutes; however, if your fish isn’t fully cooked through, continue to cook for 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145F.

4️⃣Remove and serve: Remove with a spatula and serve while hot. Enjoy!

⏲️Best Time and Temperature To Cook Red Snapper

What temperature do you air fry red snapper and for how long? This depends on how well you like it cooked and what type of fish it is. Generally, you can expect your fish to be cooked in about 12-15 minutes with a temperature of 375F. You can start there and check halfway to see if you’ll need more or less cooking time.

For best results, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the fish is at a safe internal temperature of 145F.

👩🏻‍🍳Tips For Cooking Fish In The Air Fryer

Preheating is important: Preheat your air fryer before cooking the fish. This will help the outside of the fish cook evenly without overcooking the inside.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: If you overcrowd the air fryer, it will make it harder for air to circulate and properly cook the fish. Make sure to cook in batches if necessary.

Check the fish halfway through: Every air fryer is different so it’s important to check on your fish halfway through cooking. This will help you determine if you need more or less time.

Use a kitchen thermometer: The best way to know when your fish is fully cooked is to use a kitchen thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fish and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145F.

Let it rest: Once the fish is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute so that your fish is nice and juicy.

Serve immediately: Fish is best served immediately after it’s cooked. If you need to make ahead, you can cook the fish and then reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

🧂Seasoning Ideas

Red snapper is a versatile fish that can be seasoned in so many different ways! Try these seasoning mixture ideas below. 

• Lemon Pepper – A classic seasoning that’s perfect for air fryer red snapper. Serve with fresh lemon juice or lemon wedges.
• Cajun – Add some spice to your fish with Cajun seasoning, paprika or smoky chili powder.
• Italian – Give your fish an Italian twist with some garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, parsley, and oregano.
• Panko Crusted – For a crispy red snapper, try coating it in some panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko bread crumbs. Coat with almond flour for paleo or Whole30. 
• Parmesan Crusted – Another crispy option is to coat the red snapper in grated Parmesan cheese.
• Old Bay – A seafood favorite that’s perfect for air fryer fish.
• Garlic Butter – A simple seasoning of garlic and butter makes for a delicious air fryer red snapper
• Serving Sauces – Serve with salsa, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce.

🍽️ Best Side Dishes For Red Snapper

There are so many delicious things you can serve with air fryer fish! Here are a few of our favorites:

• Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes
• Sous Vide Rice
• Cajun Cauliflower Rice
• Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts
• Ranch Cauliflower Mash

Storage 

Leftover red snapper can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350F until warmed through. You can also place it on parchment paper and reheat in the oven at 325 for 12-15 minutes.

Freeze air fryer red snapper leftovers for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooked pieces carefully in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil and place in an airtight container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

How do I cook frozen red snapper?

You can cook frozen red snapper in the air fryer. Just preheat the air fryer to 400F and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145F.

Is air-fried red snapper healthy?

Air-fried red snapper is a healthy option because it’s cooked in air instead of oil. This means that it’s lower in calories and fat than traditional fried red snapper.

How long does it take to cook fish in the air fryer?

Depending on the size and thickness, fish can be cooked in the air fryer at a temperature of 375F-400F from 12-20 minutes.

Can I cook the whole fish?

Cooking a whole red snapper in the air fryer requires a few different steps than with a regular fish fillet. First, you’ll need to butterfly the fish so that it’s flat. Then, follow the cooking instructions below.

🐠More Air Fryer Fish Recipes

• Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
• Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
• Air Fryer Catfish
• Air Fryer Swordfish
• Air Fryer Tilapia