Air-Fried Red Snapper: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Red snapper is a delicious, healthy and versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including air frying. Air frying fish is a quick and convenient method that yields perfect results almost every time. It is also a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fat frying, as it requires minimal oil to achieve a crispy texture and flavourful taste. This guide will teach you how to cook red snapper in an air fryer, with tips on preparing the fish, choosing the right ingredients, and achieving the perfect cook.

Choosing the right red snapper fillets

When choosing red snapper fillets to cook in an air fryer, you can opt for fresh or frozen fillets. Fresh red snapper is available at most chain grocery stores, including Walmart and Whole Foods, usually at the fresh seafood counter. You can also purchase fresh red snapper from a local fishmonger. If you can't find fresh fillets, frozen red snapper is a good alternative. Frozen fillets can be purchased from online seafood retailers or found at the frozen foods section of most chain grocery stores.

When preparing the fillets, it is recommended to thaw frozen fillets overnight in the refrigerator. You can also use fresh or frozen and thawed fillets with or without skin. Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.

Red snapper is a lean meat that is rich in protein, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It has a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor, making it a great choice for those who are not fond of "fishy" tasting fish. The texture and taste of air-fried red snapper are similar to tilapia, sea bass, and cod.

When purchasing red snapper, it is important to note that it is an endangered species due to overfishing. As such, it might be quite expensive, depending on your location.

Preparing the fish

Once you have your fish, place it in a medium-sized bowl with some cold water. Squeeze lime and pink salt over the fish in the bowl of water, and use your hands to wash the fish. Rinse the fish under the tap, then rub lime halves on the outside and the cavity of the fish, and rinse off one final time. Blot and dry the fish with a kitchen towel, then place it on a chopping board.

Use a sharp knife to make 3-4 diagonal scores on each side of the fish, leaving 3-4cm between each line. Be careful not to slice too deep into the fish cavity. Use kitchen scissors to trim off the dorsal, pectoral fins, and tail, then discard them.

In a small bowl, combine seafood seasoning, lime juice, and olive oil to form a paste. You can also add additional pink salt and black pepper, or a small amount of water if you want to thin the paste out. Use your hands (wearing gloves) or a pastry brush to apply the wet rub to the inside and outside of the fish.

Seasoning and marinating

Red snapper is a lean meat with lots of protein, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is a healthy alternative to traditional deep-fat frying, as it can be cooked with a small amount of oil and still achieve a crispy skin and full flavor.

When it comes to seasoning and marinating, there are a variety of options to choose from. Firstly, it is recommended to pat the fish dry with a paper towel before adding any seasonings. This helps to remove excess moisture, preventing the fish from becoming mushy. You can also score the fish by cutting diagonal lines in the skin before seasoning.

For a simple seasoning, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, and fresh lemon or lime juice. You can also add some heat with red chili flakes, or add some earthy, fragrant spices like oregano or rosemary and dill. If you're looking for a more classic savory flavor, garlic powder is a good option. Paprika will also add a light smoky taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the fish.

If you want to create a marinade, combine olive oil, lime juice, and seafood seasoning in a small bowl to form a paste. You can then use your hands or a pastry brush to apply the wet rub to the inside and outside of the fish. You can also try a combination of panko, Parmesan, and parsley with an egg, mayonnaise, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper mixture for dredging the fillets before placing them in the air fryer.

For an extra decadent touch, top the cooked fish with homemade garlic herb butter. To make the garlic herb butter, simply mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and rosemary. This will add tons of delicious flavor to your red snapper.

Cooking the fish

Red snapper is a lean meat with lots of protein, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It can be cooked in an air fryer as a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fat frying, with the same crispy skin and full flavor.

To cook red snapper in an air fryer, you can start by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper. This is not mandatory, but it makes lifting the fish out of the basket easier. You can also simply spray the basket with cooking oil, but parchment makes cleanup much faster and easier.

If you are cooking with whole fish, place the red snapper on a chopping board and use a sharp knife to make 3-4 diagonal scores, leaving 3-4cm between each line on each side of the fish. Be careful not to slice too deep into the fish cavity. Use kitchen scissors to trim off the dorsal/pectoral fins/tail if required and then discard.

Next, pat the fish dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture that can cause the fish to steam and become mushy. You can then season the fish with your choice of herbs and spices. For example, you could use a combination of salt, pepper, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Alternatively, you could use a combination of seafood seasoning, lime juice, and olive oil to form a paste, which you can apply to the inside and outside of the fish.

Place the snapper fillets side by side in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap or overcrowd the basket, as this will likely result in mushy fish. You may need to cook each fish separately, depending on the capacity of your air fryer.

Cooking times may vary depending on the power of the air fryer and the thickness of the fish. As a guide, cook the fish at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit and the inside of the fish is flaky. There is no need to flip the fish.

Once cooked, remove the red snapper from the air fryer with a spatula so it doesn't break apart. You can then serve it with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Red snapper cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes and toppings. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different dietary requirements and taste preferences. Here are some serving suggestions:

Side Dishes

• Vegetable Sides: Air fryer red snapper can be served with roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans with garlic, or a small side salad. These options provide a healthy and nutritious accompaniment to the fish.
• Starchy Sides: For a more filling meal, consider serving the fish with white rice or potatoes. The classic combination of white rice and white fish is always a tasty option.
• Bread: Air fryer garlic bread is a tasty option to soak up any juices or sauces.

Toppings and Seasonings

• Citrus: Lemon or lime wedges and slices can be used to garnish the dish, adding a fresh and tangy flavour.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, rosemary, and dill can be used to enhance the flavour of the dish. These can be used as a garnish or mixed into a herb butter.
• Spices and Seasonings: Red snapper can be seasoned with a variety of spices and seasonings, such as garlic powder, salt, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, black pepper, and pink salt. These seasonings can be combined with lime juice and olive oil to create a flavourful paste that can be applied to the fish before cooking.
• Butter: Topping the red snapper with garlic herb butter adds a delicious, creamy dimension to the dish. To make garlic herb butter, simply mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs.

When serving red snapper cooked in an air fryer, it is important to consider the side dishes and toppings that will complement the fish. The above suggestions offer a range of options to suit different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring a tasty and enjoyable meal.

Frequently asked questions