This easy air fryer snapper recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients, like a simple seasoning blend and fresh lemon slices. It requires minimal prep, and in under 10 minutes you have perfectly cooked red snapper fillets that are fork-tender and flaky, moist, and flavorful!

snapper in air fryer with lemon and cilantro

You might have noticed that I am a big fan of air fryer recipes. And fish is one of my favorite proteins to cook in these magical countertop appliances! Not only is this cooking method quick and convenient, fillets come out perfect practically every time.

Here is a fantastic recipe for sweet, tender, and buttery red snapper cooked in the air fryer. It is made without breading and needs just a wisp of cooking oil... So although it tastes super decadent, air fryer snapper is a light and healthy dish!

Prep and cooking could not be any easier. Simply season the fresh or frozen and thawed fillets, place them right on top of lemon slices, and fry. (For the best flavor I also recommend a piece of butter on top of the fish!) Less than 10 minutes later you are ready to serve bright and delicious snapper with any of your favorite seafood side dishes.

ingredients needed for this recipe — ingredients needed for the recipe

Recipe ingredients

Snapper fillets. Fresh or frozen and thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Choose fillets with or without skin. Rinse under cold water and pat the fish dry with a paper towel before cooking.

Garlic powder. Classic seasoning in savory dishes.

Salt. A must-have for almost all recipes, from savory to sweet.

Paprika. Adds a light smoky taste that pairs well with the sweet white fish.

Oregano. An earthy, fragrant spice.

Lemon. Thinly sliced to line the air fryer basket. Lemon is a classic citrus fruit that we often include in seafood recipes. The tartness balances the salty "fishiness" of the fillets.

Oil spray. Choose an oil with a high heat smoke point. Avocado and canola oil sprays are great options.

Butter. Optional, but highly suggested. The fat from the butter makes the air fryer snapper meat extra tender and flavorful. I do recommend unsalted butter if using.

How to make air fryer red snapper fillets

Defrost red snapper fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, paprika, garlic powder and dried oregano. Add a little squeeze of lemon juice of desired.

Spray air fryer basket with oil spray. If you don't have it, just brush with oil. Slice lemon and lay the air fryer basket with slices. Place seasoned fish on top. Place a thin slice of lemon on top of each fillet. You may want to add a tiny piece of butter on each fillet as well.

Butter will help fish stay juicy and prevent it from drying out if overcooked. Cook in the air fryer as instructed in the recipe card. Sprinkle with some chopped cilantro before serving for a nice color.

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raw snapper fillets in air fryer — season fillets and place in air fryer

Recipe tips

Keep the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket by first laying down a piece of parchment paper. You can simply spray the basket with cooking oil, but parchment makes cleanup much easier and faster.
Lay the snapper fillets side by side. Do not overlap or crowd the basket! Overcrowding or stacking will likely result in mushy fish.
Once done, check the internal temperature of the air fried snapper to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. It should be around 130 degrees.

Substitutions and Variations

If you don't have red snapper on hand, use any other white fish fillets in this recipe. Grouper will work ,mahi mahi or flounder.
Lemon slices are great to add extra flavor to the fish and to prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket. You may also use air fryer liners to prevent fish from sticking.
Season with you favorite seasoning, no need to follow the recipe directly.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of fish is red snapper?

It is a warm water white fish commonly found in the Atlantic ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The "red" refers to the lovely pinkish color of the fish's scales, and the intriguing red eye color.

What does snapper taste like?

Red snapper is known for having wonderfully firm and flaky meat. It has a mild fishy taste that is distinctly sweet, nutty, and buttery. So the flavor is both light and hearty!

The texture and taste of air fryer snapper is most similar to tilapia, sea bass, and cod.

Where do you buy snapper fish fillets?

Fresh or frozen snapper is often available at most chain grocery stores. Usually it can be found at Walmart and Whole Foods at the fresh seafood counter or frozen foods section.

You can also purchase the fish from an online seafood retailer that ships directly; or source fresh from a local fishmonger.

Is red snapper a healthy fish?

Yes, it is quite healthy! Red snapper is a lean meat that has lots of protein, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Can you cook frozen snapper in air fryer?

I recommend that you thaw frozen fish overnight in the fridge. Although you can technically air fry fillets from frozen, the fish cooks more evenly when thawed first. I also find the meat stays more tender when cooked fresh - versus the mushiness you sometimes get when cooking from frozen.

air fryer red snapper fillets with lemon

Side dishes

Classic combination of white rice and white fish will never get old. Make a nice steamy bowl of white or brown rice and top it with the fish drippings. Make scalloped, mashed or boiled potatoes.

Fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and onions will add a crunch and color to the plate. You can also add fresh or marinated bell peppers and mini cucumbers. Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic over the salad and mix.

Storage

Leftovers. Store cooked red snapper fillets in the air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer. You can freeze cooked fish. Place fillets in the freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat. Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute or in the air fryer at 400 degrees for couple minute or until nice and hot.

Air Fryer Snapper

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 9 minutes

Ingredients

2 snapper fillets
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon oregano
lemon
oil spray
1 teaspoon butter (optionally)

Instructions

Clean fish fillets. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic and onion powder. Add paprika
and oregano.
Spray air fryer basket with oil. Lay sliced lemon in the basket. Place seasoned snapper fillets on
top of lemon skin side down. Add a piece of butter on top if using.

Cook at 375 degrees for 7 minutes.

Notes

Leftovers. Store cooked red snapper fillets in the air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer. You can freeze cooked fish. Place fillets in the freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat. Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute or in the air fryer at 400 degrees for couple minute or until nice and hot.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 311Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 378mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 45g