Looking for an easy seafood dinner, try my recipe for Air Fryer Cajun Snapper! It’s delicious and within minutes, you can have a family friendly dish!
This is a great meal, and made with a few ingredient, it’s is a crowd pleaser. Serve with my mango salsa, for a finishing touch!
Looking for even more easy air fryer seafood recipe, try my recipe for Air Fryer Swordfish Kebabs, or air fryer surf and turf.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Cajun Snapper!
- Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying reduces the need for excessive oil, resulting in a lighter and healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick and Convenient: Cooking Cajun snapper in the air fryer is fast, taking less time than traditional methods while still achieving a crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Bold Cajun Flavors: The Cajun seasoning infuses the snapper with a spicy, smoky, and aromatic flavor profile that elevates the dish.
- Even Cooking: The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking, producing evenly cooked snapper fillets with a crispy texture.
- Versatile Serving Options: Air fryer Cajun snapper can be served as a main dish with sides like rice or vegetables, in tacos, or as a topping for salads, offering versatility in meal planning.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cajun Snapper
These ingredients come together to create flavorful and spicy Air Fryer Cajun Snapper fillets.
- Snapper Fillets: Fresh snapper fillets are the main ingredient, providing a mild yet flavorful base for the dish.
- Cajun Seasoning: This blend typically includes spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano, adding bold and spicy flavors to the snapper.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps coat the snapper fillets and enhances browning and crispiness during air frying.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the flavors of the Cajun snapper, offering a tangy contrast to the spices.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, salt and pepper balance the flavors of the snapper and Cajun seasoning blend.
How To Make Air Fryer Cajun Snapper
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Air Fryer Cajun Snapper:
Preparation: Pat dry the snapper fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the snapper fillets, then generously coat them with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Air Frying: Place the seasoned snapper fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) set cook time for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, flipping halfway through cooking, until the snapper is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Finishing Touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked Cajun snapper fillets before serving.
Serving: Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Air Fryer Cajun Snapper Recipe Tips
- Pat Dry the Snapper: Before seasoning, make sure to pat dry the snapper fillets with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the seasoning adhere better.
- Adjust Cajun Seasoning: Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning. Start with a moderate amount and add more to taste if desired.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the snapper cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes before adding the fillets.
- Use a Light Coating of Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the Cajun seasoning stick to the snapper and promotes crispiness. Avoid using too much oil to keep the dish healthier.
- Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Flip the snapper fillets carefully halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Check for Doneness: Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the snapper reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve Immediately: Air fryer Cajun snapper is best served immediately after cooking to enjoy its crispy exterior and tender interior.
Easy Air Fryer Cajun Snapper Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen snapper fillets for this recipe? It’s best to use fresh snapper fillets for optimal flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I prevent the Cajun seasoning from burning in the air fryer? Lightly coat the snapper fillets with olive oil before applying the Cajun seasoning. This helps create a barrier and prevents the seasoning from burning.
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? Yes, you can use other white fish fillets such as tilapia or cod. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fillets.
What sides can I serve with Air Fryer Cajun Snapper? It pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of tartar sauce for extra flavor.
How long do I cook Cajun snapper fillets in the air fryer? Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the snapper is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model.
Can I marinate the snapper fillets beforehand? While Cajun seasoning typically works best as a dry rub, you can lightly marinate the snapper fillets in olive oil and lemon juice for up to 30 minutes before applying the seasoning.
How do I clean the air fryer after cooking Cajun snapper? Allow the air fryer basket to cool completely before washing it with warm, soapy water. Some air fryer baskets and accessories are dishwasher safe for added convenience.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Copycat Wingers Sticky Chicken Fingers
- Olive Garden Copycat Toasted Ravioli
- Copycat Panera Wild Blueberry Muffins
- Bang Bang Shrimp
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Cajun Snapper
Description
Ingredients
- 4 Snapper fillets
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
- 1 whole Lemon
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Pat dry the snapper fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the snapper fillets, then generously coat them with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned snapper fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, flipping halfway through cooking, until the snapper is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked Cajun snapper fillets before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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Jeanie
What is on top? I see red onion but what are the yellow chunks?