These air fryer red snapper tacos are healthy, flavorful, and so easy to make! The air fryer cooks the fish to perfection, and the tacos are packed with fresh ingredients of your choosing like cabbage, mango, avocado, and cilantro.
You can have these tacos on the table in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight meal. And since they're made in the air fryer, they're low in fat and calories but high in flavor. So go ahead and enjoy Taco Tuesday (or any day of the week!) with these delicious air fryer red snapper tacos.
Red snapper is a mild-flavored fish that pairs well with the other flavors in the tacos, and the air fryer prevents the fish from drying out. Snapper is also good in braised dishes like this Coconut Snapper dish.
Taco Tuesday is definitely a thing in our house. It's just an easy way to meat all the different dietary needs and preferences of our household. We got meat eaters (Oxtail Tacos), vegans (Roasted Vegetable Tacos), and pescatarians.
Beats and Eats (Music to Pair With Fish Tacos)
This fish tacos recipe is a bit funky. The seasoning brings creole heat and the toppings provide that coastal Mexico vibe. Samuelle's "So You Like What You See" makes for the perfect pairing.
Ingredients Needed To Make Red Snapper Tacos
- Fresh Red Snapper Fillets
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Dried Thyme
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Corn or Flour Tortillas
- Avocado (optional)
- Pickled Cactus (optional)
- Pickled Red Onions (optional)
- Green Sauce - Salsa Verde, Zhoug Sauce, etc.
How To Make Red Snapper In An Air Fryer (step by step)
- In a small bowl, make your spice seasoning mix. Mix all of the seasonings in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Melt butter in a small bowl or ramekin. Brush the melted butter on the snapper and then add the seasoning mix covering the snapper fully.
- Place fish into the air fryer. Spray the top with cooking spray. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. Flip halfway and spray the top with oil spray.
- Remove the fish and set it aside on a wire rack-lined baking sheet.
- Heat tortillas in the air fryer for a minute or two. Chop the fish up to the desired size then spread it among the tortillas. Top the tacos as you like.
Cooking Considerations and Tips For Making Air Fryer Snapper
- I used a blackening seasoning but feel free to use whatever type (lemon pepper seasoning, jerk seasoning, old bay seasoning, etc.) you like. Just be sure you are generous with the seasonings to ensure well-seasoned fish.
- Thinner fish will obviously cook faster so adjust your cooking time based on thickness
- If you're looking to use a different kind of fish, this recipe works for most white fish including cod or grouper. The best fish is fresh fish!
- I try and plan ahead and buy my fish the same day I plan to cook it.
- Visually you can tell when the fish is done by when the fish flakes.
- For really crispy fish avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Lack of space creates an almost steamy effect which hinders crisping.
- Use unsalted butter. There is enough salt in the seasoning mix so be mindful.
- Check for doneness by twisting a fork into the thicket part of the fillet. If the fish is flaky, it’s ready.
- I gave a range of cook time since there are a few variables impacting speed including the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer's power level.
- I like to squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on the fish to finish things off.
- I also had some green zhoug sauce from Trader Joe's on hand and used that. But feel free to use your favorite hot sauce or salsa.
- For easy cleanup place parchment paper or air fryer sheets in the basket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Red Snapper Tacos
Can I Cook Frozen Fish In An Air Fryer?
Generally speaking, an air fryer is great for cooking frozen ingredients including fish fillets. You'll just need to account for the longer cooking time.
What Are Best Toppings For An Air Fryer Fish Taco?
I used pickled red onions, pickled cactus, and avocados with grated cotija cheese, but feel free to use what you like.
Can I Air Fry A Whole Fish?
Yes this is actually my preferred way to cook fish. You'll just want to cut three slits into each side and then season inside and out before cooking.
For Other Air Fryer Recipes or Taco Ideas You Might Like Try These:
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Sandwich
Make This Healthy Fish Dinner Recipe
Fish tacos are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy seafood, and red snapper is a great option for air frying. This air fryer red snapper recipe is a great way to cook this delicate fish.
The spices give the fish a flavorful crust and the air frying keeps it moist and tender. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is definitely worth trying. What other seafood recipes would you like to see us create in the air fryer?
If you make these tasty air fryer fish tacos or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Ingredients
- (4) 6 oz Fresh Red Snapper Fillets
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 8 Corn or Flour Tortillas
- Avocado optional
- Pickled Cactus optional
- Pickled Red Onions optional
- Green Sauce - Salsa Verde Zhoug Sauce, etc.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, make your spice seasoning mix. Mix all of the seasonings in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Melt butter in a small bowl or ramekin. Brush the melted butter on the snapper and then add the seasoning mix covering the snapper fully.
- Place fish into the air fryer. Spray the top with cooking spray. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. Flip halfway and spray the top with oil spray.
- Remove the fish and set it aside on a wire rack-lined baking sheet.
- Heat tortillas in the air fryer for a minute or two. Chop the fish up
Lisa Grant
Monday 26th of September 2022
Fish tacos are my favorite and I love that the fish is made in the air fryer. So good!
Adriana
Sunday 25th of September 2022
I am a taco lover, so these tacos are definitely my kind of food. I do not have an air fryer but used the oven and turned out so good.
Ann
Sunday 25th of September 2022
These fish tacos were a nice change to our taco Tuesday night. They worked great in the air fryer - my new way of making tacos!
Tristin
Saturday 24th of September 2022
I am always looking for exciting recipes to make in my air fryer! These look so good that I cannot wait to try them out!
Cathleen
Saturday 24th of September 2022
Why have I never thought of taking out my Instant Pot for Taco Tuesday?? This is perfect, thank you so much for the recipe!