Snapper is a staple Kiwi fish. Named for its big molars and snapping jaws, the red snapper is one of the most sought-after species in the Hauraki Gulf. We Kiwis have such a love affair with snapper that we even run special fishing charters to catch it!
The humble snapper is also an incredibly nutritious addition to your diet. A snapper fillet contains tons of calcium, iron and protein and is low in cholesterol and saturated fats.
With its soft white meat and very few bones, snapper recipes are a favourite on New Zealand restaurant menus and dinner tables.
How do you cook snapper?
Snapper is an extremely versatile fish and can be pan fried, baked, crumbed, broiled, barbequed, grilled, air fried, and even steamed. It's not too firm, not too flaky, and is hardly ever too "fishy" tasting. Bonus – it holds up very well when cooked.
Here's everything you need to know about how to cook red snapper.
Looking for articles about fish and seafood? Check out the guides in our Seafood Hub:
• Types of fish to eat
• Buying seafood and fish
• How to cook fish
What snapper should I buy?
If you're not about to jump on a boat and catch your snapper, your next best bet is to purchase some fresh fish that's ready to cook.
Tips for choosing your snapper:
Whole snapper:
• A whole snapper can look super impressive on a serving platter for your dinner party guests.
• When buying a whole snapper, always check that the eyes are bright with a clear cornea and shiny black pupil. The gills should be a rosy pink pastel colour, and the skin should be bright with a luminous sheen,
• Ask your fishmonger to clean and gut your fish. Only try to do it yourself if you're very brave and not at all squeamish!
Snapper fillets:
• Ask for ones that are similar sized. This way, they will cook more evenly. Thinner fillets cook quicker than thicker fillets.
• Make sure your fillets are semi-transparent and glossy. If the fish looks sticky or mushy, it's not fresh.
• Ask for your snapper to be descaled and pin boned. Most fishmongers sell the fillets with this step complete but always double-check. If you feel any bones inside or scales on the outside, use some fish boning tweezers (or just standard tweezers if you don't have any!) to pull out the pin-bones or use the flat side of a knife to scrape off the scales.
How to prepare snapper
No matter what cooking method you choose, you need to take a few steps to prepare your snapper before applying heat.
How to cook frozen snapper
Good news – there are no special tricks to cooking frozen red snapper. The only extra step you need to take is defrosting your fish. Remove from the freezer and defrost your snapper in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How to cook whole snapper
Good news again – there are so many ways to cook whole snapper. Some of our favourite ways include baking, broiling, and barbequing. We'll talk you through how each of these works.
How do you tell if it's cooked?
To see if your whole fish is cooked, check the neck. The flesh should come away easily from the bones.
How to cook snapper fillets
Just like whole snapper, there's no shortage of ways for you to cook your fillets. Some methods can be used for whole snapper and snapper fillets, and others are better suited to just fillets. We'll talk through 7 of these cooking methods in this article.
How do you tell if it's cooked?
To check if your snapper fillet is cooked, test by twisting a fork at the angle at the fish's thickest point. If it flakes easily, it's done.
Steps to prepare snapper
1. Remove your red snapper from the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to get it up to room temperature.
2. If cooking whole snapper, make sure the fish is clean by rinsing it under cold water.
3. Whether you're using whole snapper or snapper fillets, pat your fish dry using paper towels. If your fish is wet, it's more likely to stick.
7 ways to cook snapper
How to pan fry snapper
Fillets
You need as little as three ingredients to make delicious melt-in-your-mouth pan fried snapper fillets: three ingredients (snapper, butter or olive oil, and sea salt) and one hot skillet.
Of course, there are endless other flavour choices that you can serve with your snapper. Lemon juice or lemon wedges, baby spinach, beans, garlic, pine-nuts, butter sauce, fresh rosemary, and parsley are all wonderful options.
This method is about as simple as it gets:
1. Melt your butter or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or cast-iron skillet
2. Generously season your red snapper with sea salt and pepper.
3. Once butter or olive oil is melted, lay your snapper fillet in the hot skillet (non-skin side face down if the skin is on). Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Flip fish fillets over and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
• Looking for recipes and inspiration? Try Cajun fish tacos
Whole snapper
Honestly, this isn't too different from cooking the fillets—just one extra step.
1. Melt your butter or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or cast-iron skillet.
2. Using a sharp knife, make three vertical slits down each side of the snapper. Generously season the outside of the fish, and using your hands, massage the seasoning into the slits. If desired, you can lightly dust the fish with flour for some added crisp.
3. Once butter or olive oil is melted, lay your snapper in the hot skillet. Fry until the skin is golden and crisp and the thickest part of the fish is cooked (3 to 4 minutes).
How to bake snapper fish
A perfectly baked snapper is the food of the gods. Healthy and flavourful, it makes a tasty option to eat any night of the week – plus, this impressive dinner is effortless to prepare.
Both fillets and whole snapper can be baked using this same delicious recipe. Just adjust your cooking time and the size of your baking dish to suit.
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Prepare your baking dish and line with baking paper or aluminium foil. Drizzle the base with a bit of olive oil or butter, then place your fillet or whole fish into your dish.
3. If you're using whole fish: lightly score the skin, making sure to not cut too deep into the flesh.
4. Season using your preferred flavours. We're big fans of lemon, salt and pepper, garlic, chilli, olive oil, melted butter, bay leaves and herbs.
5. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven.
If using whole fish, bake for approximately 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the size. If using fillets, bake for around 10 to 15 minutes. Check that the flesh is cooked through,
6. Remove baked snapper to a serving platter and serve with your favourite vegetables and sides.
How to cook snapper in the oven (broiling)
Broiling in the oven is another great method for preparing whole red snapper and snapper fillets.
Broiling exposes your meat to direct heat, and the high temperature gives the same quick sear that a grill would. Our favourite thing about broiling is that it's one of the easiest and most hands-off methods.
1. First, preheat your broiler to high and place your oven rack in the top third of your oven. Your snapper should be about 12-15cm from the coils of your broiler.
2. Cover your oven tray with baking paper or cooking foil, then place your fillets or whole fish on top (this will stop sticking).
3. Season well with sauces, crumbs, salt, pepper, olive oil and any other seasonings that are your preferred taste.
We love recipes that include Cajun spice, panko crumbs, fresh dill, chives, and of course, lemon and herbs. You can place herb crumb mixes on the top of the fish fillets or press them into the small slashes if you're using whole fish.
4. Put into the oven and broil for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness.
How to cook whole snapper on BBQ
Barbequed whole red snapper has that delicious, charred flavour. We reckon that seeing a fresh snapper on the BBQ is the sign of a perfect Kiwi summer.
1. Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat.
2. Make shallow cuts, 1cm deep, in the thickest part of each side of the fish.
3. Place your fish in the centre of a large sheet of foil. Fill the shallow cuts with seasonings of your choice. For a summer barbeque, lemongrass, garlic, lime and chilli can be great options. Season fish all over with salt and pepper.
4. Fold up the foil to fully enclose your fish.
5. Barbeque the snapper (with your BBQ hood closed) for 30 to 35 minutes, turning at the halfway point.
6. Once cooked through, unwrap fish and drizzle with any dressing to taste. Remove to a serving platter and accompany with fresh ingredients like coriander, spring onions, lime wedges, and a side salad.
How to cook snapper in air fryer
This method is a quick and easy healthy meal for when you're craving fish for dinner. Use whatever spices you want for this air fried snapper. We adore lemon pepper seasoning and garlic powder, but you can use whatever spices your heart desires. The fish comes out fantastic and always perfect.
We find snapper fillets work best with the air fryer.
1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Lightly grease the base of your air fryer with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Lightly drizzle your fillets with olive oil and season generously. Add a few lemon wedges if desired.
3. Air fry for about 6-12 minutes or until cooked through.
Steamed snapper
You can steam snapper fillets or whole fish. But to infuse richness of flavour, you'll need to put some thought into your steaming liquid. Well-flavoured fish stock or a bed of herbs, lemon and garlic, can all add some extra zing to your steamed snapper.
1. Bring your steaming liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Lay your fish in the top of the steamer, making sure they don't overlap, so they cook evenly.
3. Place the steamer over the top of the liquid and cover.
4. Allow 5-8 minutes for fillets and about 10-15 minutes for whole fish. Serve once cooked through.
How to cook crumbed snapper
Crumbed fish is a staple on many takeaway menus around the country. But this crunchy, tasty goodness doesn't have to come from your fish and chip shop. Your Friday night fish and chips can be made right in your home for a much healthier treat!
• Need inspiration? We love this recipe for homemade crumbed fish with hand-cut wedges.
You'll need to use fresh red snapper fillets (or tarakihi or gurnard, or another firm white fish).
1. Grab three shallow bowls – place about 1 cup of flour in the first, 2 lightly beaten eggs in the next, and a few cups of seasoned panko crumbs in the last bowl.
2. Dip each snapper fillet first in the flour, then the egg and lastly, coat in crumbs.
3. Heat about 5cm of oil in a medium frying pan. Once hot, cook your fish until the crumbs are golden and the fillet is cooked through.
For a healthier baked snapper version, you could also oven bake on a lined baking dish. Spray lightly with oil and cook for 10-12 minutes at 180°C until your fish is cooked through.
Feeling inspired to create some delicious recipes using snapper? Head in-store to our fish counter or check out our seafood selection online:
Discover how to cook other fish: