Crispy Snapper in Air Fryer

Wash the coriander and basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.

Peel and crush or chop the garlic cloves. Finely chop the fresh red chillies, removing seeds if a milder flavor is preferred.

In a blender or food processor, combine the coriander, basil, garlic, chillies, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Add salt to taste.

Clean and gut the snapper if not already done. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Use a sharp knife to make multiple slits along both sides of the fish, about 1 inch apart.

Rub the marinade generously into the slits and all over the fish. Allow to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Turn on your Von Air Fryer and set it to 200°C. Allow it to preheat for 3 minutes so that it’s at the right temperature when you place the fish inside.

Lightly spray the fish with vegetable oil using a spray bottle. This helps the fish crisp up nicely without using too much oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a low smoke point and can burn at high temperatures.

Arrange the marinated snapper in the air fryer basket. Make sure the fish isn’t stacked on top of each other. You may need to cook in 2 batches depending on the size of your air fryer. For the 5.5L model, you can fit 2 medium-sized fish comfortably, but for smaller models, cut the fish in half.

Set your air fryer to 200°C and cook for 10-14 minutes. The time will vary depending on the thickness of your fish. For medium-sized snapper, check the fish halfway through cooking to ensure it’s crisping up evenly and cooking through.

After 8 minutes, flip the fish carefully using tongs or a spatula. This ensures that both sides get a crispy golden texture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to finish cooking the fish.

The fish should be golden and crispy on the outside. The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If the fish needs more time, cook in 1-minute intervals until done.

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Garnish (optional) with extra fresh herbs like coriander or basil for a fresh touch. You can also serve the fish with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.