Quick Answer
Yes, you can eat snapper skin. Snapper skin is edible and contains nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. The skin helps keep the fish moist during cooking and provides texture. Many people enjoy eating snapper skin, especially when it’s pan-fried until crispy. As long as the skin is properly scaled and cooked, it’s perfectly safe to eat.
What is Snapper?
Snapper is a popular whitefish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. There are over 100 species of snapper fish. Some of the most common types caught and eaten include:
- Red snapper – Has reddish-pink skin and lean, moist, white flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. A popular snapper in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Mutton snapper – Has red skin, moist flesh, and a mild, sweet flavor. Caught in the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean.
- Yellowtail snapper – Has pink or yellow skin and a delicate, mild flavor. Found in the western Atlantic.
- Lane snapper – Has pink or yellow skin and firm, white, lean flesh with a mild taste. Lives in the southern Atlantic.
Snapper is lean and low in fat with a delicate, mild flavor. It’s suitable for nearly any cooking method including baking, broiling, grilling, and frying.
Is Snapper Skin Edible?
Yes, snapper skin is fully edible. The skin contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It also helps retain moisture during cooking. Here are some key benefits of eating snapper skin:
- Protein – Fish skin is high in protein. A 3 oz serving of snapper skin provides around 6-8 grams of protein.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Snapper skin contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA.
- Vitamin B12 – Fish skin is a good source of vitamin B12 which supports red blood cell production.
- Selenium – Snapper skin contains the antioxidant mineral selenium which boosts immunity.
- Zinc – Important for immune health, DNA production, and wound healing.
- Keeps moisture in – The skin helps retain natural moisture in the flesh during cooking.
- Adds texture – The skin provides added texture contrast to the tender snapper flesh.
So snapper skin has a unique nutritional profile and adds flavor, crunch, and moisture when eaten.
Nutrition Facts of Snapper Skin
Here are the nutrition facts of grilled red snapper skin based on a 3 ounce serving according to the USDA:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated fat | 2g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1g |
| Vitamin B12 | 3mcg |
| Selenium | 47mcg |
As you can see, snapper skin provides a good amount of protein, omega-3s, B12, selenium and other nutrients in each serving. The calories and fat content are moderately low.
Tips for Cooking Snapper Skin
Here are some tips for preparing and cooking snapper skin:
- Clean the skin well – Rinse the skin under cold water and use a knife to scrape off any scales or blemishes.
- Score the skin – Use a sharp knife to lightly score the skin. This helps it cook up extra crispy.
- Add oil or butter – Rub a thin layer of olive oil, butter, or cooking spray onto the skin before cooking.
- Pan fry – Cook the skin in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Broil – Place the snapper fillets skin-side up on a baking sheet. Broil 7-9 minutes until the skin blisters.
- Grill – Oil the skin and grill skin-side down first. Move over direct heat to crisp up.
- Bake – Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes to get a crispy skin.
- Air fry – Mist snapper skin with oil and air fry at 380°F for 6-10 minutes until browned.
The key is high heat to render the fat under the skin and bubble it up, creating a beautifully crisped exterior. Cook just until done as overcooking can make the skin tough.
4 Delicious Ways to Eat Snapper Skin
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy eating snapper skin:
1. Pan-Seared Snapper with Crispy Skin
Pan frying is one of the best cooking methods to achieve super crispy snapper skin. Simply oil the skin, sear skin-side down over medium-high heat until browned and blistered, then flip briefly to finish cooking the fillet. The buttery, crispy skin provides fantastic textural contrast to the moist, tender flesh.
2. Baked Snapper En Papillote
Cooking fish en papillote, wrapped in parchment paper, is a delicious way to steam fish and keep the meat very moist. Place snapper fillets with skin intact onto individual parchment paper sheets. Add lemon slices, vegetables, fresh herbs, a dash of wine and oil, then wrap and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. The steam crisps up the skin while infusing incredible flavor.
3. Grilled Snapper Tacos
The smoky char flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with the mild sweetness of snapper. Rub the skin with olive oil and grill skin-side down first. Then flip, grill briefly until cooked through, and flake into chunks. Combine the snapper with diced onions, cilantro, lime juice and warm corn tortillas for amazing fish tacos with a bit of crispy skin in each bite.
4. Crispy Snapper Skin Chips
For the ultimate snack, remove the skin from cooked snapper fillets, dry it well, and cut into chip-sized pieces. Toss the skins in olive or avocado oil and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F, flipping once, until browned and crispy, 12-15 minutes. Enjoy these crispy, salty, fish skin chips on their own or dip into sauces.
Can You Eat Raw Snapper Skin?
It’s not recommended to eat raw snapper skin. Raw fish skin is more likely to contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
Here are some key risks with consuming raw snapper skin:
- Parasites – Snapper can harbor parasitic roundworms that can infect humans when eaten raw.
- Salmonella – Raw seafood may contain Salmonella bacteria on the skin and flesh.
- Vibrio – Bacteria that live in coastal waters and can contaminate the skin.
- Heavy metals – Fish skin can absorb heavy metals like mercury from the water which are harmful.
- Texture – Raw skin is unpalatable. It’s slimy and rubbery in texture.
- Taste – Fish skin tastes much better cooked. Raw skin has an intense fishy flavor.
For optimal safety and taste, it’s recommended to cook snapper skin thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F before eating. Proper cooking helps destroy dangerous bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fish.
Storing Snapper Skin
To maintain freshness and quality, properly store snapper skin:
- Raw – Wrap raw snapper skin tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator for 1-2 days max.
- Cooked – Place cooked snapper skin in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – For longer storage, wrap snapper skin tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for 2-3 months.
Key tips for frozen storage:
- Double wrap the skin in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Remove as much air from bags as possible before sealing.
- Label bags with the date to track freshness.
- Freeze skin within 1-2 days of purchasing for best quality.
- Once thawed, use snapper skin within 1-2 days.
Properly storing the skin preserves nutrients and prevents spoilage. Use frozen skin within 2-3 months for best flavor.
Can Dogs Eat Snapper Skin?
It’s fine for dogs to eat cooked snapper skin in moderation as an occasional treat. The skin contains protein, healthy fats, and minerals.
Cooked snapper skin benefits for dogs can include:
- Healthy animal-based protein for strong muscles.
- Omega-3 fatty acids to support skin, coat, joints, heart, and brain.
- Vitamins and minerals like B-vitamins, selenium, zinc, and iron.
- Added moisture to keep food interesting.
However, there are some precautions to keep in mind when feeding snapper skin to dogs:
- Avoid raw skin due to bacteria risks. Cook thoroughly before feeding.
- Remove any bones first to prevent choking or obstructions.
- Introduce new foods slowly in case of allergies or intolerance.
- Limit to a few small pieces at a time.
- Don’t make it a major part of their diet.
In summary, the occasional cooked snapper skin treat can be a healthy supplement for dogs. But be sure to start slowly with small amounts. Check with your vet for any concerns.
Conclusion
Snapper skin is totally edible and provides a good source of protein, nutrients, and crunch. Frying, broiling, grilling, and baking are great ways to make the skin crispy and delicious. While raw skin is not recommended due to safety risks, properly cooked snapper skin can be enjoyed as part of a healthy seafood diet. Add it to tacos, on top of snapper fillets, as crispy chips, or however you prefer for a tasty and nutritious fish dish.
