Air Fryer Flounder
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Air fryer flounder features seasoned fillets air fried until golden and crisp on the outside, with tender, flaky flesh in the center. It’s ready in under 8 minutes and makes a quick, high protein weeknight dinner.
My favorite air fryer fish
I cook a lot of white fish in the air fryer, and lately, flounder has been on repeat.
It’s a mild, delicate fish that cooks quickly and takes on whatever seasoning you coat it with. Inspired by my air fryer tilapia and halibut, I keep things simple with pantry-staple spices and a touch of oil. The fish turns out perfectly flaky yet soft and tender in the middle. Here’s why I love this recipe:
- Quick and easy. From prep to plate, it cooks in just seven minutes.
- Works with frozen fillets. I tested this both ways, and frozen flounder cooks up beautifully with just a couple of extra minutes.
- Perfect for picky eaters. It’s super mild and never tastes “fishy”, making it great for picky fish eaters.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Flounder. Flounder is easy to find year-round. Most grocery stores carry skinless fillets in the seafood case, and many also stock frozen portions.
- Spices. I’m using kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes (optional).
- Olive oil. A little fat helps the spices adhere to the fish and also helps crisp up the edges.
How to cook flounder in the air fryer
Start by seasoning the fish. Pat the fillets dry, coat with olive oil, and sprinkle the seasonings on both sides.
Next, assemble it in the air fryer. Place the seasoned flounder in the greased air fryer basket and air fry for 6-7 minutes, until golden.
Serve the fish immediately, with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness and flavor.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Adjust the cooking time. I’ve found that flounder fillets can vary quite a bit in thickness, so start checking at the 6-minute mark and adjust as needed. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and ensure that it reaches 145°F.
- Don’t overcrowd. Flounder air fries best when there is enough space to circulate around each fillet. My Philips XXL and Cosori models comfortably fit in four fillets. If yours is smaller, air fry in batches.
- Start with dry fillets. Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can cause the air fryer to steam the fish rather than brown it properly.
How to store leftovers
Leftover air-fried flounder keeps in the fridge, covered, for up to three days. To reheat, either pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or warm in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.
Air Fryer Flounder
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 skinless flounder fillets 4 to 6 ounces each (115-170g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 15ml
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 2.5g
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2.5g
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 2.5g
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 3g
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper 0.5g
- Olive oil cooking spray or any cooking spray
- 1/4 small lemon sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Pat dry the flounder fillets using a paper towel. Rub the olive oil over each fillet. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of the fish.
- Grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper. Place the raw seasoned flounder fillets in the air fryer. Air fry for 6 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part.
- Remove the flounder from the air fryer and squeeze lemon juice over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Frozen flounder: Either thaw overnight in the fridge or air fry from frozen. If frozen, add an extra 2 to 3 minutes.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge, covered, for 3 days.
Nutrition
More air fryer fish recipes
I wasn’t kidding when I said I love cooking fish and seafood in the air fryer. Here are some of my other favorites:
- Air fryer salmon or air fryer salmon bites are great over Asian-inspired rice bowls, light salads, or with a side of potatoes and greens.
- Other popular white fish to air fry include mahi mahi and cod.
- Want breaded fish? Try my air fryer fish sticks or the meal-in-one air fryer fish and chips.
If you’ve tried this air fryer flounder recipe, then please rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you! – Arman
