Air Fryer Frozen Flounder: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Flounder is a delicious, tender fish that can be cooked in an air fryer. This recipe works for fresh or frozen flounder and takes just minutes. Simply lay out two flounder fillets, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder or herbs, and place in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. No need to flip! The air fryer will cook both sides of the fish evenly.

Seasoning suggestions

When it comes to seasoning your frozen flounder, you can use whatever dried herbs and seasonings you like on fish. Salt, pepper and garlic powder are recommended, but you can also try Greek tzatziki cucumber yoghurt sauce, basil pesto sauce, or sweet and spicy sriracha chilli dipping sauce.

Cooking time

When cooking frozen flounder in an air fryer, the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thinner fillets, 10 minutes at 400 degrees should be sufficient. However, thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time, up to 15 minutes. It is important to note that there is no need to defrost frozen flounder before cooking in an air fryer. Simply add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure the fish is cooked through.

To check if the flounder is cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the fillet has reached an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If the fish has not reached this temperature, return it to the air fryer and cook in 5-minute increments until it reaches the desired temperature.

It is worth mentioning that the air fryer cooks both sides of the fish evenly, so there is no need to flip the fillets during the cooking process. Additionally, it is recommended to prep the air fryer basket with a nonstick spray to prevent the fish from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Temperature

To cook frozen flounder in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes. Thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time. To check if the flounder is cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the fish has reached at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the centre of the fillet. If not, return to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes.

The air fryer cooks both sides of the fish evenly, so there is no need to flip the fillets during cooking.

How to check doneness

To check the doneness of flounder cooked in an air fryer, use a meat thermometer to ensure the fish has reached a temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the centre of the fillet. If the fish has not reached this temperature, return it to the air fryer and cook for another five minutes.

The flounder is done when it is tender and can be easily removed from the air fryer basket with a spatula. It should be noted that there is no need to flip the fish while it is cooking in the air fryer, as the appliance will evenly cook both sides.

What to serve with flounder

To cook frozen flounder in an air fryer, lay out two fillets and top with seasonings of your choice. Place in the air fryer and heat at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Thicker fillets may require a longer cooking time. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to be sure the flounder is at least 145 degrees in the centre of the fillet. If not, cook in the air fryer for another 5 minutes. Once the fish is done cooking, remove from the air fryer with a spatula and place on a serving dish.

Now, what to serve with flounder? Well, flounder is a delicate and flavourful fish, so its subtle taste offers a wonderful canvas for various flavours and side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Vegetables, such as ratatouille, roasted root vegetables, or sautéed spinach with garlic and pine nuts
• Coleslaw
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Zucchini boats
• Caesar salad
• Tater tots
• Lemon butter asparagus
• French fries
• Corn on the cob
• Fried green tomatoes
• Avocado salsa
• Orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, and a lemon vinaigrette

Frequently asked questions