Air-Fryer Flounder: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air-fried flounder is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare flounder, a flatfish known for its delicate flavour and flaky texture. By air-frying, you get a crispy exterior while keeping the fish tender and moist on the inside.

There are several ways to make flounder in an air fryer, including with Cajun spice, blackening spice, or a flour coating. The cooking time is typically around 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the fish is done when it's golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Some tips for making air-fried flounder include patting the fish dry before cooking, preheating the air fryer, and leaving space between the fillets to ensure even cooking.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you are creating the ideal environment for your flounder fillets to cook evenly and efficiently. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure you get the best results:

Firstly, make sure your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking sessions. This will help maintain the flavour and quality of your flounder.

Next, allow your air fryer to preheat for a sufficient amount of time. Depending on the model of your air fryer, this could take anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes. Refer to your air fryer's instructions manual for model-specific information.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to prepare your flounder fillets. It is important to pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step will help you achieve a crispy exterior when cooking.

If you are using frozen flounder fillets, it is best to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or bring them to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure more even cooking and better absorption of any seasonings or coatings.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature of 400°F, you can proceed to the next steps of the cooking process, such as seasoning or coating your fillets, depending on your chosen recipe.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that will impact the overall cooking time and the quality of your flounder. By taking the time to preheat your appliance, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and evenly cooked dish.

Pat the flounder fillets dry

To make flounder in an air fryer, it is important to first pat the flounder fillets dry. This step helps remove excess moisture from the fillets, which ensures a crispy exterior when cooked. Use paper towels to pat the fillets dry and remove any visible moisture. This step is crucial in achieving the desired texture and should not be skipped.

After patting the fillets dry, you can proceed to season them with your desired spices. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, red pepper, and black pepper. Don't be afraid to experiment and find a combination that suits your taste preferences.

Once the fillets are seasoned, you can follow the rest of your chosen recipe for air-frying the flounder. Remember to preheat your air fryer, and cook the fillets in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket. By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious and crispy air-fried flounder.

Season the fillets

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to season the fillets and get them ready for the air fryer.

Start by lightly brushing both sides of the flounder fillets with olive oil or spraying them with cooking spray. This step helps promote browning and prevents sticking. Then, season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste, or any other desired seasonings. If you're feeling creative, you can try a blackened or lemon pepper seasoning blend. You can also sprinkle on some parmesan cheese for an extra flavour boost.

If you're using a dry coating, dip the fillets into the egg, letting any excess drip off, and then into the dry coating, making sure to coat them evenly. Press the coating onto the fillets so it adheres well. If you're not using a dry coating, simply brush or spray both sides of the fillets with olive oil or cooking spray.

Now your fillets are ready for the air fryer! Place them inside, making sure they're in a single layer and not overcrowded. If needed, cook the fillets in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Place the fillets in the air fryer

Now it's time to place the fillets in the air fryer. Place the seasoned flounder fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the fillets in batches. It is important not to overcrowd the basket so that your fish can cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy texture.

If you are using an air fryer oven, you can place your prepared fish fillets on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

For the best results, make sure you have patted your fillets dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior. Also, be sure to give your air fryer adequate time to preheat, so your fillets cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown colour.

Air fry for 8-10 minutes

Now that you've prepared your flounder fillets, it's time to air fry them!

Place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to do this in several batches. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and air fry for 8-10 minutes. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Your flounder is ready when it's golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Once your flounder is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Don't forget to squeeze some lemon juice over the top and dip it into your favourite sauce!

Frequently asked questions