Air-Fryer Flounder: Golden, Crispy, Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook flounder, look no further than your air fryer! This versatile appliance can give you perfectly crispy and flaky fillets in just 10-12 minutes. The key to success is in the preparation: pat your fillets dry, season generously, and don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a healthy and tasty meal that's sure to impress.

Choosing your fillets

When it comes to choosing your flounder fillets, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to decide between fresh or frozen fillets. Fresh flounder is typically found at coastal fish markets, while frozen fillets are more readily available at grocery stores. If you go with frozen fillets, you'll need to thaw them before cooking, which can be done by leaving them on the counter for an hour or submerging them in a bowl of cold water.

Once you have your fillets, it's important to pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it will help ensure a crispy exterior when cooked. You'll also want to make sure your fillets are a similar thickness so that they cook evenly. If you're using the lemon slice method, you can place the thicker fillets directly on top of the lemon slices to help them cook through.

When it comes to seasoning your fillets, the options are endless. A simple combination of salt and pepper can be used, or you can get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper. Just be mindful of how much salt you add if you're also using capers, as they can be quite salty. You can also experiment with different types of breading, such as panko breadcrumbs or a flour coating, to add a crunchy texture to your fillets.

In terms of size, aim for fillets that are around 6 ounces each. This will ensure that they cook through evenly and provide a generous portion. If you're serving the flounder as a main dish, two fillets per person should be sufficient. However, if you're serving it as part of a larger seafood platter, you may want to adjust the portion size accordingly.

Lastly, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook the fillets in batches to ensure even cooking. By giving the fillets some space, you'll achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior and flaky interior that makes air-fried flounder so delicious.

Preparing your ingredients

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. The exact quantities may vary depending on your preferences and the number of servings, but here's a general list:

• Flounder fillets: Fresh or frozen, these are the star of the show. Flounder is a flatfish known for its mild flavour and tender texture.
• Seasonings: This includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, red pepper, and Italian seasoning or oregano. You can also add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will add a zesty lift to your dish. You can also use thin lemon slices to line the bottom of your air fryer basket, infusing the fish with lemon flavour and helping to prevent sticking.
• Butter: Adding a small piece of unsalted butter on top of each fillet will keep the flounder juicy and moist.
• Oil: You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-heat oil. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray or vegetable oil to coat the air fryer basket.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give your flounder a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying. You can also use dry bread crumbs mixed with vegetable oil.
• Buttermilk: If you want a tangy marinade, buttermilk is a great option to coat the fish before dredging.
• Flour: All-purpose flour, when combined with other ingredients, provides a light and crispy coating for the fish.
• Cornstarch: This adds extra crispiness to the fish coating, creating a delicate and crunchy texture.

Preparation

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to prepare them:

• Thaw the fish: If your flounder is frozen, you can thaw it by leaving it on the counter for an hour or submerging it in a bowl of cold water for faster thawing.
• Rinse and dry: Rinse the fillets with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
• Seasoning: Brush or spray both sides of the fillets with olive oil or cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking. Then, season the fillets with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. You can also marinate the flounder in lemon juice and spices for up to 30 minutes before cooking for added flavour.
• Breading (optional): If you want a crunchy coating, prepare a flour coating by mixing flour, cornstarch, and your desired spices in a large bowl. Dip the fillets in buttermilk or brush them with olive oil, then press the flour coating onto the fillets firmly. Spray or drizzle oil generously over the coated fillets.

With your ingredients prepared, you're now ready to move on to the next steps of cooking your air-fried flounder!

Seasoning your fish

Before seasoning, it is recommended to pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior when air frying.

Now, let's get into the seasonings! You can go in a few different directions, depending on your taste preferences and what you have on hand.

A simple and classic route is to season the fillets with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. These seasonings will enhance the natural flavour of the fish without overpowering it. If you want a more colourful and mildly smokey flavour, paprika is a great choice. For a tangier taste, you can also add some lemon juice to the mix.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try a Cajun spice blend or a blackened seasoning for a spicier kick. A creative option is to mix in some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill with your breadcrumbs for an extra pop of flavour and a unique texture.

Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can also try marinating the flounder in lemon juice and spices for up to 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavours even more.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to not overdo it and let the delicate flavour of the flounder shine through while adding a boost of flavour.

Cooking your flounder

Air-frying is a convenient and healthy way to prepare flounder, as it requires little to no oil and results in a crispy exterior while keeping the fish tender and moist on the inside. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking flounder in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F (180–200°C) for 3–5 minutes. If your fish is frozen, you will need to thaw it first. This shouldn't take long, as flounder fillets are very thin. Leave the fish on the counter for an hour, or submerge it in a bowl of cold water to speed up the process.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Rinse the fillets with cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. If you are using fresh lemon slices, place them in the air fryer first, then put the fillets directly on top. If you are not using lemon slices, lightly brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote browning.

Step 3: Season the Fillets

Now it's time to season your fish! You can use any combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper. If you are using capers, be mindful of their saltiness and go easy on the salt. You can also add a little piece of unsalted butter on top of each fillet to keep the fish juicy.

Step 4: Place 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 necessary, cook the fillets in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Fillets

Air fry the flounder fillets at 375–400°F (200°C) for 7–12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. The internal temperature of properly cooked fish is 145°F, and the fillets should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Remove the flounder from the air fryer once it is golden brown and serve immediately. You can serve it with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, hot sauce, or remoulade. Enjoy your deliciously crispy air-fried flounder!

Serving suggestions

Air-fried flounder is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salads: Slice up the flounder and serve it on top of a bed of greens. You can also add other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and spinach to create a more substantial salad.
• Rice or Noodle Bowls: Place a fillet on a bed of rice or noodles for a filling and tasty meal.
• Fish Salad: Flake the cooked flounder and mix it with a creamy dressing to make a delicious white fish salad.
• Tacos: Flake the cooked flounder and stuff it into warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for a fun and tasty twist.
• Rice or Quinoa Bowls: Pair the flounder with seasoned rice or quinoa for a satisfying and complete meal.
• Vegetable Sides: Serve the flounder with roasted asparagus or a fresh salad for a light and healthy option.
• Sauces: Top the flounder with homemade sauces such as Greek Tzatziki Cucumber Yogurt Sauce, Basil Pesto Sauce, or Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Chili Dipping Sauce.
• Garnishes: Add a squeeze of lemon, or garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley to elevate the dish.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your favourite combinations. Enjoy your delicious and versatile air-fried flounder!

Frequently asked questions