Do you love a quick and easy meal idea that tastes great too? Try this ridiculously simple air fryer flounder recipe. Using less than 10 ingredients, you can have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go in under 15 minutes.
This delicious dish showcases the delicate and tender nature of the flounder fillets, perfectly seasoned and crisped to perfection in your air fryer. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to add more healthy options to your meal rotation, this recipe is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
You are going to love this air fryer flounder recipe for a number of excellent reasons. Its quick and easy nature will have you coming back to this recipe time and time again, while its crispy coating and versatile nature will have everyone else asking for more.
By cooking your flounder in the air fryer instead of the oven, this flounder recipe comes together in no time! You can have a mouthwatering and wholesome meal on your dinner table in less than 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Additionally, the use of panko breadcrumbs in the air fryer achieves a delectable golden-brown crust, delivering the perfect combination of crispy and tender textures with every bite.
Also, this air fryer flounder pairs famously with a variety of different side dishes. Serve it with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, a medley of roasted vegetables, or a zesty squeeze of lemon for a burst of freshness and brightness.
Prepare to be impressed by the simplicity and deliciousness of this dish, making it a standout addition to your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
Flounder:
Flounder is a popular seafood choice due to its mild, delicate flavor and tender white flesh. It is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as frying, baking, grilling, or steaming. Some other fish options that work well with this recipe are cod, pollock, halibut, red snapper, haddock, and sole if you don't have flounder handy.
Seasonings:
Keep it simple, or get creative by adding your favorite herbs and spices to this recipe. You can use a basic combination of salt and pepper to season your air fryer flounder or add a little lemon juice for a classic flavor. Alternatively, try adding herbs like thyme or dill or even a pinch of paprika or garlic powder for extra depth.
Panko:
Panko crumbs are considered the best when making this air fryer flounder recipe. This is because panko breadcrumbs are coarser and larger, making them perfect for achieving a crispy texture when air-frying or baking. They also don't soak up as much oil, giving you a healthier and less greasy final product. Additionally, they stay intact during the cooking process better than regular breadcrumbs.
However, if you don't have panko handy, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crackers, and even parmesan cheese to bread your fish.
How to Make Air Fryer Flounder
Step One:
Add flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, thyme, and garlic powder to a plate. Stir to combine.
Step Two:
Add panko breading to a second plate and egg yolks in a separate bowl.
Step Three:
Dredge your fish fillet in the flour mixture, followed by the eggs and, finally, the panko breading. Repeat the process with each fillet.
Step Four:
Place your fillet in the air fryer basket and cover it with a light coat of cooking spray.
Step Five:
Air fry for 5 minutes at 400F. Flip the fillet, coat it with more cooking spray, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step Six:
Serve with your favorite side dish, and enjoy!
Tips
- Before air frying, pat the flounder fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the fish to cook more evenly and get crispier. Skipping this step could result in a soggy crust on your flounder.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer and the fillets you choose, you may be able to cook more than one fillet at a time. Make sure to arrange the flounder fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket with no overlap. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate correctly.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Flounder
This air fryer founder recipe is so versatile that you can serve it with a variety of tasty side dishes resulting in a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal. Serve your air fryer flounder with some smoked sausage and rice or crispy parmesan potatoes to add a burst of flavor to your mild fish. Or keep your meal light with some fresh broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts served on a bed of steamed rice.
Need more ideas? Check out What To Serve With Flounder for 17 delicious side dishes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fillets to make this air fryer flounder recipe?
Keep in mind that while you can cook frozen flounder fillets in the air fryer, it's generally better to use thawed fillets whenever possible. Thawing the fish first allows for even cooking, more control of the cooking process, and better adhesion of your breading to the fish.
Should I preheat the air fryer before cooking the flounder?
Preheating is especially important when cooking foods that need to develop a crispy exterior, like flounder. The initial burst of heat helps set the coating and create that desirable crispy texture. If you skip preheating, the coating may not turn out as crispy, and the cooking time might be affected.
How do I know when the air fryer flounder is cooked thoroughly?
Your flounder should be done when the crust is crispy and golden brown while the inside is tender and flakey. If you still aren't sure, you can test the internal temperature of the flounder. At 145F, the fish is safe to eat without being overcooked.
How long can leftover air fryer flounder be stored?
Wrap any leftover air fryer flounder fillets in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It is not recommended to freeze any leftover air fryer flounder, as this could impact the texture of the fish greatly.
To reheat your leftovers, heat to an internal temperature of 165F using your air fryer, oven, or microwave. Use the air fryer or oven to restore the flounder's crispy texture.
More Fish Recipes
Fish is an excellent way to get our omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a plethora of vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, and vitamins D and B2. If you are looking to incorporate more fish into your diet, check out these delicious fish recipes to inspire your next meal.
Air Fryer Flounder
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breading
- 3 egg yolks beaten
- 4 flounder fillets
Instructions
- Add flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, thyme, and garlic powder to a plate. Stir to combine.
- Add panko breading to a second plate and egg yolks in a separate bowl.
- Dredge your fish fillet in the flour mixture, followed by the eggs and, finally, the panko breading. Repeat the process with each fillet.
- Place your fillet in the air fryer basket and cover it with a light coat of cooking spray.
- Air fry for 5 minutes at 400F. Flip the fillet, coat it with more cooking spray, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite side dish, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Before air frying, pat the flounder fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the fish to cook more evenly and get crispier. Skipping this step could result in a soggy crust on your flounder.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer and the fillets you choose, you may be able to cook more than one fillet at a time. Make sure to arrange the flounder fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket with no overlap. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate correctly.