Zesty, flaky, and perfectly crispy—flounder in the air fryer is a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners! Whether you’re craving a light, healthy meal or comforting seafood goodness, these recipes deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to transform this versatile fish into mouthwatering dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into our roundup and discover your new favorite way to enjoy flounder!
Crispy Air Fryer Flounder Fillets
Trying to get a healthy dinner on the table fast is my weeknight mission, and these flounder fillets have become my go-to solution when I’m craving something crispy without the guilt of deep frying. There’s something so satisfying about that golden crunch straight from the air fryer!
Ingredients
– a couple of fresh flounder fillets (about 1 lb total)
– a good glug of olive oil (around 2 tbsp)
– a generous sprinkle of garlic powder (about 1 tsp)
– a pinch of paprika (roughly ½ tsp)
– a hearty dash of salt (around ¾ tsp)
– a few cracks of black pepper (about ¼ tsp)
– a light dusting of all-purpose flour (approximately ¼ cup)
Instructions
1. Pat the flounder fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
2. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over both sides of each fillet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the oiled fillets.
5. Lightly dust both sides of each seasoned fillet with the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. Tip: Don’t skip the flour—it creates that perfect crispy coating!
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
7. Arrange the coated fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
8. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then carefully flip each fillet using tongs. Tip: Flip gently to keep the coating intact.
9. Continue air frying for another 6-7 minutes, or until the fillets are golden brown and flake easily with a fork. Tip: Check for doneness at 6 minutes—flounder cooks quickly and can dry out if overdone.
10. Remove the fillets from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Flaky and delightfully crunchy, these fillets have a subtle sweetness from the flounder that pairs perfectly with the smoky paprika and garlic. I love serving them over a bed of lemon-dressed greens or tucked into warm tortillas with a creamy slaw for a quick fish taco night!
Lemon Herb Air Fried Flounder
Oh my goodness, you have to try this lemon herb air fried flounder—it’s become my go-to weeknight dinner because it’s so quick and flavorful, plus it reminds me of summer evenings on the coast. I love how the air fryer gives it that perfect crisp without all the oil, making it feel indulgent yet light.
Ingredients
– 2 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– A pinch of salt
– A pinch of black pepper
– A handful of fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready.
2. Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels to help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the flounder fillets, coating them thoroughly.
5. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping for even cooking.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through, until they are golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
7. Remove the fillets from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The flounder comes out incredibly tender with a subtle crisp on the edges, and the lemon herb blend adds a bright, zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or over a bed of quinoa for a complete meal.
Garlic Parmesan Flounder Bites
Haven’t we all had those nights where we crave something crispy and savory but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? I whipped up these Garlic Parmesan Flounder Bites last week when my friends dropped by unexpectedly, and they were such a hit that I knew I had to share the recipe. It’s become my go-to for quick entertaining or even a cozy dinner for two.
Ingredients
– A pound of fresh flounder fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– A cup of all-purpose flour
– Two large eggs, beaten
– A cup and a half of panko breadcrumbs
– A generous half cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Three cloves of garlic, minced
– A tablespoon of dried parsley
– A teaspoon of paprika
– A pinch of salt and black pepper
– Enough vegetable oil for frying, about two cups
– A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for serving
Instructions
1. Pat the flounder pieces dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with the salt and pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
4. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried parsley, and paprika.
5. Dip each flounder piece into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
6. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any drip off.
7. Then, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
8. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, using a thermometer for accuracy.
9. Carefully place the coated flounder bites into the hot oil in a single layer, not overcrowding the pan.
10. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
12. Repeat with the remaining flounder pieces, keeping the cooked ones warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
13. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright finish.
Vividly golden and irresistibly crunchy on the outside, these bites reveal tender, flaky flounder inside with a savory garlic-Parmesan kick that’s pure comfort. I love serving them straight from the skillet with a side of marinara for dipping or tossing them into a salad for a protein-packed twist—they never last long!
Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Flounder
Venturing into my air fryer experiments has led to some delicious discoveries, and this spicy Cajun flounder is definitely at the top of my list—it’s become my go-to for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that never fails to impress. I love how the crispy exterior gives way to tender, flaky fish inside, and the bold Cajun seasoning adds just the right kick without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the flounder.
Ingredients
– A couple of flounder fillets (about 1 pound total)
– A good drizzle of olive oil (around 2 tablespoons)
– A generous sprinkle of Cajun seasoning (about 1 tablespoon)
– A pinch of salt (around 1/2 teaspoon)
– A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
Instructions
1. Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over both sides of the fillets, using your hands to coat them lightly.
3. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and salt evenly over the fillets, rubbing it in gently to adhere.
4. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the seasoned fillets for a bright, zesty flavor.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes to get it hot and ready.
6. Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping for even cooking.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through, until they are golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
8. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part—if it flakes apart, it’s ready.
9. Remove the fillets carefully from the air fryer using tongs to avoid breaking them.
Delightfully crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside, this flounder pairs perfectly with a side of creamy coleslaw or over a bed of rice to soak up any extra juices. The spicy Cajun kick is balanced by the fresh lemon, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again—maybe even try it in tacos for a fun twist!
Panko-Crusted Air Fried Flounder
Zesty and crispy, this panko-crusted flounder has become my go-to weeknight dinner since discovering how well it works in the air fryer. I love how it delivers that satisfying crunch without all the oil of traditional frying, and it’s ready in just minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something special.
Ingredients
– 2 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– A good pinch of salt and black pepper
– A light spray of olive oil
Instructions
1. Pat the flounder fillets completely dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
2. Set up three shallow dishes: one with the flour, one with the eggs (beaten well), and one with the panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge each fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Dip the floured fillet into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
5. Press the fillet firmly into the panko mixture, coating both sides evenly for maximum crunch.
6. Lightly spray both sides of the coated fillets with olive oil.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
8. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
9. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
10. Remove the fillets from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Heavenly crisp on the outside and tender inside, this flounder pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce. Try serving it over a bed of greens for a light meal or alongside roasted veggies—it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
Mediterranean Air Fryer Flounder
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying, and this Mediterranean-inspired flounder has become my go-to weeknight dinner. I discovered this recipe during a busy period when I needed something healthy but effortless—the air fryer does all the work while I relax with a glass of wine!
Ingredients
– 2 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
– A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
– A small handful of chopped fresh parsley (roughly 2 tablespoons)
– A pinch of dried oregano (about 1 teaspoon)
– A sprinkle of garlic powder (around 1/2 teaspoon)
– Salt and black pepper to coat lightly
Instructions
1. Pat the flounder fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy results—this is my secret for perfect texture!
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the flounder fillets.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
5. Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap for even cooking.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Let the flounder rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
What I love most is how the flaky, tender fish pairs with the zesty lemon and herbs—it’s light yet incredibly flavorful. Try serving it over a bed of quinoa with roasted cherry tomatoes for a complete Mediterranean feast that feels gourmet but comes together in minutes.
Air Fryer Flounder Tacos
Every time I make these air fryer flounder tacos, I’m reminded of that perfect beach vacation where we ate fish tacos every single day. There’s something magical about crispy fish paired with fresh toppings that just screams summer, even when you’re cooking indoors. I love how quickly this comes together for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
– 1 pound of flounder fillets, cut into taco-sized pieces
– A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
– A good sprinkle of chili powder (about 1 teaspoon)
– A generous pinch of cumin (about ½ teaspoon)
– A squeeze of lime juice from half a lime
– 8 small corn tortillas
– A handful of shredded cabbage
– A dollop of sour cream (about ¼ cup)
– A few slices of avocado
– A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Pat the flounder fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the flounder pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and lime juice until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the flounder in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure none of the pieces overlap.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
6. While the fish cooks, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
7. Build your tacos by placing a portion of flounder on each tortilla, then topping with shredded cabbage, a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, and cilantro.
Creating these tacos gives you the perfect contrast of crispy, seasoned fish against the cool, creamy toppings. The flaky texture of the flounder holds up beautifully to the bold spices, and I love serving them with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Herb-Infused Air Fryer Flounder
There’s something so satisfying about whipping up a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, and this herb-infused flounder has become my go-to for busy weeknights. I love how the air fryer gives it that perfect crispy edge without any fuss.
Ingredients
– 2 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
– A good sprinkle of dried thyme
– A generous pinch of garlic powder
– A splash of lemon juice
– Salt and black pepper to season
Instructions
1. Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Drizzle both sides of the fillets with olive oil, using about 1 tablespoon per fillet.
3. Season the fillets evenly with dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top of each fillet for a zesty kick.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to get it hot and ready.
6. Place the seasoned flounder fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
8. Remove the fillets carefully and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Just out of the air fryer, this flounder is wonderfully flaky with a herbaceous crunch that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies. The lemon brightens everything up, making it feel light yet totally satisfying—perfect for a effortless meal that still impresses.
Asian-Style Flounder in the Air Fryer
Oh my goodness, have I got a game-changer for you! As someone who’s always juggling dinner prep with a hectic schedule, I’ve fallen head over heels for this Asian-style flounder cooked right in the air fryer—it’s crispy, flavorful, and ready in no time, making it my new weeknight superhero.
Ingredients
– A couple of flounder fillets (about 1 lb total)
– A splash of soy sauce (around 2 tbsp)
– A drizzle of sesame oil (about 1 tbsp)
– A squeeze of fresh lime juice (from half a lime)
– A pinch of grated ginger (roughly 1 tsp)
– A sprinkle of garlic powder (around 1/2 tsp)
– A light coating of cornstarch (about 2 tbsp)
– A quick spray of cooking oil (like avocado or canola oil)
Instructions
1. Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, and garlic powder to make the marinade.
3. Place the flounder fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, coating both sides evenly, then let them sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to get it hot and ready for cooking.
5. Lightly dust both sides of the marinated flounder with cornstarch, shaking off any excess to avoid a gummy texture.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
7. Arrange the coated flounder fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
8. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through, until they are golden brown and flake easily with a fork.
9. Remove the flounder from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Just imagine biting into that perfectly crispy exterior giving way to tender, flaky fish infused with savory soy and zesty lime—it’s a flavor explosion that pairs amazingly with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Buttery Lemon-Dill Air Fried Flounder
This buttery lemon-dill air fried flounder has become my go-to weeknight dinner when I want something fancy but effortless. The combination of bright citrus and fresh herbs always makes me feel like I’m dining at a seaside restaurant, even on my busiest days.
Ingredients
– 4 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– 3 tablespoons of melted butter
– A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
– A handful of freshly chopped dill (about 2 tablespoons)
– 2 minced garlic cloves
– A good pinch of salt and black pepper
– A light dusting of all-purpose flour (about ¼ cup)
– Cooking spray for the air fryer basket
Instructions
1. Pat the flounder fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3. Lightly dust both sides of each flounder fillet with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess—this helps create a delicate crust.
4. Brush both sides of each fillet generously with the butter and herb mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to get it nice and hot before cooking.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Arrange the flounder fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
8. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
9. Remove the flounder from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve this flounder immediately while it’s hot and crispy. The texture is wonderfully flaky with a subtle crunch from the air frying, while the lemon-dill butter sauce keeps it moist and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor. I love pairing it with a simple arugula salad or serving it over a bed of quinoa for a complete meal.
Air Fryer Flounder with Mango Salsa
Haven’t we all been there? Staring into the fridge, wondering what to make that’s both quick and impressive. That’s exactly where I was last Tuesday when I decided to whip up this air fryer flounder with mango salsa—it’s become my go-to for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
– A couple of flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– A drizzle of olive oil (around 1 tablespoon)
– A pinch of salt and black pepper
– One ripe mango, diced into small pieces
– A quarter of a red onion, finely chopped
– A handful of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
– A squeeze of lime juice (about 1 tablespoon)
– A dash of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready.
2. Pat the flounder fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the fillets, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
4. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping for even cooking.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. While the fish cooks, combine the diced mango, chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and red pepper flakes in a bowl to make the salsa.
7. Let the salsa sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together—it’s worth the wait!
8. Remove the flounder from the air fryer and serve immediately topped with the mango salsa.
Delightfully flaky and light, the flounder pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy mango salsa. I love serving this over a bed of quinoa or with a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal that feels fancy without any fuss.
Simple Air Fryer Flounder and Vegetables
Recently, I’ve been all about quick, healthy dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, and this air fryer flounder with veggies has become a weeknight staple in my house—it’s so easy, even my kids love it!
Ingredients
– A couple of flounder fillets (about 6 oz each)
– A cup of broccoli florets
– A cup of sliced bell peppers
– A tablespoon of olive oil
– A teaspoon of garlic powder
– A teaspoon of paprika
– A pinch of salt
– A splash of lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely.
3. In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for even cooking.
5. Air fry the vegetables at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote browning.
6. Place the flounder fillets on top of the vegetables in the basket, seasoning them with an extra pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice.
7. Air fry everything together at 400°F for another 6–7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
8. Carefully remove the basket and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Zesty and light, this dish has a perfect crispness from the air fryer with tender, flaky fish and slightly charred veggies—try serving it over a bed of quinoa or with a dollop of herb yogurt for an extra kick!
Conclusion
Brimming with inspiration, these 25 flounder recipes make air frying a breeze! We hope you’ve found some new favorites to try. Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing which recipe you loved most and pin this article to your Pinterest boards for easy access. Happy cooking!
I’m Louise Cutler, a food lover who enjoys creating simple, flavorful recipes that anyone can make and share at home.
