Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy meal? Then look no further! This Air Fryer El Casino Stuffed Flounder recipe is your answer. This vibrant dish brings the classic El Casino flavors – a delightful mix of savory ham, tangy olives, and sweet peppers – into a light and flaky flounder fillet, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's both impressive and unbelievably simple to make. This is one of those best recipes that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) flounder fillets, skin on or off
- 1/4 cup cooked ham, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the diced ham, olives, bell pepper, mayonnaise, onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful stuffing.
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Prepare the Flounder: Gently pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy exterior during air frying.
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Stuff the Flounder: Spoon the prepared El Casino filling evenly over the flounder fillets.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the flounder fillets with olive oil. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the flounder is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets and your air fryer model.
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Serve: Carefully remove the flounder from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Flounder:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork to gently check if the flounder flakes easily. This ensures it's cooked through without being overcooked and dry.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fillets may require a slightly longer cooking time. Always keep an eye on your food while it's air frying.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
- Add some cheese: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the filling before air frying for extra flavor and richness.
- Use different peppers: Feel free to experiment with other types of peppers, such as yellow or orange bell peppers.
- Substitute the fish: This stuffing works well with other white fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Around 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 5-10g
This easy recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or a special occasion. The air fryer ensures a crispy, flavorful result, making this dish a delightful and convenient choice for homemade cooking. Enjoy!