Are you looking for a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This air fryer flounder recipe delivers perfectly crispy, flaky fish with minimal cleanup. Forget greasy frying pans and complicated cooking methods – this recipe is your shortcut to a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes. It's one of the best recipes for a quick and easy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or a simple yet impressive meal any day.
Ingredients:
- 2 flounder fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Flounder: Pat the flounder fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving extra crispy skin in the air fryer. Dryness ensures better browning.
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Season the Fish: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently rub this mixture all over the flounder fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Air Fry the Flounder: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the flounder fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Overcrowding prevents even cooking. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and your air fryer model.
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Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the flounder from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor beautifully.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Flounder:
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: This will result in uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork to gently check if the fish flakes easily. Overcooked flounder will be dry.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fillets will require a longer cooking time. Always check for doneness before removing from the air fryer.
Variations:
- Spicy Flounder: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Flounder: Substitute the paprika with dried oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic Butter Flounder: Melt a tablespoon of butter and mix with minced garlic. Brush this mixture over the flounder before air frying for extra flavor and richness.
Nutritional Information (per fillet, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 5-8 grams
This air fryer flounder recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are also quick and easy to prepare. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch. Enjoy! This recipe is among the best recipes for a healthy and easy dinner, making homemade cooking simple and enjoyable. It provides a delicious alternative to other food recipes you might usually prepare.