Air Fryer Flounder

Name: Air Fryer Flounder
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 4-6 oz flounder filets (skinless); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving (optional)); Lemon wedges (for serving (optional)); Fresh parsley (for serving (optional))

By Samantha ErbUpdated Apr 11, 2024

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4.86 from 7 votes

Total Time 20

Servings 4 Servings

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Indulge in delicious keto-friendly air fryer flounder without breading or flour! This easy recipe gives you perfectly seasoned and tender fish in just 20 minutes.

Flounder with a side salad on a white plate.

Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly dish or a healthy, hassle-free meal, air fryer flounder is a must-try for seafood lovers! With this recipe, you can savor the delicate flavors and tender texture of flounder without the need for breading or flour.

The flounder filets are seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to really bring out the natural flavor of the fish. After that, add the butter, lemon juice, and garlic, then let the air fryer work its magic!

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly-cooked flounder with a moist, flaky texture that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Serve it with optional grated Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley to elevate the dish even further!

Air Fryer I recommend: Large, easy to clean, square basket, burner on top and bottom. Click to see it.

Ingredients needed to prepare flounder in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Flounder

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

Flounder resting on foil in a black air fryer basket.

STEP ONE: Pat the fish filets dry with paper towels and place them on a piece of aluminum foil cut and molded to fit the inside of the air fryer.

STEP TWO: Season the fish with salt and pepper, then place the fish and foil into the air fryer basket.

Seasoned flounder topped with butter, lemon juice, and garlic in a black air fryer basket.

STEP THREE: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and minced garlic.

Paprika and Italian Seasoning on Flounder in a black air fryer basket.

STEP FOUR: Drizzle the mixture over the fish, then sprinkle with paprika and Italian seasoning.

Seasoned flounder fully cooked resting in a black air fryer basket.

STEP FIVE: Air fry at 350 degrees F for 8-10 mins until the fish is fully cooked and opaque.

A white plate with fully cooked flounder and lemon wedges.

STEP SIX: Serve with lemon wedges and garnished with Parmesan and parsley if desired.

A fork lifting a bite of air fryer flounder from a white plate.

What to Serve with Air Fried Flounder

How Long to Cook Flounder in the Air Fryer

As long as you get the timing right, cooking flounder in the air fryer with no breading truly couldn’t be easier! We want to make sure the fish is cooked all the way through, but don’t want it to overcook and become tough.

The exact time is going to depend on the size of your fish filets, but I find that 8-10 minutes is usually the sweet spot. If you have an Instant Read Thermometer, make sure the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.

Flounder should be fully opaque and flake easily once it’s finished cooking. And thanks to the melted butter, it should be crispy and golden on the outside as well.

A closeup view of an air fried piece of flounder on a white plate.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Flounder

Thoroughly pat the flounder filets dry before seasoning. This step helps remove excess moisture so you can achieve a crispy exterior.
Give your air fryer enough time to preheat. Preheating ensures the flounder cooks evenly and gets that desirable golden-brown color.
Leave space between the flounder filets in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate, resulting in a more even and consistent cooking.
Flip the flounder halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides. This step helps add a delightful texture and appearance.
If cooking flounder from frozen, add a few minutes to the cooking time. Be sure to check that the filets have cooked all the way through before serving.
If you want to play around with the flavor, feel free to use a blackened or lemon pepper seasoning!

More Delicious Air Fryer Fish Recipes

Flounder on a white plate with a salad and lemon wedge.

More Air Fryer Seafood You’ll Love:

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Hi, I'm Samantha!

Welcome to Everyday Family Cooking. I’m Samantha, a stay-at-home-mom of 2. I’m here to make cooking easier for your whole family and help you find new recipes to put in your regular rotation!

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