Air Fryer Flounder (Under 8 Minutes)

Air fryer flounder features seasoned fillets air fried until golden and crisp on the outside, with tender, flaky flesh in the center. It’s ready in under 8 minutes and makes a quick, high protein weeknight dinner.

My favorite air fryer fish

I cook a lot of white fish in the air fryer, and lately, flounder has been on repeat.

It’s a mild, delicate fish that cooks quickly and takes on whatever seasoning you coat it with. Inspired by my air fryer tilapia and halibut, I keep things simple with pantry-staple spices and a touch of oil. The fish turns out perfectly flaky yet soft and tender in the middle. Here’s why I love this recipe:

• Quick and easy. From prep to plate, it cooks in just seven minutes.
• Works with frozen fillets. I tested this both ways, and frozen flounder cooks up beautifully with just a couple of extra minutes.
• Perfect for picky eaters. It’s super mild and never tastes “fishy”, making it great for picky fish eaters.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Flounder. Flounder is easy to find year-round. Most grocery stores carry skinless fillets in the seafood case, and many also stock frozen portions. 
• Spices. I’m using kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes (optional).
• Olive oil. A little fat helps the spices adhere to the fish and also helps crisp up the edges.

How to cook flounder in the air fryer

Start by seasoning the fish. Pat the fillets dry, coat with olive oil, and sprinkle the seasonings on both sides.

Next, assemble it in the air fryer. Place the seasoned flounder in the greased air fryer basket and air fry for 6-7 minutes, until golden.

Serve the fish immediately, with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness and flavor.

Arman’s recipe tips

• Adjust the cooking time. I’ve found that flounder fillets can vary quite a bit in thickness, so start checking at the 6-minute mark and adjust as needed. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and ensure that it reaches 145°F.
• Don’t overcrowd. Flounder air fries best when there is enough space to circulate around each fillet. My Philips XXL and Cosori models comfortably fit in four fillets. If yours is smaller, air fry in batches.
• Start with dry fillets. Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can cause the air fryer to steam the fish rather than brown it properly.

More air fryer fish recipes

I wasn’t kidding when I said I love cooking fish and seafood in the air fryer. Here are some of my other favorites:

If you’ve tried this air fryer flounder recipe, then please rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you! – Arman